Cottage Dream A Reality

“We want to express our appreciation to Brian Bosgraaf and Cottage Home for making our cottage dream a reality and for making the design and construction process such a positive and memorable experience. We can not say enough about the quality of materials and workmanship in our cottage.”


– Randy and Debbie
   Oak Park, Illinois

cottage home community activity

Off the Beaten Path

The lakeshore is extraordinary, but West Michigan offers many places to see, foods to try and events to enjoy, all not too far from home.

Living along the lakeshore offers endless possibilities for new discoveries and sites to explore; so sometimes we forgot all the other great things to do inland. We thought it would be helpful to include a section suggesting some of our other favorite activities. So take some time, step off the path and explore all West Michigan has to offer.



Attractions

Fairs and Festivals



Attractions


Apple Ridge Farms
38419 County Road 215, Bangor, MI 49013, Phone 269.674.4222
For a day outdoors, go horseback riding on guided trail rides through the beautiful woods on their property. Call for reservations. Southeast of South Haven.


Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone 269.979.1351, www.binderparkzoo.org
Hand-feed giraffes and spot white snow leopards, one of the largest zoos in Michigan and home to a Wild Africa Exhibit. Take the train around the zoo.


Bounce Party
4740 Talon Ct. SE #2, Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Phone 616.656.3220, www.bounceparty.net
An indoor arena with 8 inflatable structures from bungee basketball to the gladiator pit with music. Check for special family nights and party rentals.


Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone 888.957.1580, www.meijergardens.org
Discover the beauty and splendor of our spectacular botanic garden and world-class sculpture park. Includes a butterfly garden, nature trail, conserva- tory, and special exhibits.


Grand Rapids Children's Museum
11 Sheldon NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone 616.235.4726, www.grcm.org
A fun and educational children's museum geared towards kids under 10, with national traveling, temporary and permanent exhibits as well as many weekly programs, festivals and family nights.


Grand Rapids Griffins
130 West Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone 616.774.4585, www.griffinshockey.com
Take part in the action at the Van Andel Arena, the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate is Grand Rapids' professional hockey team; a fun time even if you're not a huge hockey enthusiast.


John Ball Park Zoo
1300 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Phone 616.819.3344, www.johnballzoosociety.org
A beautiful zoo for people of all ages to visit, including a chimpanzee exhibit, sting ray lagoon, aquarium, South American exhibit, camel rides, four-story zipline, ropes course and paddle boats.


Magnum Sportz Paintball
596 Baldwin Street, Jenison, MI 49428 Phone 616.667.1508, www.magnumsportz.com/magnumhome.htm
Indoor and outdoor paintball fields, offering private parties and open play, as well as special events and tournaments.


Michigan's Adventure
4750 Whitehall Road, North Muskegon, MI 49445 Phone 231.766.3377, www.miadventure.com
A classic amusement park with over 60 rides and attractions, with a large water park and Boogie Beach wave pool. Don't worry about long lines here!


Public Museum of Grand Rapids
272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Phone 616.456.3663, www.grmuseum.org
Three stories of authentic and national exhibits, explore the streets of Grand Rapids, ride the carousel, see the stars at the Planetarium and enjoy programs for all ages.


Sky High Hot Air Balloons
9251 Garbow Road, Middleville, MI 49333 Phone 269.795.4493, www.skyhighballoon.com
Take a ride of your lifetime with a peaceful hot air balloon ride over beautiful West Michigan, usually lasting about two and a half hours.


Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
6851 S. Sprinkle Road, Portage, MI 49002, Phone 269.324.1600, www.swmlc.org
Visit any of the Land Conservancy's many preserves for an opportunity to check out West Michigan's beautiful natural landscape. Many include forests, fields, streams, ponds, bluffs and beaches.


West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball
4500 West River Drive NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321 Phone 616.784.4131, www.whitecaps-baseball.com
West Michigan's minor league baseball team. Kids and adults all have a great time with many concession stands, games and fireworks. Try the new famous "Fifth Third Burger" - big enough to share with the whole family!


Fairs & Festivals


Muskegon Summer Celebration
Phone 231.722.6520, www.summercelebration.com
The celebration known as 'The Big Party', is a 10 day music celebration drawing national acts during the Fourth of July, and has parades, fireworks, picnics, beach parties and art and craft fairs.


Outdoor Recreation


Timber Ridge Ski Area
Phone 269.694.9158, www.timberridgeski.com
Located in Gobles, 45 minutes east of South Haven, Timber Ridge has 15 trails, 5 chairlifts, and a terrain park featuring a quarter pipe and snow tubing.


White Pine Trail
Phone 616.222.5005, www.whitepinetrail.com
North of Grand Rapids, is the longest rail-to-trail system in Michigan, ending in Reed City, open four seasons.