2021-2022 Updates
Significant progress continues on the Idema Explorers Trail with a flurry of activity planned for next year. Fourteen miles of the 36.5-mile route have been completed, and we anticipate that an additional 4.6 miles will be under construction across three locations in 2022. Bids were received for two sections of trail in Georgetown Township this fall, and construction is expected to begin soon (details below). Bids could be received in early 2022 for an additional section of the trail in Robinson Township. Stay tuned for updates!
Jenison Mill Segment – Construction 2022
Planned features
- Connection to trails in Kent County
- Access to Millennium Park & downtown Grand Rapids
- “Gateway Arch and Plaza” at County border
- Bridge and boardwalk over Rush Creek and floodplain
- Scenic riverside views and wooded wetlands

Bill Idema Moraine Nature Segment – Construction 2022
Planned features
- Scenic riverside/waterfront views
- Ascent/descent from top of ravines to river level
- Connects Grand River Park to Grand Ravines
- New trailhead access planned at Grand River Park
- Access to modern restroom facilities on both sides of the trail
- Access to hiking trail systems at Grand River Park and Grand Ravines (nearly 9 miles of trails)

Bayou Segment – Construction 2022
Planned features
- Scenic riverside/waterfront views, including a series of Grand River bayous
- Expanded bridge over Stearns Bayou
- Connects Grand Haven area to Greenway parks
- Connects Grand Haven area to M-231 Grand River Bridge
- Part of possible “Grand Crossings” loop

Completed segments
Georgetown Segment
- Connects expanding Bend Area Open Space property to Kent County
- Connects business districts in Jenison to Georgetown Township neighborhoods
- Grass/Gravel trailhead on 12th Avenue with wayfinding
- Connections to Bend Area hiking trail system, which includes 4+miles of natural surface trails with waterfront views and riverfront loop
Versluis GVSU Campus Segment
- Safe connection from GVSU Allendale Campus/Student Housing to Grand Ravines
- Connections to campus pedestrian/bike system
- Access to campus amenities such as campus store, restaurants, and coffee ships
- Connections to M-45 Business District
- Access to amenities as food and lodging
- Access to The Rapid transit system

Odawa Segment
- Connects Connor Bayou to Riverside Park, with wooded route through Connor Bayou
- Connects to M-231 Grand River River Bridge and trail network on north side of Grand River
- Bridge trail features scenic views of river as well as Connor Bayou and Bruce Bayou
- Part of possible “Grand Crossings” loop
- Trailhead access at M-231 Bridge
- Access to MDNR 120th Avenue Boat Launch
- West terminus of possible 9 mile stretch off road and in park land