Recreation Activities in Spring Lake Michigan
Spring Lake Michigan, located in Ottawa County, is home to some of the most stunning outdoor recreation opportunities in the Midwest. The natural beauty of the area and the abundance of activities create a unique destination for travelers near and far. From exploring parks and trails to swimming and fishing, there is something for everyone in this vibrant community.
When it comes to outdoor recreation, no visit to Spring Lake is complete without a visit to the lovely Lakeside Park and Beach. Spanning over 14 acres, the park is comprised of a beach, picnic area, playground, and a boat launch. With its sandy shoreline, Lakeside Beach is incredibly popular among families and is one of the largest freshwater beaches in the Midwest. The beach is the perfect place to take a walk, relax in the sun, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The Spring Lake Pathways Trail is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The 18-mile bike trail traverses along the shoreline of the lake and is great for bikers, joggers, and walkers. In addition, the trail also passes through many of the communities in the area, offering opportunities to explore the historic culture of the region.
The waters of Spring Lake are renowned for their excellent fishing opportunities for anglers. Many popular species, such as walleye, largemouth bass, and bluegill, can be found in the lake’s depths. Fishing trips are available for those interested in pursuing their passion, and the local marina offers rentals that include boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Moreover, fishing enthusiasts can opt for Trophy Fishing trips with guides that provide an exciting and educational adventure on the waters of Spring Lake.
For those visitors looking for some adventure and thrill, the area around Spring Lake is also home to some of the most thrilling attractions in Michigan. This includes the Thunder Underground Paintball Park which offers outdoor paintball and laser tag, as well as a newly upgraded facility with multiple play areas.
Sports Activities in Spring Lake Michigan
Sports lovers will find plenty of options to choose from in Spring Lake Michigan. The Grand Haven State Park is a great place to practice and honing kayaking or canoeing skills, while the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club is open to members who are passionate about sailing and competing in races.
For those interested in a less extreme sport, the area’s golf courses offer championship-level courses and have been the host to multiple PGA tournaments. Those with special interest in golf can also enjoy the extensive range of golf lessons, equipment rentals, and kids’ camps offered by the local golf clubs.
Sports teams around town include soccer, baseball, softball, and cross country, so parents can pick a team for their kids to join. For adults, the Spring Lake Sportsmen’s Club organizes hunting, trapping, and fishing expeditions throughout the area and offers a variety of training courses and classes.
Shopping, Dining and Nightlife in Spring Lake Michigan
Another s attraction offered by Spring Lake is a vibrant nightlife scene. Visitors can get their shopping done at the Grand Haven Shopping Center, a vibrant retail space featuring dozens of name brands. Grand Haven also has several restaurants with diverse cuisines, ranging from Italian, French to Mexican and more.
Apart from local eateries, Spring Lake also offers some unique dining experiences. One of the most unique is the Sky Deck Restaurant located on the very top of the Spring Lake Lighthouse. The restaurant is known for its stunning views of the lake and its tasty modern twist of classic American dishes.
Once done with dining, visitors can explore the many bars and pubs that dot the downtown area. Some of the most popular places include The Grand Tavern, The Sand Bar, and 21 Lounge, all of which offer a great selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and food.
Events and Festivals in Spring Lake Michigan
When in Spring Lake Michigan, one should definitely check out the numerous events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most notable is the Great Lakes Getaway Music Festival, a lively music event that takes place in May. The festival features acts from all around the world, performing different genres from rock to country-western.
Other festivals include the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest in June, the Clear Water Festival on the Fourth of July, and the Grand Haven Art Festival which takes place in August. The Spring Lake Apple Festival and the Fall Festival of Leaves are perfect for those looking to get in the seasonal spirit.
Finally, no visit to Spring Lake would be complete without attending the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, the nation’s largest Coast Guard-hosted celebration and one of the top summer events in Michigan. The festival brings out hundreds of vessels, tall ships, Coast Guard vessels, and many more attractions.
Outdoor Activities in Spring Lake Michigan
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then Spring Lake is the perfect place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, beginning with bird watching. The state park and local trails are hotspots for the avid birder.
Hikers and campers will also find plenty of trails and parks to explore. The Grand River Reserve Nature Preserve is a great spot for fishing, boating, and nature walking. The Crockery Creek Nature Preserve is also an excellent place for exploring, with over four miles of trails, wetlands, and forests.
The Winter Sports Complex is perfect for those looking to have some exciting outdoor fun. The complex offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the wintertime and camping during the summer. In addition, visitors can go zip-lining and mountain biking in the nearby Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Center.
Educational Activities in Spring Lake Michigan
Spring Lake Michigan is also home to plenty of educational opportunities for those interested in learning more about the history and culture of the area. The local museums offer an extensive number of exhibits, from Native American artifacts to hands-on displays.
The Spring Lake Historical Society is another great spot for visitors to learn about the area’s history. The society was founded in the late nineteenth century and is dedicated to preserving and highlighting the area’s heritage. It provides educational walking tours, lectures, and other activities for the general public to enjoy.
For a more hands-on, experiential approach to education, Springs Lake is home to the Discovery Center. The purpose of the Center is to provide hands-on activities and learning experiences for all ages. With activities, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the Center is a great place to explore and learn something new.
Cultural Activities in Spring Lake Michigan
Those interested in exploring the culture of Spring Lake Michigan should head over to the Curwood Castle. The castle is an historic home, located on the shores of Spring Lake, and was once the summer residence of author James Oliver Curwood. The castle is now a museum and is an excellent place to spend the day becoming acquainted with the history and culture of the area.
The Spring Lake Symphony Orchestra is another cultural draw in the region. The orchestra regularly hosts concerts featuring a variety of genres, from classical to contemporary. Along with their regular season concerts, the Symphony Orchestra also hosts a music festival in the summer and a holiday winter concert.
Craft beer fans will also find plenty of activities to do in Spring Lake. The city is home to several breweries, which offer visitors a variety of beers, from the classic IPAs to the unique lagers. The breweries also offer tours and tasting rooms, which are great for those looking to learn more about the craft of brewing.
