Going Rogue in a Grand Way

Hi-o, friends!  How has your September been thus far?  I haven’t been doing much in West Michigan this month, sorry!  There are some pretty sweet things coming up, though, like the awesome *free* Grand Rouge Encampment event.  This Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 18 & 19) head up to the Grand Rouge Encampment just north of Grand Rapids where the Rouge and Grand Rivers come together for historical demonstrations!  There will be military and camp life demonstrations all weekend ranging from Colonial America to WWII.



Logo Courtesy of Grand Rouge Encampment

The super sweet thing about this event is that it takes place next to a modern campground so you and the family can camp there & not miss a second of the awesome dorkiness that is historical reenactment.  I was a theatre jock in high school and college & have always been secretly jealous of those people that participate in events like this.  What fun!  How do you all feel about historical reenactments?  I enjoyed looking at the participant rules, my favorite being “Absolutely no smoking of non-period tobacco products in the historic areas.”  Haha.  I hope that you can go – I am going to try my hardest!  I’m working in the Lansing area Saturday morning & making jelly on Sunday & Monday with grapes from my own vines.  Hooray fall!



Rosy Mounds Natural Area

Holy Stairs!

While the name tends to suggest a beach devoid of clothing and populated by large humans that should keep their physiques covered… clothing is not optional. You should be sure to cover yourselves because this is in fact a clothing-required park. Rosy Mounds Natural Area is a gorgeous park with a long narrow stretch of beach. Because it’s a .7 mile hike to the beach, those beautiful summer days aren’t nearly so crowded here as they are in Holland and Grand Haven, but be sure to wear some comfortable shoes for the hike!

We love Lake Michigan!

I am super pumped to hike this in the fall because the trail is through the woods and I know the color is going to be superb. Rosy Mounds is actually a 164 acre park with lots of hiking trails other than the one directly to the beach. Although this park is free, there is a parking fee from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (which is this weekend – woo-hoo!). No dogs allowed at this park, sorry!

Hey look - it's Me!

The park is located south of Grand Haven in Grand Haven Township on Lakeshore Avenue. From US 31, turn west on Rosy Mound Drive, then south on Lakeshore Avenue to the park entrance on the west side of the road.

xo