Kirk Park

The park features hiking trails, a beach, picnic sites, and a reservable lodge. Leashed dogs are allowed on the southern end of the beach. A great post ahead.

During the summer, this Ottawa County park is packed and the sandy beach is often swarming with people. It’s best to visit in spring or fall for a more peaceful experience.

Hiking Trails

If you’re a fan of hiking, then Kirk Park is a great outdoor spot to check out. This 68-acre park offers lakeside picnic sites & a reservable lodge, swimming and a dog beach, and many hiking trails.

It’s also a popular park for bikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers in the winter months. The trail system is a mix of pine loops, tall old-growth, and sandy, hard-packed trails.

The paved Lakeshore Connector Path is another great option and runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan from Grand Haven to Holland, passing a number of great beach parks and natural areas including Rosy Mound Natural Area, Tunnel Park, and Kirk Park. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes for this type of terrain and watch out for private driveways as you pass through the residential neighborhoods. This is not a good area for strollers or wagons. A compass or GPS can be helpful.

Beach

With a beautiful Lake Michigan beach, clean restrooms, picnic areas, a kid’s playground, grills, and wooded hiking trails, this park is sure to please. This Ottawa County Park is dog friendly with a special section for your pup to run off-leash and swim in the water. There is also a large swimming area and plenty of sand to play on.

The park is known for its sugary sandy beaches and Insta-worthy views of the Big Red Lighthouse. A wooden dune climb provides easy access to the beach overlook and provides scenic views of the lake. The beach here was used for the ending scene in the 2002 movie Road to Perdition starring Tom Hanks.

There are several walking paths throughout the park that lead to beautiful scenic dune overlooks. The park is open all year and the best time to visit is during spring or fall when the weather is beautiful and there aren’t as many people. A must-see!

Playground

In summer, it’s easy to visit Olive Shores and quickly make your way to the beach – jump in the water, roll around on the sand, or get scorched by the sun. But this Ottawa County park offers so much more.

This popular spot in Port Sheldon Township has a large portion of sandy beach which allows dogs to run off-leash, a playground, picnic shelters, and grilling areas, a swimming beach with no lifeguards, modern restrooms (closed in winter), a reservable lodge building and hiking trails including the Dune Climb Loop with scenic overlooks.

The walking trails provide a nice workout over natural terrain with gorgeous lake and forest views. Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Dogs are allowed off-leash at the beach but must be leashed (10′ max) in other park areas and on the trails. Leader dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted. For more information, including directions and fees, click here.

Restrooms

Kirk Park is a great spot to launch on light wind days during the summer when most other beaches are crowded. It has public restrooms, a nice playground, and grills. This is a good choice for beginners who want to practice on clean, uncrowded waves.

There is also a nice off-leash dog beach in the southern area of the park. Pets must be on a leash to and from the off-leash area.

Located on Lakeshore Drive south of M-45, south of Grand Haven, the park features acres of dunes, woods and a Lake Michigan shoreline with sandy beaches, a swimming beach, a covered pavilion, picnic tables, playground, and hiking trails with scenic dune overlooks. The park offers modern restrooms which are closed during the winter and a large parking lot. Motor vehicle parking fees are in effect from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend or as posted. Annual permits are available. Next blog post.

Driving directions from PierPoint Mortgage to Kirk Park

Driving directions from Kirk Park to Pigeon Creek Park