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Upper Macatawa Natural Area

Upper Macatawa Natural Area, East
1300 - 84th Avenue (approx.)
Zeeland, MI 49464

Upper Macatawa Natural Area, West
2171 - 76th Avenue (approx.)
Zeeland, MI 49464

The Upper Macatawa Conservation Area, located in Zeeland Township, now includes 612 acres with the potential for up to 700 acres in the future. With input from county residents, guidance from the Macatawa Greenway Partnership and funding from the Holland-Zeeland Community Foundation, a master plan was approved in 2006 to guide the development of this project.

In addition to recreation, the plan recognizes the value of the site for water quality improvement, flood water storage and wildlife habitat enhancement. The majority of master plan improvements for the UMCA have been completed including construction of key parking areas on 84th and 76th Avenues as well as the development of footbridges, picnic areas and overlooks. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, including a section of paved trail that will be part of the future greenway trail system are also being completed. Additional wetland restoration and a remeander of a section of the river channel, funded with a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Michigan Initiative, $100,000 in private dollars donated through the Macatawa Greenway Partnership plus park millage funds, has also been completed. Another restoration project, funded through the Michigan Department of Transportation, created over 18 acres of wooded and shrub-scrub wetlands for mitigation purposes.

Park Map - This printable map shows facilities, parking areas, features and trails (if any).

Facilities

• Parking lots on 76th and 84th Avenues.
• Hiking and cross-country ski trails
• 0.5 miles of paved trail beginning at the 84th Ave. access leading to a scenic overlook platform
• Picnic tables
• Rustic toilets

Fees

There are no entry fees.

Dog Policy

Dogs are permitted at Upper Macatawa Natural Area. For the safety and enjoyment of all park guests, pets must be on ten foot leashes and under control. Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle. Please be aware that archery hunters may be present during the fall. Recognizing that most dogs enjoy running and playing freely, many Ottawa County Open Space Lands allow dogs year-round off leash.

Directions

The Upper Macatawa Natural Area is located in Zeeland Township. The 84th Avenue access is located on 84th Avenue north of Adams Street. The 76th Avenue access is located on 76th Avenue south of Byron Road.

Parks Administration Office

General Park Hours*

March 1 - October 15
7:00am - 10:00pm
October 16 - February 28
7:00am - 8:00pm

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