Jenison is popular with residents who want to be close to both the Big City (it’s 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids) and the Big Lake (28 minutes to Lake Michigan). Like its adjacent southwest suburb, Grandville, it boasts a small-town family feel and tight-knit sense of community. Originally inhabited by Peoria and Odawa indigenous peoples, Jenison owes its name to the Jenison family, which opened a sawmill here in 1864. The name was formally adopted in 1887.

Jenison is part of Georgetown Township, which also includes portions of Grandville and Hudsonville. The population of Georgetown Township is about 55,000, with Jenison accounting for roughly 17,300 of that figure. Jenison and Georgetown Township are in Ottawa County, just over the border from Kent County.

While Jenison does contain some commercial strips – notably along Chicago Dr. and Baldwin St. – the landscape is dominated by single-family homes, farmland and greenspaces. Business parking is abundant and free. A few of the businesses below are technically in Georgetown rather than Jenison, but they’re all close and convenient to each other.

Art & Culture

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Jenison Center for the Arts

Designed to showcase the performing and visual arts programs of Jenison Public Schools, the Jenison Center for the Arts hosts a variety of events, from musicals to concerts by orchestras, in a 1,251-seat theater. Paintings, drawings, sculptures and other student artwork are displayed along the curved hallway outside the main performance hall, visible by entering patrons as well as passing motorists. 8375 20th Ave.

Jenison Historical Museum

A 1903 home is the site of the Jenison Historical Museum, which offers a journey back into what it was like to live here in that era. The museum is open for free public tours every month except February, usually on the first Tuesday and third Saturday of the month. 28 Port Sheldon St SW.

Georgetown Township Veterans Plaza

Veterans Plaza is a tribute to the service of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard veterans. The flags of each branch fly high over a plaza alongside a busy thoroughfare as a perpetual reminder of the sacrifice of the people who protect our nation. 244 Baldwin St.

Family Fun

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Rebounderz

For endless fun and excitement, Rebounderz has something for everyone, including trampolines, mini golf, and a virtual reality arcade.

Photo by Courtesy of Rebounderz

Dunes Golf and Bar

COMING SOON: Dunes Golf and Bar is an indoor golf center featuring immersive Golfzon simulators, a full-service bar, lounge area and lockers. 7561 Cottonwood Dr.

Georgetown Township Public Library

A modern public library offering books, games and other media plus classes and programs for kids of all ages, the Georgetown Public Library also offers computer use, print services, sensory support and community events including a Fall Fest and Community Tree Lighting & Holiday Market. 1525 Baldwin St.

Gleneagle Golf Club

Gleneagle Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course whose scenic beauty, multiple teeing areas, large undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards to deliver challenging play for every skill level. 6150 14th Ave.

Grand Lady Riverboat

Constructed in the style of steamboats that served communities along the Grand River during the 1800s, the Grand Lady Riverboat hosts live music cruises, sightseeing charters and private charters on the Grand River from May through October each year. 825 Taylor St.

Griff’s Georgetown Ice Arena

Home to three high school and three college hockey teams, Griff’s Georgetown Ice Arena has two sheets of ice so it can also accommodate public skating. Owned and operated by the Grand Rapids Griffins pro hockey team, which plays in downtown GR’s Van Andel Arena. 8500 48th Ave.

Golf Rehab & Performance Center

Practice your swing, play iconic courses and enjoy friendly competition with the state-of-the-art golf simulator at the Golf Rehab & Performance Center. Specialized assessments are available to enhance your performance and keep you injury-free on the course. 302 Baldwin St.

Grand Ravines Dog Park

Grand Ravines Dog Park is an enclosed 21-acre off-leash dog park that is free to the public. There doggy drinking fountains, a dog wash station, benches and restrooms.  A small dog area is restricted to pups 25 pounds and under. Part of the 202-acre Grand Ravines Park. 3991 Fillmore St.

Horizon Kids Complex

Horizon Kids Complex offers classes in gymnastics, cheer and ninja, and open gym nights (Fridays) with separate sessions for toddlers & preschoolers and school-aged (kindergartner and older) kids. 6462 Center Industrial Dr.

Jenison High School

This family-oriented town supports the 23 sports programs of Jenison High School in a big way – and the Wildcats play their hearts out in the school’s football stadium, aquatic center, sports fields and multi-purpose fieldhouse. 2140 Bauer Rd.

LiveGolf Studios

This golf simulator facility at members-only Sunnybrook Country Club is open to the public for year-round play. LiveGolf Studio lets you play 200+ courses using Trackman iO radar-based ball flight technology. Enjoy food and drinks from adjacent Rush Creek Bistro restaurant while you play. 624 Port Sheldon St SW.

Rebounderz

Rebounderz is a huge recreation center with trampolines, laser tag, climbing walls, mini golf, virtual reality arcade games and more. Daily tickets are available for one-hour, two-hour, three-hour and all-day access to activities. 7500 Cottonwood Dr.

