West Michigan - Grand River near GR to Lake Michigan?

[RJF53]

We are looking to launch on the Grand River west of Grand Rapids and do a day trip to, or near, Lake Michigan and back sometime in the next couple of weeks before we put the boat away for the winter. Figured it would be a nice fall cruise and see some colors. It will be the first time having the boat on the big lake as well. Has anyone made this trip before? Looking for ideas for the best place to launch and any other tips/ideas you may have. Thanks!

 

[Jeurich]

Hi there!!! We recently launched at Riverside Park in Ottawa County for the first time. It was a great place to launch and cruise the Grand River. It you head east you quickly come upon a ‘quarry’ area that you can beach and hang out. Otherwise you can head west towards Grand Haven and take on the sights (all the way out to the big lake if you choose). We spent 8 hours just cruising around. It was awesome. Their are a fair amount of wake zones to watch out for but other then that - lots of fun!

 

[Can0n11]

Do you know if they have taken out the pilings on the north side of the river just west of the islands near 22nd ave.? I saw a boat lose his prop on one back in the 90's. I see they added a park on the south side that might have a beach area too? We used to fish the gravel pits in that area in the 80's as kids.