Bayou Segment of Idema Explorers Trail Completed, Finalizing Grand Crossings Loop

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Bayou Segment

A major milestone in West Michigan’s trail network has been achieved with the completion of the Bayou Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail in Robinson Township. The six-mile Bayou Segment links over 1,000 acres of parkland and completes the western third of the Idema Explorers Trail, creating the longest continuous stretch of the trail to date. Improvements include: 

  • 2.4 miles of newly constructed trail through Robinson Township
  • The recently expanded and dedicated Lydia Secory Verplank Memorial Bridge—a 14-foot-wide, multi-use pedestrian bridge spanning Stearns Bayou, featuring two scenic overlooks
  • New wayfinding signage in Grand Haven to support navigation and connectivity
The Lydia Secory Verplank Memorial Bridge is a 14′ wide multi-use pedestrian bridge over Stearns Bayou featuring two scenic overlooks. Photo courtesy of Prein&Newhof. Any external parties seeking to use these images must obtain explicit consent directly from Prein&Newhof.

Grand Crossings Loop 

The Bayou Segment also officially completes the Grand Crossings Loop—a 24-mile continuous route that circles the Grand River between US-31 and M-231. 

“The Bayou Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail completes a trail loop that has been over a decade in the making,” said Jason Shamblin, Ottawa County Parks Director. “It’s a win for our vision of providing expansive and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities while enhancing community connectivity. This trail network wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration and support of many government entities working together toward a shared goal.”

Trail Segments  

Here’s a breakdown of the loop’s segments and managing entities:

Idema Explorers Trail —6.76 miles 

  • 164th Ave to 144th Ave — Operated by Grand Haven Township 
  • 144th Ave to M-231 bridge — Operated by Ottawa County Parks 

Spoonville Trail — 4.27 miles 

  • Nunica to North Cedar Dr — Operated by Ottawa County Parks 

North Bank Trail — 6.2 miles 

  • Fruitport Rd to 144th Ave — Operated by Spring Lake Township 
  • 144th Ave to Nunica — Operated by Crockery Township 

Lakeside Trail & West End Boardwalk — 2.25 miles 

  • 144th Avenue to east side of M-104 bridge – Operated by Spring Village 

Tri-Cities Connector — 0.21 miles 

  • West side of M-104 bridge to north side of US 31 bridge – Operated by City of Ferrysburg 

Idema Explorers Trail – Grand Haven Neighborhood Connector & North Shore Connector (mostly on-street) — 3.73 miles  

  • 164th Ave to the south side of US 31 bridge — Operated by City of Grand Haven

Key Trailheads 

  • William Ferry Park – Pine Street (City of Ferrysburg) 
  • Grand Trunk East – off North Buchanan Street (Village of Spring Lake) 
  • Railroad Avenue Parking (Village of Spring Lake) 
  • Central Park (Village of Spring Lake) 
  • North Bank Trail – 144th Ave Trailhead (Spring Lake Township) 
  • Nunica Junction – 112th Avenue (Crockery Township) 
  • Spoonville Trail – M-231 Trailhead (Crockery Township) 
  • Idema Explorers Trail – M-231 Trailhead (Robinson Township) 
  • Connor Bayou County Park (Ottawa County) 
  • Pottawattomie Park – Comstock Street (Grand Haven Township) 

Click here to download a pdf of the Grand Crossings Loop Regional Context map.