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Overview
The Idema Explorers Trail is a multiuse, ADA-accessible trail that will connect communities, parks, other trails and more between Grand Haven at the edge of Lake Michigan and Grand Rapids, MI.
Currently, the trail is in several segments totaling 16 miles. When complete, the trail will be 36.5 miles. The trail is 10ft wide and paved. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.
The Idema Explorers Trail is part of the Grand River Greenway, 9,000 acres of public land between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven that includes a variety of wildlife habitats, protected areas, and recreational opportunities along the Grand River. There are beaches, bayous, ravines, marshlands, floodplain forests, restored prairies, lakes, parks, and trails. Parks include Millennium Park, the Bass River Recreation Area, Grand Haven State Park, Grand Ravines, and Connor Bayou.
About the Route
The Idema Explorers Trail is currently in several segments.
The Grand Haven Boardwalk segment is a 2.5-mile scenic route between the shore of Lake Michigan inland along south shore of the Grand River. The trail links the Lake Michigan pier and beach with downtown Grand Haven. There are shops and eateries, as well as nice places to sit and enjoy the view from one of the landscaped parks. At the 3rd Street bridge, the trail crosses the river to Harbor Island.
The Odawa segment runs 3.9 miles between Connor Bayou and Riverside Park. This section has three trailheads: the Connor Bayou Trailhead (12945 North Cedar Dr. Grand Haven), the M-231 Trailhead (12250 North Cedar Dr. Grand Haven) and the Riverside Park Trailhead (10317 North Cedar Dr. Grand Haven). By the M-231 Trailhead, the trail connects to the Spoonville Trail.
The Versluis GVSU Campus segment is 2.2-miles long, linking Grand Valley State University's Allendale Campus and Grand Ravines Park, as well as Allendale's business district.
The Bill Idema Moraine Nature 1.7-mile segment connects Grand River Park (9473 28th Ave, Jenison) and Grand Ravines. There are two Grand Ravines Trailheads: South (3991 Fillmore St, Jenison) and North (9920 42nd Ave, Jenison).
In Georgetown Township, there is a 2-mile section that connects to the Kent County trail system and the Bend Area Open Space. Its eastern end connects to the Jenison Mill segment. There's Bend Area trail access (8914 12th Ave, Jenison).
In Jenison Mill, there is a 4.5-mile segment that includes a bridge over Rush Creek and the Jenison Mill Trailhead (7746 Cottonwood Dr, Jenison). Its western end connects to the trail segment in Georgetown Township in Kent County.
Connections
The Idema Explorers Trail is part of the Grand River Greenway Trail Network, which includes the Spoonville Trail, the North Bank Trail, the Lakeside Trail, and the Lakeshore Drive Trail.
In Grand Haven, the trail connects to Linear Trail Park trail.
The Idema Explorers Trail runs between Grand Havens and Grand Rapids in several segments.
Parking is available at:
Visit the TrailLink map for all parking options and detailed directions.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
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