Dogs Leashed
Features
Birding · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Family Friendly
Numerous options for shorter or longer hikes with lots to explore around Sand Creek.
Open year round.
Overview
With its easy access off Lake Michigan Drive, Aman Park has become a local favorite for trail running, dog walking, and cross country skiing for the winter adventurers. Signage can be spotty and somewhat tricky for new visitors, but this recommended loop hike stays on the outer perimeter of each trail, using the
Interpretive Trail as the main connector between each. When in doubt, stay left, or keep your eye on the
Hiking Project mobile app.
As all trails at Aman Park can be traveled in either direction, this loop hike can be traveled in reverse or revised to accommodate groups of varying abilities. The
Interpretive Trail can be a good loop in and of itself or the
Black Trail is another option to bypass the loop along Sand Creek.
Need to Know
Port-a-potty available at the parking area. Can be buggy in warmer months due to standing water.
Description
From the main parking area, head across the street that you came in on to find the
Interpretive Trail trailhead. Head south along the road as the trail approaches Lake Michigan Drive before bending to the north and crossing Sand Creek. Pass the
Black Trail on the right and continue on the
Interpretive Trail.
At the next intersection, bear left onto the
Green Loop (D) toward the western boundary of the park. Before too long, you'll arrive back at the
Interpretive Trail to continue north to the next loop;
Blue Loop (C). This is a lollipop-style loop that makes up a mile of this ~3.5-mile hike. If you're short on time, head past this loop to continue the climb northeast toward the
Yellow Loop (A).
Around the three-mile mark, look for the Sweets Monument at the northernmost point of the
Yellow Loop (A) and
Orange Loop junction. Continue on the
Orange Loop back to the start or take the inner section where the
Yellow Loop (A) and
Orange Loop overlap to visit Aman's Gravesite.
Flora & Fauna
Woodpeckers, songbirds, trillium, wetlands.
History & Background
The park is named after Jacob Aman (1850-1928), whose grave is marked off the
Yellow Loop (A) and
Orange Loop at a boulder with a commemorative plaque. Jacob gifted the city of Grand Rapids the land that the park is now made up of.
Contacts
Shared By:
Zander Göpfert
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