Grand Haven State Park is a public recreation area located on the shores of Lake Michigan, on the south side of the mouth of the Grand River and harbor in Grand Haven, Michigan. The state park covers 48 acres (19 hectares) and is made up completely of beach sand. It offers camping and beach activities, as well as scenic views of the Grand Haven South Pierhead Entrance Light and the Grand Haven South Pierhead Inner Light.

Features

The park is surrounded by Lake Michigan to the west, the Grand River to the north, and City Beach to the south. A large pier near the state park holds the harbor's entrance light and inner lighthouse (shown at right). This pier connects to a boardwalk that stretches about one mile upstream toward Grand Haven's commercial area. The beach and park were formed when a structure built to protect the harbor entrance stopped the natural movement of sand along the shore.

History

The park was one of 13 parks created in 1920, after the Michigan State Parks Commission was set up in 1919. The park, often called "The Oval," was originally a 35-acre public beach that the city bought for $1,000. In 1920, the 22 acres near the pier were transferred from the city to the state for $1.00 to be used as a state park. The land to the south was kept as City Beach.

Activities and amenities

Besides swimming and other beach activities, the park offers a 174-site campground, rental house, fishing pier, picnicking area, and playground.