Distance: 5 miles
Walking time: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Stop #1: Chinook Pier / Coal Tipple
A tall concrete structure that towers over the town was used to feed coal into steam locomotives, which went obsolete in the 1950s when diesel powered locomotives took to the rails. The rail yard was abandoned about 20 years later, but since then it has been turned into a park. The coal tipple still stands, as well as an old Pere Marquette 1223 locomotive, one of only two surviving Berkshire engines, and a few historic rail cars that are on permanent display. Chinook Pier has more than just old locomotives. The parking lot is the chosen location of the regular Farmers Market from May through October (so keep that mind before you choose to park there on a Wednesday or a Saturday), several picnic tables, a playground, and mini golf. It’s also the best starting point for reaching the Boardwalk, which follows the Grand River for 1.5 miles. We will make some stops along the way.
Stop #2: Musical Fountain
You’ll encounter the musical fountain during the daytime on your walk along the Grand Haven boardwalk, and it’s not much to look at. So now that you know where it is, you’ll absolutely need to return to it at night. Each evening at dusk, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, this top attraction dazzles with a 20-minute light and music show with synchronized water spectacles. It’s been a free source of entertainment since 1962. For more information, visit www.ghfountain.org.
Stop #3: Escanaba Park
This small park along the boardwalk is bound to a tragic history, one that we are invited to honor with our visit. The Coast Guard cutter Escanaba used this embarkment for its mooring. During World War II, the Escanaba was called to war on convoy duty in the North Atlantic. Tragically, the cutter was sunk in 1943 following a large onboard explosion, killing nearly everyone aboard. The park, which was called the Kelly Memorial Park in those days after the commander of the Coast Guard who had dreamed up this embarkment in the first place, was the logical location to remember those who had died, raise money for Escanaba II, and to place the Escanaba’s mast. The park was renamed in 1949 at the Coast Guard Festival Memorial Service, an event that continues to take place each year during the annual festival in Grand Haven, which is known as Coast Guard City USA.
Stop #4: Grand Haven Lighthouse
Michigan is home to dozens of lighthouses, and two of the most commonly photographed lights are right here in Grand Haven. The boardwalk will lead you to the south pier, on which two lights, both painted red, have been located since 1839. The inner light is cylindrical, and the outer light is known as a “foghouse.” You cannot access the interior of the lighthouses at this time, but you can enjoy strolling along the pier to see them up close (the pier is a popular fishing spot as well). Or, view them from the beach for a comprehensive – and impressive – sight.
Stop #5: Grand Haven City Beach & Overlook
Speaking of the beach, your walk along the boardwalk has been rewarded with fresh water and sandy shores. This is a popular beach for locals and visitors alike. Directly across the street from the City Beach parking lot are steps that lead to a viewing platform that overlooks the park and beach, offering a high-level view of the beautiful landscape.
Stop #6: Duncan Woods
Smack in the middle of bustling Grand Haven is 40 acres of unspoiled virgin forest, known as Duncan Woods. This gorgeous park is a refuge for humans and wildlife alike. The wooded nature preserve consists of magnificent beech and hemlock trees. It’s all thanks to Robert Duncan, a lawyer, who predicted the newly established lumber industry would lay the land barren, so he bought the acreage to save some of the forest from destruction. You must enter and exit through Sheldon Road via Lake Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue from the overlook point. What a beautiful gift and a great way to rejuvenate the spirit!
Stop #7: Dr. Arend VanderVeen House (508 Washington Avenue)
A Civil War “boy surgeon” made this exquisite home his primary residence in Grand Haven following the war. Built in the 1870s, the house is constructed in the Italian-villa style. Inside, though the home is not open to the public, is woodwork made of white pine. Double doors open to a central hall and magnificent stairway of black walnut. Historically, the good doctor’s wife Katherine would enter the rooftop tour with candles in hand to alert her husband of problems that needed attention. These candles could be seen from anywhere in town at the time. There are several historic buildings, both business and residential, around town. A walking tour is available via the Grand Haven website.
Stop #8: Central Park
Finish your walk just down the way along Washington Avenue by visiting the two-and-a-half-acre Central Park in downtown Grand Haven. This traditional public green has a central fountain, which is also lit beautifully at night, and two memorials. It’s a popular choice for activities including summer music concerts, art fairs, and holiday events. Find a bench in the shade and sit for a little while, relaxing after your walk around Grand Haven and seeing some of its most popular sights. After only a few minutes of walking through the town’s residential blocks, you’ll be back at Chinook Point to pick up the car.
Another way to get around to see Grand Haven’s sights, or to mix it up a bit, is to take the Lakeshore Trolley. From the Visit Grand Haven website: “Each summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day trolley rides are available to residents and visitors alike. The trolley runs seven days a week from 12 pm-10 pm, picking you up and dropping you off at local sites of interest. This is a great summer activity that the whole family can enjoy. Flag the trolley down at any intersection (except along US-31 and M-104) or board at one of the locations along the route.” Visit www.harbortransit.org/trolley/ for additional details on the routes.