Kirk Park - West Olive, MI
Kirk Park – Dog-Friendly Beach and Trails in West Olive, Michigan
Kirk Park is a popular dog park in West Olive, Michigan, offering a scenic combination of pet-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Known for its accessibility and well-maintained amenities, the park is a favorite spot for local dog owners looking to explore beautiful woodlands and spend time by the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, making it welcoming for all visitors.
Dog owners will appreciate the dedicated dog beach located on the south end, where dogs are allowed off-leash to play and swim. Aside from the dog beach, dogs must stay leashed (6ft leash required) throughout the rest of the park. Amenities include covered shelters, picnic tables, barbecue grills, public restrooms, water and waste stations, and a playground for kids. Kirk Park operates year-round, but note that parking passes are required during the summer months. With trails, shaded areas, and plenty of space for dogs and families alike, Kirk Park stands out as a top destination for dog-friendly hiking and beach outings in Ottawa County.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash on the designated dog beach on the south end of the park.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs need to be on a 6ft leash in areas outside the dog beach and must have proper tags.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, there are dog poop bag dispensers and trash cans available.
- Is there a swim area for dogs? Yes, the dog beach provides a space for dogs to swim off-leash.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, multiple picnic tables and a large gazebo provide seating and shelter.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, shaded areas and covered shelters are available throughout the park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are public restrooms in the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park has wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a large play scape and various kid-friendly amenities within the park.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Parking passes are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend; daily and seasonal passes are available.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnic tables and barbecue grills are available for public use.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Kirk Park features multiple hiking trails suitable for dogs and families.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot on-site; fees apply during summer.
Reviews
This is a beautiful little park! They have a really nice Play scape for the kids with a soft rubber ground incase they fall. A large gazebo for your picnics as well as lots of random picnic spots with tables and grills. There is a nice paved path down to the beach where a pet friendly beach waits for you!. A scenic overlook for those amsunset photos too!. The only down side to the park is you have to pay to park (NULL I think) but totally worth it to avoid the crowds at other nearby beaches and parks.
It’s a great park but they need to have more signage for the dog beach. Also, there are always people on staff but they never designate anyone to watch people bring dogs on to the people beach. Other than that it’s a great park, cool playground, lots of shade, grills, picnic tables, and some very nice bathrooms.
Love this place. Choose which path takes you to the dog beach flat or lots of stairs.
Got there early to avoid a crowd. Only took a couple hours after arriving beach became quite busy. After all it was a beautiful day to be at the beach. Long spans of beach only limited by buoys and private residences. Plenty of beach to enjoy. Trails picnic areas and trails. Definitely will return.
This is a great place to go for some time at the beach and/or a hike. Especially if you want a place to take your dog. We usually go to the dog beach on the South end of the park. But there’s also a humans only side on the North end. Dogs are allowed year round but can only be off leash on the dog beach otherwise they need to be on a 6ft leash and have their tags on them. There’s bathrooms here and trash cans. Even dog poop bag dispensers. The trails are well maintained although in the winter I would be careful for ice. Parking passes are required from memorial day weekend through labor day weekend. They sell day passes at the machine and yes someone comes by to check them. Or you can buy a pass for the season online and it works for all county parks