By Gari Voss
As April 1, 2022 approaches, families are preparing for a week of Spring Break. Most school districts in Allegan County will be on vacation from Friday, April 1st through April 8th. With the price of gas and other commodities high, staycations may be the norm during these spring days.
Around Allegan County and a little beyond, there are a number of possibilities for indoor and outdoor outings.
Biking and Hiking, or just walking:
This is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors. With the cooler weather, the bug population is reduced and the animal activity is increased. To assist with Spring Cleanup along the trails, take a pair of work gloves and some loopers and clear the branches from the trail. It may take a bit longer in the beginning, but on the trip back, you can admire your great work!
Allegan: The closest biking/hiking trail to Allegan is the Allegan Mountain Bike Park. People can bike or hike. The easiest trailhead is 2850 114th Ave, Allegan, MI 49010 near the Allegan Wellness and Sports Complex at 114th Ave. and 29th St. Take a soccer ball or ball and bat and play on the fields before or after a ride on the trail.
Near Fennville is the South Swan Creek Loop Trail. The Trailhead is on 118th Ave. between 44th and 46th Streets. A bit east of the South Loop Trail is the North Swan Creek Trail Loop trailhead. The Allegan Forest Loop – A,K,L,P Signs offers trails year around that begin in back of the Allegan State Game Area Headquarters on 118th Ave. In addition, there is the Wakazoo Trail Loop with the easiest access being the Ely Lake Campground, 5020 116th Ave, Fennville.
Toward Hamilton, outdoor enthusiasts will find the Rabbit River Preserve Loop at 4401 135th Ave, Hamilton,
Horse Trails
For those who own and operate a horse, the Silver Creek Trails, Ely Lake Trails and Pine Point provide 60 miles of trails. FACETS (Friends of Allegan County Equestrian Trails) is looking for volunteers to help remove obstacles from the trails, but these are beautiful rides.
Not fond of the Great Outdoors:
The Regent Arcade Showroom will open on Friday, April 1st. The Allegan Arcade is moving from behind the Regent Theater to 128 Locust Street. Normal hours will be Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-10pm. On Fridays, there will be adult league play and on Saturdays, there will be classes at 4pm then kids’ classes at 5pm. They are open for private parties other days and times. Call 269 720-8137.
Allegan Events (439 River Street) have the ropes course and endless adventurous activities for all ages. Extended hours will be Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. For the best deals and times, call 269 430-3961 or email info@alleganevent.com. Get more information and sign up at https://www.alleganevent.com/.
Regent Theater will offer regular movie hours of 7pm Monday-Sunday with 2pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Mondays have 2-for-a admission and Tuesdays have $.25 Popcorn.
Libraries will have oodles of things for children/students to do. In addition to books, there are games of all types. Have a Candyland tournament or challenge each other to a game of Clue or any of the new games that take players to a new land. Checkout a movie to take home. Follow the calendar for story times and teen nights. A library card opens a plethora of free opportunities.
Volunteering & Spring Spruce Up
The snow has left its mark. Yards and parks are littered with sticks and debris. Spring Cleaning is happening inside homes. Cities and Townships offer opportunities to clean up or out the mess. The City of Allegan will offer Spring Spruce Up from April 4 – June 3, 2022. Allegan Township offers Clean Up days on Saturdays, April 16th and May 21st from 9am-1pm. Other cities and townships have times for getting rid of unwanted items. During Spring Break from school, students can help elderly neighbors, grandmas, grandpas and others with cleaning out items from the house and yard so it can be hauled away or arranged for a yard sale.