Wallinwood Springs Golf Club

Combining a links-style front nine with water-lined fairways and greens on the back, Wallinwood is a par-72 course designed by Great Lakes golf architect Jerry Matthews. Indoor golf simulators keep your game sharp during the winter and on-site restaurant, Wood Grille, is open to all. 8512 Weatherwax Dr.

Food & Drink

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Bangkok Taste

Thai offerings at Bangkok Taste include cooked-to-order noodle and stir-fry dishes with a variety of spice profiles. Dine-in or takeout. 674 Baldwin St.

Biggby Coffee

East Lansing, Michigan-based Biggby Coffee features a variety of coffee and tea drinks, “bragel” sandwiches, muffins and to-go selections. 7589 Cottonwood Dr.

Boardwalk Subs

One of seven West Michigan locations, the Jenison Boardwalk Subs features 26 different 15”-long sub sandwiches topped with your choice of veggies, sauces and spices. Salads, chili, combo meals, sides and fountain drinks round out the menu. 672 Baldwin St.

Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen

The pizzas at Licari’s are the best in the state, according to a statewide survey by MLive Media Group. Also on the menu: delicious pastas, panettis, antipasti, salads, desserts and adult beverages. 3627 Baldwin St.

Lombardo’s Pizza

In addition to a wide range of pizzas and sub sandwiches, Lombardo’s offers pastas, stromboli, salads, some south-of-the-border favorites and more. Dine-in or takeout. 666 Baldwin St.

Los Ranchos Mexican Restaurant

Authentic Mexican food and beverages, from tacos, tortas and chimichangas to margaritas, cantaritos and micheladas, distinguish the menu at Los Ranchos Mexican Restaurant. 1814 Baldwin St.

New Beginnings

The Jenison New Beginnings is one of 11 West Michigan locations serving up a large variety of breakfast and lunch selections at an affordable price. 2722 Port Sheldon St.

Peppino’s Pizzeria & Sports Grille

Peppino’s is a local pizzeria chain serving specialty pies and other Italian fare in a casual setting. Full bar, Sunday brunch and daily food & drink specials. 135 Chicago Dr #4.

Rush Creek Bistro

Located in members-only Sunnybrook Country Club but open to the public, Rush Creek Bistro delights with classic American meals – including signature dishes served on a 500˚ volcanic fire rock – plus a full complement of adult beverages and patio seating overlooking the golf course. Sunday brunch. 624 Port Sheldon St.

Stir Fry Express

Casual Chinese restaurant serves a wide array of traditional dishes including sesame chicken, crab Rangoon, sweet-and-sour chicken and vegetarian selections. Cash-only. 1941 Baldwin St.

Tacos El Cunado

This quick-service restaurant chain offers some of the best Mexican food in town, according to numerous local surveys. Head to Tacos El Cunado Jenison for authentic tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos and more. 7589 Cottonwood Dr.

Uplift Nutrition

Uplift Nutrition serves up protein shakes, smoothies, teas, coffees, refreshers and more, including vegan and non-dairy options. 381 Baldwin St B.

The Win Tavern 33

The Win Tavern 33 was Jenison’s first bar when it opened in 2016. (The “33” refers to 1933, the year Prohibition ended.) Today, it’s a popular destination for burgers, salads, sandwiches and Sunday breakfast, along with beer, wine and cocktails. 7628 Georgetown Center Dr.

Also in Jenison: Arby’s, Big Apple Bagels, Culver’s, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Domino’s Pizza, Dunkin’, Fazoli’s, Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Jimmy John’s, KFC, Little Caesars Pizza, Marco’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Palermo Pizza, Papa Murphy’s, Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Wing Boss.

Outdoor Adventure

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8th Avenue Georgetown Community Park

Amenities at 8th Avenue Georgetown Community Park include a beach and swimming lake (no lifeguard on duty), walking trail around the lake, fishing area, playground and picnic areas. Non-resident visitors are charged a fee of $5 per adult and $3 per child. 7050 8th Ave.

Baldwin Bicycle Trail

The Baldwin Bicycle Trail connects the 15-mile Kent Trails system (which originates near GR’s John Ball Zoo) with the in-progress Idema Explorers Trail that will eventually go 36 miles to Grand Haven on the Lake Michigan shore. The trails are paved. You can access the Baldwin Bicycle Trail near the Clean Water Treatment Plant at 15 Baldwin St.

Bend Area Open Space

Bend Area encompasses 421 acres of mostly wooded land and nearly two miles of Grand River frontage. There are no designated trails, but hikers and cross-country skiers are free to blaze their own paths . Dogs are allowed on or off leash. 9500 12th Ave.

Grand Ravines County Park

Awarded the mparks (Michigan Recreation and Park Association) Design Award in 2018, Grand Ravines is a 202-acre park with a half mile of frontage on the Grand River. Hiking trails, fishing area, a pedestrian suspension bridge, lodge, restored barn and windmill, and 21-acre off-leash dog park are among the attractions at the park, which contains North (9920 42nd Ave) and South (3991 Fillmore St) sections.

