Thanks to the generosity of a local businessman and Park Township, kids staying at Rosewood Pointe now have a new skatepark to enjoy. I’ve seen it from the road and it’s an impressive park. Best of all it’s just a couple of miles from Rosewood Pointe and it’s FREE!.
Many guests to Rosewood Pointe enjoy kayaking in Lake Macatawa and on a calm day, heading out into Lake Michigan to paddle near the shore.  However, for those of us, who enjoy a more leisurely kayak, I would suggest visiting Hemlock Crossing in Port Sheldon Township.
Hemlock Crossing opened in 2003 and offers 239 acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River. Over 6 miles of trails for hiking and cross country skiing meander through bottomland and upland forest, old pine plantations and along the river. A pedestrian bridge and numerous overlooks offer scenic views of the river corridor, wetlands, natural springs and woods. Facilities include two small picnic shelters, a kayak/canoe launch and over a mile of paved trail.
Pine Bend is a secondary access on the west end of the property that offers parking and a trail head. Pine Bend is also the site of the Weaver House, a restored 1901 home that is available for reservation for business meetings, family outings and other activities. There are no entry fees at Hemlock Crossing or Pine Bend and both are open year ‘round.
* Barrier free facilities include picnic shelters, restrooms, kayak launch and a one mile paved trail through woods and fields.
Hemlock Crossing and Pine Bend are open year ’round at the following times.
April 1 through October 31 – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
November 1 through March 31 – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are no entry fees.
Hemlock Crossing is located in Port Sheldon Township just west of US 31 on West Olive Road.
If traveling northbound on US 31 from Holland, follow signs from Port Sheldon Street.
If traveling southbound on US 31 from Grand Haven, follow signs from West Olive Road.
Pine Bend can be reached by traveling west on Croswell Street from US 31 to 156th Avenue. Turn south on 156th Avenue and follow the signs to the Pine Bend entrance.
Boardwalk stairs leading to the top of Mount Pisgah
The Facts:
Mount Pisgah is…
• owned by the Ottawa County Parks Department
• located east of Holland State Park
• rises 157 feet above Lake Michigan
• has north-south width of 524 feet
• has east-west width of 656 feet
The base begins with a trailhead kiosk along Ottawa Beach Road that will have a bench, maps and historical information, Scholtz said. From there, a paved trail leads past a landscaped area and through a forest to a large bike-rack spot.
The path then transforms into a turnpike trail, which has wooden retaining walls, stones and fabric beneath it, before leading to the staircase.
“It’s going to be a bonus for the public for many years to come,� said Joyce Rhodes, Holland State Park supervisor. “Walking up those stairs is a lot easier than climbing up the dunes.�
Once on top of the dune, a boardwalk and stair system leads to a higher view of Big Red and Lake Michigan. Another boardwalk takes visitors along the narrow ridge of Mount Pisgah and connects with Holland State Park trails.
This is a really nice piece of work by the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Department. My wife and I have always enjoyed hiking the sand dunes near the Holland State Park. But getting to the dunes was always very difficult. Even though it sounds like we won’t actually be able to hike the dunes, at least there is now an easy way to access the dunes and enjoy the views!
Here are a few pictures and a map:
Windmill Island used to draw 122,000 visitors a year, but interest in historic site has dropped.
HOLLAND — As Windmill Island turns 40 years old, the city has planned several events to mark the occasion — even as officials try to revive flagging interest in the city-owned attraction among out-of-town tourists and local residents alike.
“What we have here is the hidden gem of Holland,” said Alisa Crawford, a Windmill Island spokeswoman. “It’s an historic and architectural treasure, and I believe most people here take that for granted.”
The celebration’s kickoff event will be Friday’s screening at the Knickerbocker Theatre of a new documentary film about the island, which features shops, a carousel and tours of what is believed to be the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States.
When the 125-foot-tall DeZwaan windmill, built in 1761, was brought from the Netherlands in pieces and reconstructed on Windmill Island, it was intended to be a symbol of the city’s Dutch heritage and a magnet for tourism. Then-Gov. George Romney and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands dedicated it on April 10, 1965.
