This mostly wooded 20-acre site includes a mature beech-maple-hemlock forest, a steep dune formation, and 738’ of Lake Michigan frontage. Improvements completed in 2012 include a paved parking area, modern restrooms, a barrier-free trail loop, and an extensive series of stairs and boardwalks traversing the dune and providing access to the sandy beach. Decks provide seating and views of Lake Michigan and host a display highlighting the property as the site of a scene from the Tom Hanks movie, “Road to Perdition.” Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Directions
Take US-31 to Stanton Street and travel west to Lakeshore Avenue. Travel south on Lakeshore to Olive Shore Avenue. Travel south on Olive Shore to the entrance.
Amenities & Activities
- Swimming beach (NO LIFEGUARDS)
- Hiking trails & boardwalks
- Stairways & decks with scenic views of Lake Michigan
- Picnic tables
- Modern restrooms
- Paved parking area
*Barrier free facilities include parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables. Some trails are wheelchair accessible and all stairs are designed to be ADA accessible.
Park Hours
Open April 1 until the first snowfall: 7am to 10pm
Map
This map shows amenities, parking areas, features and trails. This mostly wooded 20-acre site includes a mature beech-maple-hemlock forest, a steep dune formation, and 738’ of Lake Michigan frontage. Improvements completed in 2012 include a paved parking area, modern restrooms, a barrier-free trail loop, and an extensive series of stairs and boardwalks traversing the dune and providing access to the sandy beach. Decks provide seating and views of Lake Michigan and host a display highlighting the property as the site of a scene from the Tom Hanks movie, “Road to Perdition.”
Fees
Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Please note that a Michigan “Recreation Passport” is not valid at County Parks. Olive Shores has a self-service fee station selling daily permits. Annual permits are not available at the self-service fee station, but can be purchased at Kirk Park which is 1½ miles north on Lakeshore Drive. Those failing to display a daily or annual motor vehicle parking permit risk being ticketed. Learn more about motor vehicle parking fees and permits.
Dog Policy
- Dogs are not allowed at Olive Shores.
- Leader dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted.
- Ottawa County Open Space Lands allow dogs off leash to run and play freely, so be sure to read about these sites.
Dog policies vary from park to park, so please check each park’s webpage carefully for rules. If you would like to take your dog to the beach, consider visiting Kirk Park’s off-leash dog beach.
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Payments Accepted
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Hours
Open April 1 until the first snowfall: 7am to 10pm -
Cost(s)
Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Please note that a Michigan “Recreation Passport” is not valid at County Parks. Olive Shores has a self-service fee station selling $7 daily permits regardless of residency. Annual permits are not available at the self-service fee station, but can be purchased at Kirk Park which is 1½ miles north on Lakeshore Drive. Annual permits are $15 for County residents and $25 for non-residents. -
Amenities
Swimming Beach Hiking Trails Boardwalks Stairways & Decks with ScenicViews Picnic Tables Modern Restrooms Paved Parking Lot -
Travel time from downtown Grand Haven
17 Minutes
