Idema Explorers Trail
The Idema Explorers Trail is being constructed in phases along the south side of the Grand River. Once completed, the non-motorized, multi-use pathway will be 36.5 miles long. It will connect eight county and state parks in Ottawa County. It will also connect Millennium Park to Grand Haven; the Grand Valley State University campuses; and, hundreds of miles of regional trails, including a direct route to downtown Grand Rapids.
Completed Segments
Jenison Mill Segment – 0.98 miles
Access: Jenison Mill Trailhead (Directions)
Features:
- Connection to trails in Kent County
- Access to Millennium Park & downtown Grand Rapids
- 85 miles of direct and indirect trail connections
- Connects 2,345 acres of park land
- Secchia Grand Connection Arch at the County Border
- Bridge and boardwalk over Rush Creek and floodplain
- Scenic riverside views and wooded wetlands
Georgetown Segment – 2.05 miles
Access: Grass/gravel trailhead on 12th Avenue with wayfinding (directions)
Features:
- Connects Bend Area Open Space to Kent County
- Connects to Bend Area hiking trail system, which includes 4+ miles of natural surface trails with waterfront views and riverfront loop
Bill Idema Moraine Nature Segment – 1.73 miles
Access:
- Grand Ravines Trailhead South (directions)
- Grand Ravines Trailhead North (directions)
- Grand River Park (directions)
Features:
- Scenic riverside and waterfront views
- Connects Grand River Park to Grand Ravines which includes 364 acres total and 9 miles of trails
- Access to seasonal modern restroom facilities on both sides of the trail
Versluis GVSU Campus Segment – 2.13 miles
Access:
- Grand Ravines Trailhead North (directions)
Features:
- Connections to campus pedestrian and bike system, campus store, restaurants, and coffee shops
- Connections to M-45 Business District
- Access to The Rapid transit system
Odawa Segment – 3.5 miles
Access:
- Connor Bayou Trailhead (directions)
- M-231 Trailhead (directions)
Features:
- Connects Connor Bayou to Riverside Park, with wooded route through Connor Bayou
- Bridge trail featuring scenic views of Grand River, Connor Bayou, and Bruce Bayou
- Access to MDNR 120th Avenue Boat Launch
Bayou Segment – 6 miles
Access:
- Connor Bayou Trailhead (directions)
Features:
- Scenic riverside and waterfront views, including a series of Grand River Bayous
- Expanded bridge of Stearns Bayou
- Connects Grand Haven area to Connor Bayou
Grand/Boardwalks Segment – 3.75 miles
Features:
- On-street route through Grand Haven neighborhoods
- Connects Grand Haven to Greenway parks
- Connection to downtown Grand Haven and Grand River channel boardwalk
