Bayou Segment
Grand River Greenway
A major milestone has been reached in West Michigan’s regional trail system with the completion of the Bayou segment of the Idema Explorers Trail in Robinson Township. This segment officially completes the long-anticipated Grand Crossings Loop—a 24-mile continuous pathway that circles the Grand River between US-31 and M-231.
This loop connects multiple parks, trail segments, and communities along the Grand River, creating opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, and regional connectivity.
A Safer, More Scenic Crossing
This milestone was made possible by the expansion of the Green Street Bridge over Stearns Bayou, along with new wayfinding signage in the City of Grand Haven to help trail users navigate the route. The bridge improvements enhance safety and include two bump-outs for fishing and wildlife viewing.
The Green Street Bridge expansion improves safety for trail users and adds space for fishing and wildlife viewing.
With the completion of the 6-mile Bayou Segment, the western third of the Idema Explorers Trail is now complete. This scenic stretch links more than 1,000 acres of parkland on the south side of the Grand River and provides access to the unique bayou ecosystem found along its western edge. Several public parks along the way offer opportunities to explore this ecologically rich area.
“This project opens up access to a beautiful and meaningful part of the Grand River,” said Monica and Samantha Verplank, co-chairs of the Grand River Greenway Capital Campaign, along with Ambassador Peter Secchia (who passed away in 2020). “This area was special to our father-in-law, Gary Verplank, and we’re proud to see this vision come to life.”
The Bigger Picture: Grand River Greenway
The Idema Explorers Trail, when finished, will span 36.5 miles and serve as the centerpiece of the Ottawa County portion of the Grand River Greenway—a regional initiative connecting Grand Haven to Grand Rapids along the south side of the Grand River.
Construction of the trail began in 2017 and has been completed in phases, thanks to public-private partnerships and generous support from donors and the community.
Learn more, explore maps, and plan your next trail adventure at grandrivergreenway.org.
The Grand Crossings Loop is a 24-mile continuous trail made up of segments from the Idema Explorers Trail, Spoonville Trail, and North Bank Trail, connecting communities from Grand Haven to Nunica. Key access points include trailheads at 144th Avenue, M-231, and Connor Bayou County Park.