Biking Michigan's Lakeshore Drive Trail

Lakeshore Drive Connector Path
Between Grand Haven and Holland

Basics:
Length: 32 kilometres (20 miles)
Surface: Paved
Width: 3 metres
Trail head: None officially
Parking: None officially (see below)
Signage: None seen
Bathrooms: None on trail (see below)
Water:Only at Backyard Conservation area (see below)
Benches: None on the trail (see below)
Bike Shops: Three in Grand Haven, Six in Holland area



This is NOT a rails to trails path. In downtown Grand Haven it begins as Fifth Street, changes name to Sheldon Street and at Robbins Street it becomes Lakeshore Drive. It is at this point that the sidewalk is widened to about 3 metres. From the border with Grand Haven (Robbins St) to Tunnel Park in Holland it is 29 kilometres. We saw no signs along the way indicating that this was a trail. We thought we were just riding on widened sidewalk.


Although it is called Lakeshore Drive, don’t count on seeing Lake Michigan. You might glimpse a patch of blue from time to time, if you look carefully to the west.
The path is actually a widened sidewalk and as result you go by MANY driveways. I can imagine that early morning and late afternoon this could be problem with vehicles entering and leaving. An alternative is to ride along the roadway which has bicycle lanes both on the north and south bound lane. We rode this trail after Labour Day, and had no problems with the driveways.


Along the entire length there are only 2 places with where you can sit at a bench. The alternative is to off the trail to 3 parks. After Labour Day there was no admission but during the summer there is a vehicle entry fee. I don’t know if this applies to bikes. Each of the parks has flush toilets and water.


Starting at Grand Haven, Grand Haven State Park is right on the beach (but not on the trail) This Park is in the sand and it is also often windy.


Heading south, the first park encountered on the trail is Rosy Mound Natural Area. The parking lot and washrooms are just 100 metres from the trail. The beach is more than a kilometre hike over dunes and heavily forested areas. The beach is so/so but the hike in is worth it.


A few kilometres south is an observation area with benches overlooking a wetland. No bathrooms or water.


Next comes Kirk Park. Parking and water just 100 metres in. Beach area less than 100 metres. Beach is wide and well worth a visit.


South of Kirk Park the trail splits. One branch is called Butternut Drive and leads to downtown Holland. For Lakeshore Drive, bear right (it is well signed.) The next 3-4 kilometres contain the only hills on Lakeshore drive. A few are short but steep. Consumers Energy plant is located in this area. Since they own the land north and south of the plant, there are no homes/driveways for a short while. Across from the plant is, Backyard Conservation Park, a small patch of greenery and marsh with tables, a covered observation area and a water fountain. This park is approximately at the halfway point.


Tunnel Park (there is a tunnel through the dunes) is the next park. If you climb the stairs to the top of the dune, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of Lake Michigan and the beach below. Washrooms and water are available as well as picnic tables and playground.


A short distance away is Holland state park with parking, washrooms and a nice beach.

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