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Camper
Perspectives
Beaches
West Michigan is very hospitable when it comes to dogs. Kirk Park, West Olive, has an off-lead section of beach just for four-legged pals. The entire beachfront stretches a third
of a mile, while the park covers 68 acres of diverse lakeshore habitat. There is a two-mile network of trails, most of which are quite short, and spectacular views of Lake Michigan, including from an overlook deck. Of course, there’s a children’s playground that will help younger children break up a beach day as well as picnic tables. But a large beach blanket
and a picnic basket is probably all you need
Oval Beach near antiquing town Saugatuck has been rated as one of the 25 best shorelines in the world by Conde Naste Traveler. It’s easy to see why. The beach is fine white sand set between blue-aqua water and grassy dunes. Get away from the crowds by setting up your spot
early or by walking down to the narrow portion of the beach instead. Or, visit during sunset for a truly spectacular show.
Augusta Park on Eagle Lake sits within the Fort Custer Recreation Area, located between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. The water is calm and the beach is secluded. The recreation area is a favorite for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Markin Glen County Park near Kalamazoo is a favorite spot that is just five minutes from downtown. You can see the beautiful town from the top of a hill, which you can reach by trail. The beach isn’t large, but the water warms up early in the season and is a great stopping point for hikers to have a refreshing dip.
Kayaking
The lazy Thornapple River is an 88-mile-long tributary of the busier and more popular Grand River. There are two segments to this water trail that runs between Airport Road north
of Hastings to Middleville, so you can do either or both. If you choose to do both, you’ll be out for about three hours, and there is a decent hike with the kayak between the two dams
at Irving Dam. You can instead take out at Irving Dam or put in south of the second dam
and float down to Middleville from there. Both stretches of river are remote and feel far from civilization, along with plenty of wildlife. There are other launches and sections of the
Thornapple, but this route seems to be a favorite.
Flat River in Kent County is a calm, easy paddle from Fallasburg Park to Lowell. The trip is seven miles long and begins at the picturesque 1870s Fallasburg Covered Bridge before winding
downstream. There is one portage at Burroughs Dam, and some paddling will be required to move through the lake-like backwater. This is a pretty simple paddle for all skill levels.
MARVAC Staff Recommendation
from Lauri Brantley-Thom, MARVAC Director of Communications
“My husband and I travel to Saugatuck/Douglas at least once a year, sometimes more. This darling area named as one of America’s most beautiful towns by Conde Nast has something to offer anyone at any age. What keeps us going back is Mount Baldhead, Oval Beach, the fabulous restaurants, and the friendly people. The key to Mount Baldhead is being able to climb 302 vertical steps! While daunting standing at the bottom looking up, it’s worth the struggle once you get to the top and see the amazing view of the waterway and the town of Saugatuck. Not to mention it fully justifies eating at one of several restaurants who prepare their meals the old-fashioned way, sourced with local ingredients from West Michigan. Our favorite is Pennyroyal Café and Provisions. From their handmade cocktails to seasonal dishes, they never disappoint.”
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