11 Reasons to Add Fallasburg Park to Your Michigan Bucket List
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Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is full of fantastic parks, but one gem is Fallasburg Park in Kent County in West Michigan. It has a little bit of everything — gorgeous scenery, history, and plenty of outdoor activities for the entire family.
Let’s take a deeper look at everything you should know before planning a getaway to Fallasburg Park!
Fallasburg Park’s Facilities & Activities
Fallasburg Park Lowell MI sits alongside the Flat River. It was created in 1928 and is 267 acres large. Among its many attractions, the Fallasburg Covered Bridge ranks among the finest and most popular.
Hiking Trails
The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through the park and offers a 2-mile trek back and forth to the parking lot. It’s moderately difficult but should be doable for most members of the family.
As of 2022, there isn’t a network of trails in the park, but you’ll find paths to walk throughout. A 3-mile loop trail is under development.
Ball Fields
Fallasburg Park has two baseball diamonds that are open to the public. One near the entrance was once the home field of the Fallasburg Cubs, a former local competitive team. The second ball field is on the north side of Covered Bridge Rd, near the open shelter and restrooms.
Disc Golf
The disc golf course is a very popular attraction in Fallasburg Park. Parking is available close to the course.
Built in 2007, the course has hilly wooded terrain and open fields. The dense woods make some of the 18 holes very challenging. If you enjoy league play, you should be able to find one here, as well as events to participate in year-round.
Watch this video of disc golf at Fallasburg Park by @mayras_discgolfjourney
The park has three playgrounds, six picnic areas, a covered shelter, and a shelter house too.
How to Get to Fallasburg Park
Fallasburg Park is located about 4 miles north of Lowell Michigan and 20 miles east of Grand Rapids. The area has a rich history, and interpretive signs throughout the park detail that history.
Things to Do at Fallasburg Park in Each Season
Spring
After being cooped up all winter, it’s a joy to get out and inhale the fresh air in the park. When the winds of March and April are blowing, kite flying in the open meadow between the river and the creek is a perfect spring activity.
In April, the Lowell Gravel Road Race begins at the Fallasburg Covered Bridge. Also, the fishing season for some species begins in the spring, and the Flat River is a popular angling spot.
Summer
Summer is a favorite time to take advantage of the 267 acres in Fallasburg Park. You can enjoy a picnic, let the kids swing to their heart’s content on the tire swings, hike the North Country National Scenic Trail, canoe or kayak the Flat River, play baseball, and take advantage of the disc golf course.
Fall
Fallasburg Park is stunning when the colors of fall are on display. Hiking is always one of the most popular activities in the park, along with family activities in the playground.
Photography is a favorite pastime at the park too. Fall is the most popular season for taking pictures of the amazing covered bridge.
Also, the Fallasburg Art Festival is a very popular fall event held in September. It showcases more than 100 unique fine arts and crafts booths. But, it’s more than that. You can enjoy local food, a children’s craft area, live music, and craft demonstrations.
Winter
During the winter months, the four parking lots at Fallasburg Park are plowed when it snows, making it easy to visit. One lot is located near the disc golf course, which is open all year. Two more parking lots are near the maintenance garage, and another is at the open shelter.
Snowshoeing is popular on the North Country Trail, and you can access it near the maintenance garage. Walking and other outdoor activities can be enjoyed from 7 a.m. to sunset. In addition, kayaking is available in the Flat River as long as it isn’t frozen.
Fallasburg Park Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1871 using the Brown truss design and white pine timbers sourced in Michigan, Fallasburg Covered Bridge has a 100-foot span over the Flat River. Builder Jared N. Bresee agreed to build the bridge for $1500. In 1972, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge is one of only a handful of covered bridges in Michigan that still allow auto traffic. Bring your camera, and if you combine the covered bridge with fall colors, it’s stunningly beautiful. No matter the season, though, it will be worth a stop.
