Grass River Natural Area

Grass River Natural Area 7 miles of trails open dawn to dusk in Bellaire, MI. Grass River Center open 10-4 7 days/wk May-Oct & Sat/Sun Nov-Apr

7 miles of trails & boardwalks, open year-round, 365 days, from dawn to dusk. The Grass River Center is open 10am to 4pm 7 days a week from May through October and 10am to 4pm Sat & Sun from November - April. Nestled in the hills of Antrim County in Michigan's northwest corner of the lower peninsula, the Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) encompasses lakes, a meandering river, rushing streams and cry

stal clear creeks — a haven for plant and animal life, including both rare and endangered species. This natural area project lies midway on the renowned Chain of Lakes waterway, a connector of Torch and Clam lakes, and Lake Bellaire. Grass River Natural Area is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Stop by to see what’s happening at the Natural Area, peruse the informative displays, and browse the bookstore. Educational classes for children, adults and school groups, emphasizing the environment and water and land protection are at the core of the popular outdoor curriculum. A network of trails with observation platforms and boardwalks traverse an educational area providing easy access to upland, wetland and aquatic habitats. A portion of this seven mile system is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Grass River Natural Area is publicly owned and managed by a local volunteer board of directors dedicated to water and land protection and environmental education. Visitors are welcome year-round from dawn 'til dusk. GRNA is free to visitors, who are encouraged in return to become volunteers and contributors.

We had a great day for a native plant sale today. Any remaining native plants are still available for purchase at the Gr...
06/07/2026

We had a great day for a native plant sale today. Any remaining native plants are still available for purchase at the Grass River Center daily 10am-4pm until they run out!

We’ve been having a blast at FenFest! Thanks to everyone that has joined us to celebrate Grass River’s wetlands and nati...
06/05/2026

We’ve been having a blast at FenFest! Thanks to everyone that has joined us to celebrate Grass River’s wetlands and native plants. Our native plant sale is tomorrow/Saturday from 10am to 1pm. Join us and add some native plants to the landscape.

06/04/2026
Enjoy a short leisurely stroll on our new boardwalks to the river to listen and look for birds. We will learn to recogni...
06/03/2026

Enjoy a short leisurely stroll on our new boardwalks to the river to listen and look for birds. We will learn to recognize some of the most common warblers, sparrows, and other wetland birds by song, and use binoculars to watch for others. Binoculars are available to borrow if you do not have your own.

Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups!Jun...
06/03/2026

Families with children ages 0–5 are invited to join us at Grass River Natural Area for free, nature-based playgroups!

June 4, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 AM

Enjoy stories, playtime, snacks, and connection with other families — all in the beauty of the outdoors. No pre-registration needed!

Offered in partnership with NMCAA and the Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition of Traverse Bay.

Join us for our Sedge Walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 10:00-11:30amSedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooke...
06/02/2026

Join us for our Sedge Walk on Thursday, June 4, 2026 - 10:00-11:30am
Sedges are wonderful plants that are often overlooked because they can be difficult to identify. On this leisurely stroll on wetland boardwalks, we will learn some of the most common sedges you are likely to encounter in northern Michigan. By the end of the class you will walk away with an identification guide and a new-found appreciation for these unique plants. - $10 per person. Please register at grassriver.org

Join us for FenFest 2026! This is A Weekend Celebration of Wetlands - June 4-7! We have great programs scheduled through...
06/01/2026

Join us for FenFest 2026! This is A Weekend Celebration of Wetlands - June 4-7! We have great programs scheduled throughout the weekend including our annual Native Plant Sale. To find out more details and to register for events go to grassriver.org

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening at Riverfest. Your ticket includes a night of delicious food, live music, a...
05/29/2026

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening at Riverfest. Your ticket includes a night of delicious food, live music, and exciting auction experiences. Start with cocktails on the patio, then take your reserved seat for dinner and enjoy the festivities as you bid on incredible items. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement at Riverfest 2026!

Address

6500 Alden Highway
Bellaire, MI
49615

Opening Hours

Monday 6:30am - 8:30pm
Tuesday 6:30am - 8:30pm
Wednesday 6:30am - 8:30pm
Thursday 6:30am - 8:30pm
Friday 6:30am - 8:30pm
Saturday 6:30am - 8:30pm
Sunday 6:30am - 8:30pm

Telephone

+12315338576

Website

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