Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Carlton, Michigan and Jenison, Michigan

Carlton, Michigan and Jenison, Michigan are two charming towns located less than 30 miles apart, each offering its own unique attractions. There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy for locals and tourists alike. This guide will take you through the best things to do on a road trip from Carlton, Michigan to Jenison, Michigan.

The trip covers a distance of approximately 60 miles, which can be covered in less than an hour. The halfway point is Grand Rapids, Michigan – a vibrant and flourishing city that is known for its craft breweries, museums, and live music scene.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

One of the top attractions on a road trip from Carlton to Jenison is the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it is one of the most significant botanical gardens in the world, showcasing thousands of exotic plant species, water features, and sculptures that are sure to take your breath away.

The park spans over 158 acres and offers up 30 themed gardens to explore. Visitors can spend hours strolling through the Japanese garden, taking a leisurely walk in the English perennial garden, or marveling at the world-class contemporary art of the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden.

Interesting fact: The Frederik Meijer Gardens originated from a dream of Frederik Meijer and his wife, Lena, who envisioned creating a place where visitors could commune with nature and art. The park opened in April 1995 and has since welcomed over 11 million visitors.

Grand Haven State Park

If you're looking for a perfect spot to enjoy a beach day, then Grand Haven State Park might be the ideal destination for you. Located on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, this sandy beach park welcomes thousands of visitors every year, offering endless opportunities to swim, sunbathe, or make sandcastles.

The park has four miles of beautiful beach, a concession stand for snacks and refreshments, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. It is also a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.

Interesting fact: The Grand Haven State Park was established in 1929 and is one of Michigan's oldest and most popular state parks. It features a famous lighthouse, which has inspired many stories and legends over the years.

Blandford Nature Center

One of the most unique destinations in the area is the Blandford Nature Center, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This 143-acre natural area is a wildlife sanctuary that offers visitors an opportunity to explore trails located through wetlands, meadows, and forests.

Blandford Nature Center offers educational programs for children, adults, and families, which include outdoor classrooms, nature hikes, and interactive exhibits that highlight the flora and fauna of Michigan.

Interesting fact: The Blandford Nature Center was established in 1968, and since then, it has grown to be a leading provider of environmental education services in West Michigan.

Millennium Park

If you're looking for a relaxing and scenic outdoor activity, Millennium Park might be the perfect destination for you. Located in Walker, Michigan, the park spans over 1,500 acres and includes six miles of hiking trails, five miles of gravel biking paths, and over 200 acres of water to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboarding.

Millennium Park has several picnic areas, playgrounds, and fitness stations for visitors to enjoy. It is also home to a beach, where visitors can go swimming or rent a pontoon, fishing boat, or a kayak.

Interesting fact: Millennium Park was named in honor of the new millennium and was opened to the public in 2001. The park was built on land that was formerly a sand and gravel mining operation.

Holland State Park

Finally, Holland State Park is an inviting and picturesque location to enjoy a day at the beach. This park has over 142 acres of land and offers visitors two separate beaches: Lake Michigan Beach and Beach on Lake Macatawa.

The park attracts many visitors during the summer, who come to enjoy the outdoors, hike, swim, or build sandcastles. There are also several viewpoints located within the park, where visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

Interesting fact: Holland State Park is famous for its Big Red Lighthouse, which is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. Built in 1872, the lighthouse is still in use today, and the public can explore its interior during the summer months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Carlton, Michigan, to Jenison, Michigan, is filled with exciting and unique attractions that will make any trip worth it. With all the activities available, it is essential to have an idea of what to look out for beforehand. This guide has aptly highlighted the five best things to do on a road trip from Carlton to Jenison. It is an adventure that takes you through beaches, parks, and gardens in Michigan, offering a combination of relaxation, adventure, and exploration.