 December
Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this winter, as well as upcoming programs, events, and much more. Thank you for reading!
Did someone forward you this message? Click here to sign up for your copy.
Dec 1-Dec 14 • Dusk to 10 pm • Pigeon Creek Park
 Join us at Pigeon Creek Park to enjoy Lights at Night with Friends of Ottawa County Parks! One loop of our lit trails will be lightly decorated with holiday lights from December 1 to December 14, every evening from dusk until 10 pm. This self-guided experience is perfect for an evening hike through the woods. Check out the trail map below! No registration required.
Lodge Concessions
The Pigeon Creek Lodge will be open for concessions ($) December 6-8 and 12-14, from 5 PM to 9 PM. Enjoy a full selection of concessions, including hot beverages, popcorn, and more!
Donations
The Friends of Ottawa County Parks are collecting adult mittens, hats, and scarves to donate to local charities. Drop off your donations at the Lodge during park hours or at the Nature Center during regular hours.
StoryWalk
The #StoryWalk "Owl Moon" will be available for an after-dark hiking experience along the lighted trails thanks to Loutit District Library.
 The trail loop 1-10-11-29-36-30-1 will be lightly decorated with festive lights through December 14.
2025 Mug Club Memberships are Available for Sale
This year, we received a record-breaking 141 submissions for the 2024 Coffee with the Birds Mug Club Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who entered! A video featuring all entries can be found on our YouTube channel. Our judges had a difficult time choosing a winner, as there are always many excellent submissions, but we are excited to announce the winner...
 Ryan Bebej claimed the grand prize with his capture of an American Avocet.
Ryan Bebej's shot of an American Avocet will be showcased on the limited edition 2025 Mug Club member mug, available for purchase online or at the Nature Center for $25. A calendar featuring the winning photo, honorable mentions, and selected contest photos will also be available to purchase at the Nature Center for $25.
Mug Club Membership
Membership supports the Coffee with the Birds programs and feeding the birds at the Nature Center. Perks for members include:
- Exclusive, limited edition mug with photo contest winner on it
- Event reminder magnets (x3: 1 to keep, 2 to give away!)
- Membership card for free hot drinks at the Nature Center.
- Entry into a door prize drawings for prizes including bird feeders and more!
- Member-Only Bird Walks (Spring & Fall)
- Picnic with the Birds event
You can pick up your mug in person (after 11/26/24) at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing County Park. The Nature Center is open Tues-Sat 9-5, Sun 12-5, Mon CLOSED.
Spring Break Camp Registration Opens January 6
Apr 7-11 • 8 AM - 5:30 pm • Hager Park
Join us for an adventure at Ottawa County Parks' Spring Break Camp! Perfect for young explorers aged 6-14, this camp offers a week packed with exciting outdoor activities and hands-on learning that will spark curiosity and foster a love for nature.
This year's Spring Break Camp will take place at Hager Park, a popular 104-acre destination.
Camp Pricing:
- $200/$225 resident vs non-resident
- Sibling discounts available
- 5:30-6 pm aftercare available for $15
Registration opens on January 6 at bit.ly/OCPcamps
June 21, 2025 @ 8:00 AM - Grand River Park to Grand Ravines
The 3rd Annual Grand Explorers’ Trail Race is now open for registration!
Run through two beautiful Ottawa County Parks in one race #2parks1race
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation and Ottawa County Parks are excited to host this fun, family-friendly run/walk and celebrate the recently completed Idema Explorers Trail that connects Grand River Park to Grand Ravines Park. Come and enjoy nature, community, and some post-race treats.
Pigeon Creek Park offers groomed cross-country ski trails, a lit sledding hill, ski and snowshoe rentals for adults and children, and both cross-country and skate ski lessons (keep scrolling for a full schedule).
Pigeon Creek Lodge will be open throughout the season during good ski conditions offering equipment rental, concessions, and a warm fire. Reminder: Hiking and dogs are not allowed at Pigeon Creek Park once winter operations begin. Horses are not allowed starting December 1.
Helpful Links to Bookmark:
During the winter season, several parking areas are closed. While parks remain open to the public, visitors will need to walk in for access. Here’s a breakdown of the closures and openings:
-
Grand Ravines North
-
Tunnel Park
-
Olive Shores
-
Spring Grove
-
Grose Park
Service Saturday: Nature Center Seed Processing
December 21 • 10 AM - 12 PM • Hemlock Crossing
Native plants are the foundation of a healthy ecosystem! Join us for a morning of seed processing, where we will work to prepare seeds to be distributed back into our parks to help improve biodiversity and restore habitats. All equipment and training will be provided. Registration is required.
 December
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
Moonlight Night Hike
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 12+
Experience your favorite parks in a whole new way and see what nocturnal creatures lurk there as you explore by moonlight!
Nature Journal Club: Changing Light
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+
As winter arrives and light drifts, we'll tune into ways the natural world navigates this season of shorter days and longer nights.*Journals are not provided.
Kids & Families
Tuned into Nature
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 2-4
Kids ages 2-4 can bring their favorite grown up to sing songs, dance, and learn about nature together. We'll spend time making and moving to music based on a nature theme and go outside for a walk to explore it outdoors.
StoryWalks
No registration • FREE • All Ages
Pages from a featured book will be posted along a path for your family to read during park hours. Thank you to our local libraries, Herrick District Library and Loutit District Library, for making StoryWalks possible!
- Dec 1-14, Owl Moon by Jane Yolen - Pigeon Creek
The observatory is open to the public on Friday evenings throughout the year whenever viewing conditions allow. These events are weather dependent and will be canceled if overcast.
Before heading to the park, make sure to check the calendar for cancellations on this page: holland-saaa.org
- December 6, 7 pm - Public Observing
- December 13, 7 pm - Public Observing
- December 20, 7 pm - Public Observing
- December 27, 7 pm - Public Observing
Ski Lessons
These lessons are weather dependent and will be canceled if there is not enough snow. All lessons are offered at Pigeon Creek. There are three options:
Beginner: Learn about equipment and basic cross-country ski techniques. ages 10+; one adult must accompany every two children.
Intermediate: For experienced adult skiers wishing to refine their technique and ski more efficiently.
Skate Ski: For experienced adult skiers who want to learn the basics of several techniques. Skate skis required; limited rental available.
- Beginner - Dec 28, 10-11:30 am
- Beginner - Jan 4, 10-11:30 am
- Skate - Jan 9, 6-7:30 pm
- Beginner - Jan 11, 10-11:30 am
- Skate - Jan 14, 6-7:30 pm
- Beginner - Jan 18, 10-11:30 am
- Intermediate - Jan 23, 6-7:30 pm
- Skate - Jan 25, 10-11:30 am
- Beginner - Jan 28, 6-7:30 pm
- Intermediate - Feb 1, 10-11:30 am
- Beginner - Feb 6, 6-7:30 pm
- Intermediate - Feb 11, 6-7:30 pm
- Beginner - Feb 15, 10-11:30 am
- Intermediate - Feb 18, 6-7:30 pm
- Skate - Feb 22, 10-11:30 am
|
