A few years ago, our city began to explore ways to enhance our parks experiences as year-round spaces. However, one area, the city’s Indian Trails Golf Course, seemed to be deemed only suitable for warm-weather activities.
That is until last year, when the Grand Rapids Parks Department under the leadership of David Marquardt, our City’s parks and recreation director, opened the Indian Trails Golf Course to winter activities.
It was so successful last winter that it is opening again for winter activities (and weather permitting) at the popular public access golf course.
Beginning on Saturday, Dec. 14, the parks department invites folks who engage in fat tire cycling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing to make plans to visit and enjoy the trails at this winter wonderland park.
The golf course’s trail system features a 3.7-mile fat tire bike loop, a 2-mile cross country ski course, and a snowshoe loop. And with each paid admission (and provided you arrive when the clubhouse is open) your snowshoe rental is free. Visitors need to bring their own fat tire bikes and cross-country skis.
The trail system will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily … and again, weather permitting. By purchasing a season pass, your purchase helps our city’s parks department groom and maintain the trails, staff the clubhouse, and continue to offer winter activities at the Indian Trails Golf Course moving forward into the future.
You can secure a one-day pass for $3 or for big fans, a season pass at $15 is a great deal. You can easily purchase your tickets
here.
The clubhouse will be open and staffed from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
While at the clubhouse you can purchase hot chocolate, coffee, beer, and light snacks.
“These activities are one of the many ways we’re creating meaningful experiences for residents year-round,” says Marquardt. “Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the golf course during a time when it traditionally hasn’t been used.”
To view the trail maps and read the rules, please visit
this site. Also, to keep up to date on any closures due to weather conditions, please call the Parks and Recreation cancellation hotline at 616.456.3699 or visit the
Facebook page for Indian Trails.