The Meijer store chain got its start in Greenville in 1934 when Hendrik Meijer opened the company's first store. While the company has grown to operate locations across Michigan and in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, the positive contributions of the Meijer family in the Greenville area can still be felt today. The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail in Greenville and the
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail were made possible by the generous contributions of Fred and Lena Meijer.
Greenville Area Trails & Bike Routes
The
Fred Meijer Flat River Trail is a paved route for cycling, hiking, and jogging through Greenville and along the Flat River. The trail loops around town. You can access is from several parks, including Tower Park, Baldwin Lake Beach, Water Works Park, and Alan G Davis Park. It offers beautiful views of the Flat River and provides access to the Flat River Museum and Greenville High School, as well as shopping and restaurants along Washington Street/M-57, near Meijer. See the Greenville map for the Flat River Trail.
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail is a paved trail for biking, hiking, jogging, and roller-blading. It starts in Greenville at Grove Street and connects with the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail, near Water Works Park. See the
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail pages for more about the lengthy trail that goes to Stanton, Edmore, McBride, Vestaburg and Alma.
There are several streets with bike lanes and wide road lanes where cyclists can ride around Greenville. On the south side of Greenville, there is a bike route that circles around Baldwin Lake. The bike route is very scenic, and cyclists need to share the road and ride on the outside of the vehicle lane.
Greenville Parks
Alan G. Davis Park has ballfields for baseball and softball, with ample parking nearby. There are also tennis courts and a large playscape.
Baldwin Lake Beach has a sandy swimming beach on beautiful Baldwin Lake. There are restrooms near the parking area. The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail has a trailhead at the park.
Heritage Park is a small square park at the intersection of M-91 and M-57 in downtown. The park has benches and flower pots.
Jackon's Landing is a small park off of Washington Street that is on the banks of the Flat River. The park has a small picnic area and a kayak dock. The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail passes through the park.
Tower Park has a picnic area and has trails that connect to the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail. The park is also home to Tower Mountain Ski Area, a downhill ski hill that operates during the winter.
Tower Riverside Park offers a beautiful setting and is often used for wedding or high school senior pictures. The park has a scenic view of the Flat River and includes a gazebo-style picnic shelter on the western edge of the park. An historical marker at the park honors John Green, who was influential in establishing a sawmill and much more in the early days of the city. Tower Riverside Park is across the street from the Flat River Museum.
Water Works Park has a ball field, which is not far from the Flat River. You can access the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail from the park.
Veteran's Memorial Park on Washington Street/M-57 has a short walking path, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playscape, and a tribute to area war veterans.
Fishing
Anglers enjoy fishing on the Flat River near Greenville and in Ionia County for smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass season starts on Memorial Day and ends December 31.
A valid fishing license is required to fish on Michigan lakes and waterways, and you can get a Michigan fishing license online through the
Michigan DNR E-License web site and at bait shops and sporting goods stores.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking or canoeing on the Flat River can be a great way to paddle away a summer day. The river offers a peaceful, scenic journey and is a great place for beginning paddlers. Jackson's Landing has a launch dock that is a short distance from the Washington Street bridge.
There is also a kayak launch on on the northeast side of Baldwin Lake. The lake is a beautiful spot to paddle around.
More About Greenville
The Flat River Museum is a worthwhile place to visit to learn about the history of Greenville and Montcalm County. The museum's two buildings feature artifacts and exhibits relating to the town's founder John Green, as well as items from the the early 1900s, such as an 800 lb. bell from the town's old City Hall.
Greenville's downtown area has several family-owned restaurants and stores. You'll also find numerous restaurants, stores, and services along M-57 on the west edge of town and on M-91.
