Hike and Learn on the Blandford Nature Center Trails
A day at Blandford Nature Center usually makes us think of childhood field trips, but have you ever thought about heading to Blandford just to take a hike?
Blandford Nature Center has eight miles of trails that are perfect for exploring with kids.
Most of the trails are flat and woodchipped, and there’s even a one-mile paved accessible trail, making it possible to navigate them with a jogging stroller.
You can even up the experience by trying an event from their community calendar. Many of them incorporate hikes through their woods, if you wanted to hit the trails with new friends.
Blandford Nature Center is one of over 50 walking trails in West Michigan.
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
natural hiking paths through hardwoods, creek & hills
Trail Length: 4 miles
Trail Difficulty: Easy with some hills
Dogs Allowed? Dogs are allowed with exception to the Wildlife Trail where they are not allowed
Facilities: Clean, modern restrooms are located in the Visitor Center
Stroller Friendly? Probably with a jogging or all-terrain stroller. Most paths are wide enough and woodchipped.
Time of Year Accessible: Trails are open from dawn to dusk year round. The Visitor Center is open 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday with evening hours on Thursdays in the Spring and Summer.
WEBSITE
The Blandford Nature Center Trails are Organized and Varied
Blandford’s trails are organized on a number system which makes it easy to figure out where you need to go when you’re on the trial (remember to ask for a map at the Visitor Center).
These interconnected trails give plenty of flexibility to how long of a hike you want to take. You can keep it short and sweet or you can add on plenty of mileage by visiting the Highlands, too.
There is a small $3 fee to enjoy everything Blandford Nature Center offers (children under two are free).
Where to Head on the Blandford Nature Center Trails
The trails at Blandford offer periodic breaks from hiking to watch animals and give kids a chance to play.
Blandford’s trails span several native habitats, giving visitors the chance to see many kinds of wildlife, including an array of wildflowers. Find meadows, wetlands and woods.
After checking out the must-see Wildlife Trail, we hiked over to the Farm to check out the chickens, sheep, and goats. It’s a quick hike (perfect for little hikers) with some great views of the woods along the way.
We took the long way back through the Back Forty (about a 3/4 mile loop) and then we had to check out the Nature Nook.
The Nature Nook is over by The Meadow (off of the entrance driveway) and is an excellent place to let kids use their imaginations and get a little dirty. There we found a rustic play kitchen and some fun water features for kids to play with toy trucks in.
The Highlands are a popular spot for dog owners to hike with their four-legged friends. You can reach the Highlands trails from the trails at Blandford and continue your hiking for another mile.
Before you head home, stop in the Visitor Center and check out some wildlife rescue animals.
We fell in love with some darling owls and had fun searching for turtles and snakes.
If you visit the trails at Blandford for a hike in spring, you’ll be blown away by the display of wildflowers.
My sixth-grade year here taught me all about identifying different wildflowers, and it’s fun knowledge that I still carry around today!
Winter is also a fun time to hit the trails. They offer snowshoe rentals (free to members) or you can bring your own.
Learn About Blandford Adventures Throughout All Seasons
The Blandford Nature Center trails are not the only highlight this Grand Rapids gem has to offer.
It is regularly humming with community events, classes, summer camps and seasonal festivals.
Blandford Nature Center is a complete outdoors experience.
The annual Sugarbush festival is one of their popular events.
Or take a class or relive pioneer days. They really do have so much to offer.
We hope you have fun on your next adventure at the Blandford Nature Center Trails!
Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Our map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds and parks in West Michigan can help you find your next outdoor adventure near you.
