The Ultimate Fall Vacation
It’s only natural to want to enjoy the beauty of the Grand Haven Area and discover what has captured the hearts of travelers for hundreds of years!
The Grand Haven Area is one of the most historically significant regions in the state of Michigan, with its history dating back over 300 years ago. Today you can experience the history by taking a walk along our 1.5 mile boardwalk that spans from downtown Grand Haven to Lake Michigan. At the end of the boardwalk you’ll see two lighthouses that have guided ships for years and whose silhouettes at sunset make the perfect backdrop for photos and memories.
The months of fall (September, October, November) are often referred to as “sunset season” around these parts. The atmospheric conditions are just right to provide us some of the most stunning sunsets of the year. The best places to capture the sunset are Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven City Beach, or North Beach Park in Ferrysburg. The state park and city beach offer an expansive soft sand beach, the pier, lighthouses and catwalk which add an interesting element to your photos. Where as, North Beach Park is located on the other side of the Grand River Channel and up the coast a bit. Great place to go if you want to get away from the crowds.
Be sure to visit the historic downtown district and meander through the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s Akeley Building to learn the history through photographs and fun exhibits that will give you an old time feel. (And stop by the Miniatures Museum to see all the tiny collections with big attitude.) Continue your journey over the Grand River to Coast Guard Park in Ferrysburg. This park was once the shooting range for the U.S. Coast Guard and now provides access to hiking trails, various sport courts and an off-leash dog park.
The Grand Haven Area offers activities that are ideal for visitors of any age or experience level. Plan a weekend vacation or a romantic getaway for two. Some of the favorite things to do include: visiting a variety of locally owned shops, unique and delicious restaurants; go on a scenic bike ride along one of the many paved and maintained bike paths, and take a kayak trip to explore the beautiful bayous of the Grand River. Another option for a fun fall excursion would be to hop on the historical train ride in Coopersville.
The Grand Haven Area continues to welcome guests into the fall with plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you are looking to truly experience the area as it was so many years ago, with loads of wildlife and wooded wonderlands. Rosy Mound Natural Area is a highly wooded dune preserve with a boardwalk that winds through the woods with 1,000 feet of stairs up and down the dunes. The park and visitor center offer plenty of hiking trails, views of Lake Michigan and the dunes, educational displays are ideal for enjoying a beautiful day in nature.
There is a great driving tour called “Historic River Road” that is a self-guided auto tour for all seasons. The booklet (available for free at the Visitors Center) provides a map of the route and detailed historic information that guides you through the Grand River Greenway while providing insights into the people and places that made this area so special many years ago. Ottawa County Parks sells these booklets for $3 each if you are interested in more than one copy.
Visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches also make for a perfect fall escape. So be sure to pick up some produce to take back home.
