As a gal who loves nature and photographing beautiful places, I was floored I hadn’t heard of “The Ledges” of Grand Ledge until a few weeks ago when my friend Jessica posted about it. We visited this weekend after spending the night at my in-laws and had a great time exploring.
For those geographically challenged, Grand Ledge is a mid-size town northwest of Lansing, and is chock full of cute shops, restaurants and Victorian homes.
In the middle of the city flows the Grand River, complete with trails, beautiful rock formations, a few bridges and a dam. Basically a nature lover and photographer’s dream!
There are quite a few parks in the area, but the in-laws mentioned Fitzgerald Park, so that’s where we headed. It ended up being perfect for us since it offers a good variety of activity. The 78-acre park has three miles of nature and hiking trails, plenty of places to picnic, a playground, disc golf course and more. There’s also two miles of cross-country ski trails and a sledding hill in winter. It was $5/vehicle for out-of-county residents to enter {or $3 for locals}.
The park also offers an up-close look at the ancient sedimentary rock lining the shores of the Grand River. It was really neat! It reminded me of our recent trip to the U.P. when we saw the Pictured Rocks {but on a smaller scale of course!}.
We started off by checking out the dam at the back of the park. We went the quick route on the road, but I would love to go back with my husband to hike through the woods next time. There are a few different trail options, but most were at least 1/2 mile.
She’s so pretty, right? I love that sound of rushing water too!
After, we walked to the staircase that led the way to the trails and ledges. The views were beautiful, and some of the best I’ve seen in the lower peninsula. In fact, I learned it’s the only place in southern Michigan where you can rock climb, too. {See here for more info}
I loved that there were very few people on the trails. Such a hidden gem in the middle of Michigan!
I could’ve walked the trails for hours, but of course, with the kids in tow, we were on borrowed time. They were troopers though and loved exploring. It was a nice and easy trail for them, though I did fear my 2-year-old may fall into the river at times 😉 There were a few muddy spots, so if you head there post-rain, make sure you wear shoes that can get dirty.
While on the trail, we came across an old railroad bridge, which was a beautiful sight. I could see some seriously cool photos happening here!
Once we made our way back to the park, there were a few bathrooms and a neat playground to occupy the kids for a bit before heading out.
I definitely plan to visit again — likely in the fall when the colors are sure to look gorgeous against the spectacular backdrop. It’s the perfect place for me to practice taking photos and capture my kids in their favorite element: Nature.
Food Options
Pack a picnic and sit at one of the many picnic spaces at the park or drive into town and check out a new place or ice cream at Lick-ity Split.
Fitzgerald Park is located at: 133 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Where are your favorite places to explore nature?
I think you are great!! I love reading your posts about what is going on in the community and things you and your family have tried it. Thanks for sharing !
Aww, thank you SO much, Melissa…You just made my day 🙂 I have a blast sharing and am so happy I have a few readers that enjoy it! I always open to ideas if you have any too!
Go back for the Color Cruise in the fall! You won’t regret the decision! The ledges and Fitzgerald park were a filming location for the remake of Red Dawn a few years back!
How cool – I didn’t know that! I am definitely looking into a color cruise – that sounds amazing! Thanks for the tip 🙂
Oak Park is a must see across the river. Smaller park, but bigger cliffs.
Great to know – we will plan to head there next time. Thanks for the tip, Staci!
What a lovely post about my home town! You need to come back for our Fall Color Cruise in early October. We have paddle boat rides on the river and wonderful exhibits on the island–a Civil War era camp….pumpkin painting…cider squeezing…..all sports of activities for the kiddies. If the climbers are out at Oak Park, you can see them from the boat ride. The year I turned 50, I did the climb! …….so proud of myself, but that was 22 years ago this fall, and once was enough. I’ve been a volunteer with Eaton County Parks since 1984, and love to show folks around. Did you know we have a wonderful observatory at Fox Park in Potterville? Check it out through Eaton County Parks and Recreation or Fox Park Observatory. It’s kids friendly, and we have adapters for most cameras so you can take photos through the telescopes! Come on back any time!
Wow, amazing tips, Katherine! We’re always looking for unique and fun things to do, so I will definitely check out the other fun the parks offer. Definitely want to do the color cruise now too — can’t wait! Thanks for chiming in 🙂
Did you go to the Island? We should totally meet up for the color cruise in the fall! It’s super fun for the kiddos.
We did not go to the island…The kids were hungry and that was the end 😛 But I will next time, and yes — I would LOVE to meet up for a cruise!!
I’m absolutely shocked by this review. I feel like we were just robbed of $5 to get in this park. The trails were a mess, all of the information signs are so clouded by sUn exposure you can’t read rthwm, the nature center was not open and didn’t appear to be for some time, the decks and steps were rickety, the signage is inadequate with the only emphasis being on disc golf appeared those were paper, but all that is not the worst. The worst was the smell that overcomes you as you cone to the end if the teaIL to the water to discover the smell is the wastewater treatment plant. We saw two very small ledges above appeared swampy horse fly infested mess. Such an utter dissapointment. Guessing you won’t post this, but thought you would at least like to know your review of this place leads people astray, unless you were paid by the county to give it. It’s a scam to charge five dollars to see a wastewater plant when we came to hike. Luckily, our family loves travel and togetherness so we had a good laugh.
Hi Jeanna,
I’m wondering if you didn’t head the correct way for the hike? There is a water treatment plant, but it is opposite of the trails. Did you see the bridge and the play structures? Either way, I’m so sorry you felt disappointed. We love this park, but of course your experience may differ from ours!
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You’re welcome 🙂 Enjoy your visit!
I love living here. And you’re right this is beautiful place to live. Quaint and charming yet hip and young. And as a professional mover I love it when I get to move people into town. I brag about this place all the time. I missed when I lived in California. Couldn’t wait to get back here.