Where the farm lands meet the waves of Lake Michigan
In 1835, a group of Eastern leaders formed the Port Sheldon Land Company. This company bought six hundred acres of land for $900 to build a city. They spent a fortune laying out and building a boom city near Pigeon Creek. By the 1930s, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry growers moved into the township. They found the land suitable for these crops, and today much of the Township remains in agricultural use for these fruits, along with other crops.
West Olive is located just south of Grand Haven along the shores of Lake Michigan. The area boasts miles of shoreline, acres and acres of public parks, the Pigeon River, and golf courses. Kirk Park offers 68 acres of sand beach, high bluffs and wooded dunes. Nature trails with wooden stairways wind through the dunes, offering spectacular views of Lake Michigan. This also makes is a popular beach destination along with its new off-leash dog beach at the southernmost area of the park.
Biking enthusiasts can bike from Grand Haven to Holland State Park via the Lakeshore Trail – a 20 mile paved bike path. Along the way, you can stop for a bite to eat and a round of bocce ball at Sandy Point Beach House. Blueberries are ready to be picked July – August at one of the many area blueberry farms including Reenders Blueberry Farm.
West Olive is full of nature’s many surprises – come and enjoy them!
