Caledonia Lakeside Park is the Place to Go for an Amazing Day of Hiking, Fishing, Playing and More

A Bit about Caledonia Lakeside Park

Caledonia lakeside park

370 N Lake St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

^{two playgrounds, two ball diamonds, lake frontage, access point to Thornapple Trail}
^{Trail Length:} ^{1/3 mile paved walking path}
^{Trail Difficulty:} ^Easy
^{Facilities: Two restrooms plus an enclosed shelter
Stroller Friendly? Yes
Time of Year Accessible: Open May 1 – October 31; Open 7 AM to dusk}
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If you’re looking for a quiet afternoon at the park, where the pace is a little slower and views are a little more beautiful than a traditional playground, head to Caledonia’s Lakeside Park!

Caledonia Lakeside Park is one of over 50 walking trails in West Michigan AND has one of over 85 playgrounds.

Have the Best Day Ever at Caledonia Lakeside Park

Caledonia Lakeside Park is a beautiful community park on the bank of Emmons Lake, offering sweeping views of the lake, lots of spots to picnic, two playgrounds, and access to the paved Paul Henry Thornapple Trail.

Their ball diamonds are a draw for baseball and softball players alike, and their picnic shelters make Lakeside Park a great place for group events. And let’s not forget the fishing opportunities!

The park is a great place for a more peaceful outdoor adventure. Their benches on the lake beg you to take in the views and the wide-open spaces allow for kids to wander or play.

Picnic tables are waiting for you to bring out your lunch and you can take the bikes (or just your walking feet!) down the Thornapple Trail afterward.

Toddlers would love to play at Caledonia Lakeside Park.

They will enjoy the play structure and would most likely be attracted to the lakefront. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them at the lake (swimming isn’t allowed).

There are also grassy areas where they can toddle around, and you’ll want to watch them on the large hill connecting the playground to the lakefront.

Tips for Visiting Caledonia Lakeside Park

The bathrooms near the smaller playground (when you first enter) may not be open Monday-Thursday, so use the restroom in the picnic building during the week (or play at the large playground by the building).
Kids will love playing by the shore
Ride your bike! The Paul Henry Thornapple trail access point leads right into downtown Caledonia where there’s a nice little ice cream shop. Park downtown or at Kraft Meadows middle school for a nice bike ride to Lakeside Park and back.
It’s great for sledding in the winter.
My kids love the wide open space to run around. A large hill connects the main playground area to the lake, so be mindful of toddlers who may tumble if they’re running too fast.
Take advantage of the dozens of picnic tables. Many are in the shade by the playground or by the water, making them a nice spot to sit and watch kids play.