Kouw Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kouw Park is a 104-acre park located in Holland, Michigan.


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Summary

It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and is known for its beautiful beach, sand dunes, and hiking trails. The park was named after Albert Kouw, a local businessman who donated the land to the city in 1967.

One of the main reasons to visit Kouw Park is to enjoy its natural beauty. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The sand dunes provide a unique landscape for hiking and exploring. The park also has a playground, picnic areas, and a pavilion for events and gatherings.

One of the most popular points of interest in Kouw Park is the "Mt. Pisgah" sand dune, which is approximately 157 feet tall and offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding areas. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and various bird species.

During the summer months, visitors can participate in various activities, such as hiking, swimming, and beach volleyball. In the winter, the park is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Interesting facts about Kouw Park include its status as a "Dark Sky Preserve," which means that it is an ideal location for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts. Additionally, the park is part of the Great Lakes Circle Tour, a scenic route that connects all five Great Lakes.

The best time to visit Kouw Park depends on individual preferences. The summer months offer warm weather and opportunities for swimming and outdoor activities, while the winter months provide a unique winter wonderland experience with snow sports and winter hiking. Visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak season, so plan accordingly.

Overall, Kouw Park is a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of Michigan and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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