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Pink Lady Slippers

Visit the Ottawa County Parks - Program and Events Calendar for event details and registration.

Call the Nature Education Center for more information: 616-786-4847.


Announcements

Historic Pumphouse

Historic Ottawa Beach Society Summer Series 

at The Pumphouse Museum 

July 5, 7:00 PM - "Big Red: Everything You Thought You Knew But Didn't"

John Gronberg, President, Holland Harbor Historic Lighthouse Commission and Valerie VanHeest, curator of the Pumphouse Museum "Big Red" Exhibit share their research into our famous Lighthouse. 

July 19, 7:00 PM - "Those Who Came Before Us: The People And Places That Shaped Holland"

Lynn Austin, local author of "Wings of Mercy"

All Summer Series events are open to the public at a cost of $5.00 per person. Members of the Historic Ottawa Beach Society have free admission to the event.

For more information and programs click here. No registration required.



Macatawa Water Festival Logo
Gabby Canoe

July 14, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM at Windmill Island

Back for its fourth year on Holland’s Windmill Island, we hope you can join us for the Macatawa Water Festival this summer. Designed to get families and children engaged with Lake Macatawa, local waterways and the Macatawa Watershed, the festival features hands-on activities and educational exhibits from over two dozen partners from around the area. Opportunities include kayaking, paddling in a Voyageur canoe (Gabagouache), fishing (17 and under), biking, and other water related games and activities.

To learn more click here.


This Week's Programs & Events

Rosy Mound

Discover the Dunes 

July 7, 10:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Rosy Mound 

The iconic dunes of Lake Michigan are at their peak for exploration during summer. Encounter what life abounds in this harsh environment and discover the story of how these dunes came to be. 

Geared for adults and children 12+.

No registration required.

*Parks Permit are in effect.


Nature and Art

Summer Art Camp

Crafting with Nature - July 10, 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Crafting with Nature + Art in the Afternoon - July 10, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing

Does your child love creating and developing unique crafts? This camp provides the materials and guidance that nurtures children to work with natural materials and create handmade treasures of their own.

The full day camp extends the morning crafting with an afternoon art session with naturalist and art teacher, Nancy Berg.

For campers who are doing the full day camp there will be a break between the two camps for lunch.

Ages 9-12 years old 

Registration required


Upcoming Programs/Workshops

Kayakers

Pigeon River Kayaking Trip 

July 13, 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing 

Enjoy the sights and sounds of of the Pigeon River by kayak as you paddle along the river corridor. Each trip includes a basic kayaking lesson.

No experience is needed. A detailed letter will be sent prior to the trip. 

Registration required.


Grand River Greenway

Old Times, Places & Faces along the Grand River Greenway 

July 14, 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM at Hemlock Crossing

Ottawa County Parks Foundation (OCPF) board member and local historian, Marjorie Viveen, will present stories from the Grand River Greenway. Hosted by OCPF. 

No registration required.


Stars

Star Gazing at Hemlock Crossing 

July 14, 9:00 PM- 11:00 PM at Hemlock Crossing 

Join the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association (SAAA) for an informal night with the stars. Telescopes will be available. If you have them, bring binoculars and a lawn chair. 

No registration required.


Weaver House

Open House at the Weaver House 

July 15, 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM at Pine Bend

Join us for an open house event at the Weaver House, built in 1901. Volunteers will be available to share historical information.

This event is hosted by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks. 

No registration required.