Exploring West Michigan’s Grand Ravines County Park

Posted By: Julie Henning October 30, 2023

A 202-acre Ottawa County Park located near the Grand Valley State University Allendale campus, Grand Ravines park is worth checking out the next time you road trip through Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Grand Ravine County Park

Formed by the erosion of small streams flowing through the Grand River Valley during the Ice Age,  a highlight of the Grand Ravines park are the deep ravines themselves. Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, stroll, or run along the network of trails leading visitors through meadows, farmland, and forest. 

Grand Ravine

Sweeping views of the Grand River draw visitors to the Grand Ravines Lodge on the north side of the park. You’ll find modern restrooms and water bottle filling stations in this building. This parking lot is closest to the park treehouse and paved paths (consult the park map) to the riverfront trails which lead kayakers to the accessible adaptive launch into the Grand River.

Grand Ravines Treehouse

A must see stop for visitors to Grand Ravines is a 275′ long, 70′ high suspension bridge that traverses one of the park’s deepest ravines. The park website reports the bridge is believed to be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Michigan. For dog owners, a 21-acre off leash dog park is located in the southern section of the park near the site of the restored Timmer Farm barn and windmill.

Grand Ravines Suspension Bridge

Leave an hour to fully explore the network of trails through the ravines, meadows, farmland, and forest. Hopefully you enjoy Grand Ravines county park as much as we did. 

Grand Ravines Farmhouse

Happy trails!

Aman Park

P.S. If you have the time and need additional exercise, hit the trails at Aman Park, just eight miles east on M45. This less established (but equally beautiful) natural area is popular for hiking, mountain biking, show shoeing, and cross country skiing and features six self-guided trails ranging from 0.8 miles to 1.5 mile loops.

Sand Creek at Aman Park

 

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About the Author

Julie Henning
Julie Henning is a freelance writer and journalist based out of Eugene, Oregon. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and owner of the family-travel website RoadTripsForFamilies.com. She is a recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. In March 2018 Julie Henning published the book "100 Things to Do in Eugene Before You Die" (Reedy Press). She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers and recent past member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and the Association for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. She has been published in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Wisconsin State Journal, Travel Wisconsin, Travel Oregon, Hometown News Group, The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Illinois), the Rochester Post Bulletin, Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine (DNR publication), Experience Michigan Magazine, the Official Oregon Wine Touring Guide, Metro Parent Milwaukee Magazine, Eugene Cascades & Coast Official Visitors Guide, Trivago, Intercom Magazine, Roadtrippers.com, Amtrak.com, Eugene Magazine, and FTF Geocacher Magazine. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. She has produced episodes for Journey of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. Julie has also produced travel apps with Sutro Media and Bindu Media. She works full time in marketing. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio and is an affiliate producer with the Journeys of Discovery with Tom Wilmer, a National Public Radio travel podcast. She has blogged for TravelWisconsin.com, Travel Oregon, and VISIT Milwaukee. Julie travels with her three kids and black lab as much as possible and lives by the motto, "Not all who wander are lost." Check out some of her best work at www.juliehenning.com.