Grand Haven State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grand Haven State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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Grand Haven Lighthouses
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 Grand Haven State Park
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Grand Haven, Michigan, United States |
| Area | 48 acres (19 ha) |
| Elevation | 591 feet (180 m) |
| Designation | Michigan state park |
| Established | 1920 |
| Administrator | Michigan Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Grand Haven State Park |
Grand Haven State Park is a fun public park in Grand Haven, Michigan. It sits right on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. You can find it where the Grand River meets the big lake.
This amazing state park is about 48 acres big. It's mostly made up of beautiful beach sand. It's a perfect spot for camping and enjoying beach activities. You can also see cool lighthouses from here.
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What Makes Grand Haven State Park Special?
Grand Haven State Park has a great location. Lake Michigan is to its west, and the Grand River is to its north. To the south, you'll find City Beach.
Exploring the Pier and Boardwalk
A very long pier is right next to the state park. This pier holds the Grand Haven South Pierhead Entrance Light and an inner lighthouse. These lighthouses help boats find their way.
The pier connects to a long boardwalk. This boardwalk stretches about one mile along the river. It's a great place for a walk or bike ride. You can walk all the way to the main part of Grand Haven city.
How the Beach Was Formed
The sandy beach and the state park were created in an interesting way. Large structures were built to protect the harbor entrance. These structures changed how sand naturally moves along the coast. This change helped build up the wide, sandy beach you see today.
A Look Back: Park History
Grand Haven State Park is one of Michigan's oldest parks. It was created in 1920. This happened after the Michigan State Parks Commission started in 1919.
From City Beach to State Park
The park was first a public beach. People often called it "The Oval." The city bought this 35-acre beach for $1,000.
In 1920, the city gave 22 acres of this land to the state. They sold it for just $1.00! This part became the state park. The rest of the land stayed as City Beach.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Grand Haven State Park offers many exciting activities. It's a great place for families and friends.
Beach Fun and Camping
You can go swimming in Lake Michigan or just relax on the sandy beach. The park also has a large campground. There are 174 spots for tents or RVs. You can even rent a house for your stay.
Other Activities
If you like fishing, there's a special fishing pier. The park also has picnic areas where you can eat outdoors. Kids will love the playground too!