From a high of 122,646 visitors in 1972, the island’s popularity has declined. It drew 108,873 visitors in 1991, 73,906 in 1996 and 56,727 in 2003. Last year’s gate count was 57,655.
In 1998, falling revenue forced the city to begin subsidizing the island’s operation, with an expected $144,341 contribution this year. Three years ago, plans were dropped to develop a Dutch-style residential area at the site.
Donald Holacek, director of Michigan State University’s tourism center, said “heritage tourism” destinations like Windmill Island have suffered everywhere for a variety of reasons. He envisions a growth in the sector because of an aging population that is commonly interested in such attractions.
“The market is kind of fickle in its loyalty,” Holacek told the Holland Sentinel. “It’s like the new restaurant in town. People always want to go to the new place, so even a cultural or historical attraction such as Windmill Island constantly needs to find new ways in reinvent itself.”
Since 2003, the city has allowed free admission to Windmill Island for residents of Holland’s 49423 and 49424 ZIP codes, but such local residents as Nikki Currier still have never gone there.
“There’s no draw for me,” said Currier, 31, who has lived in the city for seven years. “Is there something other than a windmill?”
What is it that draws two and a half million visitors to Holland, Michigan each year?
It’s the perfect setting for weekend getaways, family vacations, and year-round recreation, with acres of beaches and parks, and festivals and events for every season. Holland, Michigan is home to the world famous Tulip Time festival each May, when more than six million tulips burst into bloom as the town celebrates its Dutch heritage.
Unique restaurants, quaint cafes, and farm markets add to an enjoyable day of shopping in Holland’s Victorian-styled downtown, which borders the lovely campus of Hope College.
Dutch dancers at Tulip Time
Traditions like Dutch WinterFest and treasures such as the Big Red lighthouse and beautiful bronze statues throughout the town help tell the story of Holland’s rich history and strong values.
Whether you come for warm-weather fun, like golfing, swimming, and bicycle touring, or winter-time cross-country skiing, your stay will be memorable.
Also, remember that Tulip Time is right around the corner. Named the “Best Smalltown Festival in America” by Reader’s Digest!
Join us for Holland’s big celebration where you’ll be treated to millions of tulips, special guests, and a variety of festive events. The events will take place May 7-14.
Make sure to check out the office Tulip Time Website at http://www.tuliptime.com/.
By KRISTA CHAMBERS
Save those wooden shoes for Tulip Time and get out the green togs — Holland will hold its first St. Patrick’s Day parade next month.
The parade is scheduled for March 17, said Sherry Martens, co-owner of Shindigs, a party event production company. She and her husband, Alan, have been part of an informal group that has worked to get the event together this year.
The parade would begin at 6 p.m. at the Eighth Street Market Place and proceed east on Eighth Street, ending at the Curragh Irish Pub at Eighth and College Avenue. Martens said the street will be shut down only for the duration of the parade.
“It’s pretty low-ey, we’re not trying to disturb downtown merchants,” she said. “We hope they get on board.”
Holland Mayor Al McGeehan, who is of Irish descent, has been lined up as the grand marshal for the event, and the parade will feature bagpipers and participants from a Celtic dance troupe. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to join in, Martens said.
“We hope to have more people in the parade than watching,” she said.
The parade is an excellent opportunity for downtown Holland to let its “coolness” show, said Mimi Fritz, who handles marketing for the downtown district.
“As the downtown community, we’re interested in ways of bringing people downtown,” she said.
The parade does not have a budget, Martens said, so any involvement in the event is on a volunteer basis.
“It’s low-key, but we hope it will grow,” she said. “It’s going to be small unless there’s 1,000 Irishmen hiding in the area who are going to come out (that day).”
Saugatuck has had a parade to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day since 2003.
The Curragh Irish Pub, which opened in June last year, will feature breakfast and a heated tent on the outdoor patio for those in the parade and other St. Patrick’s Day revelers, said owner Sophia Leongas. Although the eatery is still making final decisions, she said three musical acts will be entertaining that day to honor the Irish.
“We’re expecting a big party,” she said. “The parade is going to be a super addition to the downtown.”