A Historic Village
If you cross the Fallasburg Covered Bridge, you’ll see historic buildings preserved from the original Village of Fallasburg. The buildings are maintained by the Fallasburg Historical Society. You can walk through the village, and on Sundays, the historic schoolhouse is often open to visitors.
Where to Eat Near Fallasburg Park
Main Street BBQ
If you’re craving barbecue and beer, the extensive menu at Main Street BBQ in Lowell is sure to satisfy. Open every day for lunch and dinner (except Monday), the meat is smoked for 12 hours and served with delicious sides.
The menu features a creative selection of meat, burritos, appetizers, sides, and yummy desserts. Kids have their own menu. Plus, Michigan craft beers are featured along with some great daily and lunch specials.
Flat River Grill
A neighborhood restaurant, Flat River Grill is in downtown Lowell. The classic American cuisine is cooked over a wood fire, including the wood-fired pizzas and great burgers. Some of the entrees on the menu include steak, salmon, and chicken.
Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, the full bar has signature cocktails, seasonal cocktails, dessert drinks, and a nice selection of bottled beers. The extensive kids’ menu makes this a place where you can easily bring children of all ages.
Big Boiler Brewing
The draft beer selection at Big Boiler Brewing is interesting. Also, it features guest taps, which expands the selection even more. Wine, spirits, and cocktails are also available.
The food menu offers a little something for everyone in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Along with appetizers, there are loads of sandwiches, salad options, and a few select entrees. A children’s menu offers kids’ favorites that are sure to appeal to young appetites.
Keiser’s Kitchen
For more than 75 years, Keiser’s Kitchen has been serving generous breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. This local family restaurant doesn’t offer fancy dining. Instead, you get good solid food and plenty of it!
Casual dinners are what you can expect from this diner food — grilled pork chops, liver and onions, meatloaf, and chicken cooked in a variety of ways. Everything is served with a potato, vegetable, and salad.
The menu also includes lots of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, chili, and a soup of the day. Even kids feel welcome at Keiser’s, and no one will leave hungry.
Where to Stay Near Fallasburg Falls
Main Street Inn
Downtown Lowell is home to the Main Street Inn with six rooms and one suite, all beautifully decorated and offering pretty views. During your stay, you can relax on the wraparound porch, and enjoy the Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV in your room.
A double-headed shower in the bathroom provides an amazing experience. Afterward, you can wrap up in a plush bathrobe and brew a cup of coffee with your personal Keurig. When you’re hungry, several restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Superior Loft
If you’re staying in historic downtown Lowell and a loft sounds appealing, the Superior Loft is the perfect place for you. This rental provides accommodations for six people in two bedrooms with two full bathrooms. Bunk beds make this a great place to share with children.
You can enjoy the view from the balcony and the soaring ceilings. Good food and drink options are just a short walk away, including breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Grandma’s House Bed & Breakfast
If you want relaxing and unique lodging, Grandma’s House Bed & Breakfast in Rockford Michigan of Kent County is an affordable option. Each room has a queen and a twin bed in it, making this B&B perfect for traveling with kids.
A total of four rooms share two bathrooms, and TV and Wi-Fi are available. A freshly cooked country breakfast is served every morning, while coffee and snacks are available 24/7. Shopping and dining in downtown Rockford is an easy walk away.
Bertha Brock Park
In beautiful Bertha Brock Park in neighboring Ionia County, there are 20 rustic camping sites scattered among the trees. All of the sites have a picnic table, fire pit, and trash receptacle. You can bring your own firewood or purchase what you need on-site.
Since these are rustic sites, they don’t have water or electricity. Also, no showers are available, and the toilets are outhouses. However, drinking water is available at water spigots scattered throughout the park. The park is open from Memorial Day through the end of October.
Getaway for the Weekend at Fallasburg Park
No matter the season, family fun can be found at Fallasburg Park. Its numerous facilities and recreational activities will keep you busy. Plus, the location is perfect for indulging in all the great food and accommodations that Kent County has to offer. Plan a weekend getaway here soon!
