7 Things You Probably Did Not Know About Grand Ledge Michigan
This will be a fun story to tell, because I live in Grand Ledge and have become very familiar with my home city. It’s a very cool little town to live in, nice people, great places to walk and commune with nature, and a very nice place to live. Historically the early settlers in this area were the Pottawatomi, Chippewa and Ottawa ancestries that made their home near the ledges and huge rocks on the Grand River. The first white person to visit was Hugh Howard, who discovered the area boasted pine trees, woods, sandstone ledges and small islands. When a post office was established in 1850, it officially became Grand Ledge. Later a railroad was created in 1869, and the state incorporated it in 1871.
If you cruise about 10 miles west of Lansing, you will be in Grand Ledge. The current population of Grand Ledge is 7,805. We enjoy a lot of small town activities like summer concerts in the park, the Memorial Day parade, the Night Lights Christmas parade, The Island Festival, the Yankee Doodle Days, and The Island Art Fair. Grand Ledge is located along the banks of the Grand River and about a half a billion-year-old sandstone ledges. That’s where the name came from. You will find many picturesque sights, a lot of natural wealth, and things to do. Grand Ledge is also a vacation destination, drawing thousands of tourists from all across America.
Here are 7 fun things to do in Grand Ledge:
FISHING AT JAYCEE PARK
Jaycee Park
Address: 525 E River St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, USA
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
About a 5 minute walk from downtown, Jaycee park is one of Grand Ledge’s best parks. Most famous for it’s access to the Grand River which provides opportunities to catch Suckers, Carp, Northern Pike, Bullhead, Rock Bass and Small Mouth Bass, and others. Grab your rod and do some fishing!
LINCOLN BRICK PARK HIKING TRAILS
Lincoln Brick Park
Address: 13991 Tallman Rd, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, USA
Website: Lincoln Brick Park
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
Grand Ledge has a lot of great city owned parks, and the Lincoln Brick Park is home to about nine hiking trails that run about 3 miles. You will see panoramic views of the Grand River, and if it’s winter you can even do some snowshoeing.
FITZGERALD PARK
Fitzgerald Park
Address: Fitzgerald Park Dr
Grand Ledge, MI 48837, USA
Then there is Fitzgerald Park, popular for picnics and 3 miles of hiking trails. The most famous being the Ledges Trail with towering sandstone cliffs and the stunning vista of the Grand River.
OAK PARK
Address: 700 W Front St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, USA
Website: Oak Park Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
This is one of the few places in the state of Michigan for some awesome rock climbing. This park features a 20 - 30 foot high towering cliff on the Grand River. You will find almost 100 different challenging as well as easy climbing routes you can hone your climbing skills on. You will have to provide your own climbing equipment, or hire one of the professional guides to learn rock climbing.
ISLAND PARK
Address: 206 W River St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, USA
Website: Island Park
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
Island Park sits in the middle of the Grand River like and island. The parks landscape is beautiful, the scenic views of the Grand Ledge’s natural landscape from the island is stunning. Lush greenery, feeding the Ducks, or taking your kids to the Island playground makes for a fun day on the Island Park.
FUNTYME ADVENTURE PARKS
Address: 6295 E Saginaw Hwy, Grand Ledge, MI 48837, USA
Website: Funtyme Adventure Park Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)
This is the place to go for bowling, arcade gaming, go-karting, golfing and several more. From kids, to teen and adults Funtyme Adventure Park has you covered.
THE SUNDANCE RISING STABLES
Sundance Riding Stables
Address: 9250 Nixon Rd Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Website: Sundance Riding Stables
If you are into horseback riding, or want rising lessons, Sundance Riding Stables is the place to go. It’s a great activity for all age groups. If you do a trail ride, all equipment and safety gear is provided. Their hours vary so you should call or check their website before going there.
Even though Grand Ledge is humble in its proportions as well as its population, there are so many things you can do here. If you have never spent any time in the Grand Ledge community, it’s well worth the visit. You will experience the friendly vibe of small town America with very friendly residents and memorable views.