Grand River Park

Offering a boat launch, accessible kayak and canoe launch, fishing dock, playground and hiking trails, Grand River Park is a 162-acre greenspace on the banks of the Grand River. Also features a one-mile family-friendly sensory trail, river and wetland overlooks, and a fully enclosed picnic building. 9473 28th Ave.

Hager Park

Recreational opportunities at Hager Park include nature trails, a horseshoe pit and extensive picnic area\s. The Age of Discovery playground overlooks a terrain map of the U.S. Puts on a show of spectacular wildflowers in spring. 8212 28th Ave.

Idema Explorers Trail

The Idema Explorers Trail is a 10’-wide paved trail that will eventually span 36.5 miles from Millennium Park to the Lake Michigan community of Grand Haven, connecting eight county and state parks along the way. Much of the Jenison section is complete and you can access the trail from Bend Area Open Space (8914 12th Ave), Grand Ravines Park South (3991 Fillmore St), Grand Ravines Park North (9920 42nd Ave), Grand River Park (9473 28th Ave) and Jenison Mill (7746 Cottonwood Dr). The trail is an integral part of the Grand River Greenway, an ambitious project to connect Grand Rapids to Grand Haven by hiking and water trails.

Maplewood Park

A splash pad, lake, walking path, athletic fields and a modern playground greet visitors to Maplewood Park. The small man-made lake has a dock for fishing, but no swimming is allowed. Non-residents must pay a fee of $5 per adult and $3 per child to access the park.

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is a small greenspace with a playground, pavilion, ball diamond, soccer field and tennis courts. 7190 12th Ave.

Rosewood Park

Rosewood Park offers a splash pad, playground equipment, disc golf, walking track, picnic tables and shelters, soccer field and winter sledding hill. 18th Ave and Rosewood St.

Rush Creek Park

Rush Creek Park includes a disc golf course, ball diamond, soccer field, tennis court, playground, pavilion and trails. 6701 Bridgeport Dr.

Woodcrest Park

Woodcrest is a quaint little park with a fire truck playground and soccer field. 1290 Baldwin St.

Clothing & Home Goods

Mel Trotter Thrift Store sells a variety of gently used clothing, shoes, books, furniture, small appliances and household goods in support of a local mission. 7500 Cottonwood Dr.

RepcoLite sells its own brand of locally made paints as well as many other paints, stains and coatings. 584 Chicago Dr.

Rustic Corner is a home goods store offering a wide variety of furniture and home décor in many different styles. 970 Chicago Dr.

Food & Drink

Family Fare is a Michigan chain stocking a wide range of grocery, bakery, deli, meat and produce, including organic and bulk selections. In-store pharmacy. 1965 Baldwin St.

The Georgetown Township Farmers Market is held from 4-8pm Mondays in summer, outside the Georgetown Township Public Library (1525 Baldwin St).

Bob’s Butcher Block features fresh-cut meats, sausages and more. 264 Church St.

The Gordon Food Service Store is a food service and grocery store operated by Grand Rapids-based Gordon Food Service, the largest family-operated broad-line food distribution company in North America. 7434 Cottonwood Dr.

Ida’s Pastry Shoppe has been satisfying Jenison’s sweet tooth with donuts, pastries and other baked goods since 1981. 7645 Riverview Dr.

Hobbies & Interests

Country Needleworks has been carrying  yarns, knitting accessories and other crafting supplies since 1981. 584 Chicago Dr #2.

Outdoorsmen Pro Shop offers a wide selection of quality fishing gear and hunting accessories. 678 Baldwin St.

Village Bike and Fitness has been selling and servicing bikes and a wide range of fitness equipment since 1974. 450 Baldwin St.

Hudsonville Dahlia Farm offering online flower ordering and inviting visitors to stroll through their gardens from mid-August through early October. 1919 Barry St.

Also in Jenison: Aldi, At Home, Chow Hound Pet Supplies, Dollar Tree, Field’s Fabrics, Meijer, Walgreen’s

Places to Stay

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Staybridge Suites Grand Rapids SW - Potomac Circle, side view of outdoor entrance, 2022

Staybridge Suites Grand Rapids SW - Potomac Circle, side view of outdoor entrance, 2022

Photo by Experience GR

Bazan Baldwin Oaks Family Campground

With paved roads, a large heated pool, game room, playgrounds, basketball court, store and much more, Bazan Baldwin Oaks Family Campground is a great place to set up a motorhome, trailer, pop-up or tent. Open for summer and winter camping. 4700 Baldwin St.

Steamboat Park Campground            

Situated on the banks of the Grand River, Steamboat Park features 108 full hook-up RV sites along with a boat ramp, free use of watercraft, a heated pool, playground, bathhouse and more. 825 Taylor St.

Grandville Hotels

Comfort Suites Grandville,  Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids South, Residence Inn Grand Rapids West, SpringHill Suites Grand Rapids West and Staybridge Suites Grand Rapids SW are all just minutes from Jenison.

Jenison Memorial Day Parade

Jenison holds an annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony honoring veterans along Baldwin St. After the parade, there is a ceremony at Georgetown Township Cemetery.