Macatawa River in Michigan

Trip Overview

The Macatawa River is a short river with the entire length barely reaching 17 miles. Much of the upper part of the river is un-navigable. During Spring and Fall, a person can put in at Adam's Street Landing (Ottawa County Park) and paddle all the way to the Lake Michigan pier heads. Unless you want the bigger lake experience, it's best to take out at Dunton Park (Holland Township) or Kollen Park (City of Holland).

To really miss the westerly wind, take out just before the River Avenue bridge on the South side of the river. The park is called Window-on-the-Waterfront (City of Holland). Total miles traveled between Adams Steet and Window-on-the-Waterfront is approximately 5 miles.

Other put-ins could include the Macatawa Greenspace (Ottawa County Parks) or Paw Paw Park (City of Holland).

Wandering around the marsh from the Window-on-the-Waterfront park can be fun too. You hardly realize you are just a couple streets from downtown Holland when the cattails are high in summer. A good loop can include launching from this point then traveling up and around Windmill Island. Usually takes about 2 hours and is suitable for all ages.

Accommodations:

Restrooms at all parks though they may only be Port-o-lets. No running water available.

Fees:

None, unless taking out at the Holland State Park where an annual permit or day pass must be purchased.

Directions:

Adam's Street Landing - 1,000 feet West of the I-196 and Adams Street crossroads

Window-on-the-Waterfront - 33 South River Ave, Holland, MI

Launches:

All take-outs and put-ins have canoe and kayak friendly launches. Only Dunton Park has a motorized boat launch.

Resources:

Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway

website: www.outdoordiscovery.org