Hike and Climb the Ledges at Oak Park
Situated about 10 miles west of Lansing and along the Grand River, Grand Ledge is a picturesque city. Its name came from the river, which is the longest in Michigan, and it’s most well known for the sandstone ledges that rest along the riverbank. The best place to hike and climb “The Ledges” is in Oak Park at 700 W Front Street in Grand Ledge.
About The Ledges at Oak Park
You can find the park on the northerly bluff that overlooks the Grand River. The 8.98 acres is a quiet space that has recently been expanded, increasing the length of the riverfront to 1,180 feet. Along with hiking and walking the short trails, you can have a picnic under the shade of the park’s mature oak trees. The picnic areas feature tables and grills, and there are places for fishing in the river.
Plenty of wildlife roam the wooded area, making it perfect for nature lovers. Also, rock climbers are attracted to the park because it’s one of the few places in the Lower Peninsula to climb a rock face. They have identified, named, and graded up to 80 climbing routes.
It’s easy to find the cliff — just follow one of the trails to the Grand River where the cliff breaks down on both sides. Since the ledges face south and receive mostly sun during the day, the majority of wind is blocked.
However, roping and bouldering on the rock isn’t for beginners because the quality of sandstone isn’t very suitable in some places. To ensure that your climbing experience is safe, go with a partner or group of people. Keep in mind that lead climbing and rappelling aren’t allowed in order to preserve the fragile plant ecology and cliff surface.
“The trail is narrow and very rocky in places. Totally worth the hike, but definitely exercise caution with little ones.” – @allnatural.adventures
More Things to Do and Restaurants in Grand Ledge
Another park in Grand Ledge is Fitzgerald Park, which has several amenities, including an 18-hole disc golf course. The 90-acre Lincoln Brick Park is composed of woodland and open meadow habitats and more than 6,000 feet of waterfront on the Grand River.
For a different pace, Funtyme Adventure Park has mini-golf, Go-Karts, batting cages, and an arcade.
If you prefer traditional golf, Ledge Meadows Golf Course is designed for all skill levels. And, there are more golf courses throughout Eaton County — Centennial Acres Golf Course in Sunfield, Maple Brook Golf Course in Charlotte, and Bonnie View Golf Course in Eaton Rapids.
After a fun-filled day, you could relax at BrickHaven Brewing Company with some beer, wine, sparkling cider, hard seltzer, mead, and a light food menu. Another option is Sanctuary Spirits, which crafts all of its beer and spirits and has wine and cider. With your drinks, enjoy Mexican food from the pink Pancho’s Taqueria food truck parked in the driveway.
For Italian cuisine, go to Cugino’s, which makes pizza, calzones, sandwiches, and pasta with gluten-free and vegetarian options. If you need a quick pick-me-up, you can get a range of coffees, pastries, sandwiches, and gelato at Aggie Mae’s Bakery.
Lodging Near Grand Ledge
Most people visiting Grand Ledge do so as part of a day trip or longer stay in the Greater Lansing area. If you’re looking for overnight accommodations near Grand Ledge, we recommend staying on the west side of Lansing:
Photos of The Ledges at Grand Ledge
photo courtesy of @seancampster
photo courtesy of @seancampster
photo courtesy of @puremichiganguy
The Ledges at Oak Park | photo courtesy of @allnatural.adventures
Not sure who wrote this, but Oak Park is between 8 mile and 11 mile. By Ferndale and Huntington Woods.
This isn’t referring to the town of Oak Park but rather a park named Oak Park in the town of Grand Ledge.