Howard B. Dunton Park
A serene lakeside park perfect for fishing, peaceful walks, and family gatherings with beautiful sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Howard B. Dunton Park
Best Time
Quieter atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lakeside park perfect for fishing, peaceful walks, and family gatherings with beautiful sunset views.
"Howard B. Dunton Park is one of Holland’s best-kept secrets for anyone who loves being by the water."
🎣 Cast a Line
The fishing pier is a prime spot for catching bass, bluegill, and perch. Bring your gear!
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Paved walking paths and boardwalks offer accessible and scenic routes around the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fishing Pier
Lake Macatawa
Stretch out over Lake Macatawa for excellent fishing opportunities. Well-maintained with benches and railings.
Scenic Boardwalks
Throughout the park
Enjoy peaceful strolls along boardwalks and bridges offering lovely views of Lake Macatawa.
Sunset Views
Fishing Pier
Witness breathtaking sunsets over Lake Macatawa, with the sky reflecting beautifully on the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Pavilion Early
Best for Peaceful Pursuits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎣 Cast a Line
The fishing pier is a prime spot for catching bass, bluegill, and perch. Bring your gear!
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Paved walking paths and boardwalks offer accessible and scenic routes around the park.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic areas available for a relaxing meal with a view.
🛶 Water Access
A canoe/kayak launch is available for those wanting to explore Lake Macatawa by water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎣 Cast a Line
The fishing pier is a prime spot for catching bass, bluegill, and perch. Bring your gear!
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Paved walking paths and boardwalks offer accessible and scenic routes around the park.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Plenty of picnic areas available for a relaxing meal with a view.
🛶 Water Access
A canoe/kayak launch is available for those wanting to explore Lake Macatawa by water.
🅿️ Easy Parking
Free and readily available parking makes getting to the park hassle-free.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Howard B. Dunton Park is widely praised as a peaceful, scenic escape, particularly for fishing and leisurely walks along its boardwalks. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities, ample free parking, and the beautiful sunset views over Lake Macatawa. While generally serene, some reviews mention occasional encounters with less-than-friendly park staff.
"We have alot of our gatherings here because we have a large family. We love it because there is so much room and fun for the kids. It's best to reserve the big Pavilion in advance to make sure you secure it."
Dona Shaw
"Howard B. Dunton Park is one of Holland’s best-kept secrets for anyone who loves being by the water. Whether you’re here to fish, walk, or just relax, the park has a little something for everyone. The fishing pier is the main highlight—it stretches out over Lake Macatawa and offers plenty of space for anglers. It's well-maintained, with benches and railings, making it a great spot for both seasoned fishermen and families introducing their kids to casting a line.
The views from the pier are beautiful at any time of day, especially during sunset when the sky reflects over the lake. I've seen people catch bass, bluegill, and the occasional walleye or perch, depending on the season.
Beyond the fishing pier, the park has clean restrooms, picnic areas, a small playground, and paved walking paths that make it accessible to everyone. It’s peaceful, rarely overcrowded, and feels like a calm getaway right in town. There’s also a canoe/kayak launch if you want to get out on the water. The grounds are well-kept, and parking is free and easy to find.
Overall, Dunton Park is a great spot for a low-key afternoon outdoors. Highly recommend it whether you're local or just passing through Holland."
Kaden Womack
"Nice place to walk, quite a few boardwalks and bridges. Trail connects to bike/ walking path along Howard. Public bathrooms. Good view of lake Macatawa."
S Root
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Howard B. Dunton Park is located in Holland, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. The park is situated along Lake Macatawa, offering scenic views as you approach.
Information on direct public transportation routes to Howard B. Dunton Park is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access.
Parking at Howard B. Dunton Park is free and generally easy to find. There are ample spots available for visitors, making it convenient for day trips.
Yes, the park is connected to a bike/walking path along Howard, making it accessible for cyclists.
While specific RV parking details aren't widely available, the parking lot is generally accommodating. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day for potentially larger spaces.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Howard B. Dunton Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the amenities and natural beauty for free.
Howard B. Dunton Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary seasonally, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours.
While general park entry is free, it's highly recommended to reserve the large pavilion in advance if you plan on hosting a family gathering or event.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, it's common for public parks to have leash laws for pets. Always check local signage upon arrival.
Fishing regulations, including licensing requirements, are determined by the state of Michigan. It's essential to check with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for current fishing license rules.
🎫 🎣 Fishing & Water Activities
Anglers often report catching bass, bluegill, perch, and occasionally walleye from the fishing pier, depending on the season.
Yes, the fishing pier is well-maintained with benches and railings, making it accessible for most visitors, including those with mobility considerations.
Boat rentals are not mentioned as being available directly at Howard B. Dunton Park. However, there is a canoe/kayak launch for personal watercraft.
The park features a canoe/kayak launch, suggesting it's suitable for smaller personal watercraft. For larger boats, nearby marinas might offer launch facilities.
Fishing success can vary by season and time of day. Early mornings and late afternoons are often popular times for anglers.
🎫 🌳 Park Amenities & Experience
The park offers clean public restrooms, picnic areas, a small playground, paved walking paths, boardwalks, bridges, and a canoe/kayak launch.
Yes, there is a small playground area within the park, making it a family-friendly destination.
The park has designated picnic areas, and while grills aren't explicitly mentioned, picnic tables are available for use.
Howard B. Dunton Park is often described as peaceful and rarely overcrowded, especially on weekdays. It's considered a 'best-kept secret' by some visitors.
While not explicitly detailed, most public parks allow dogs on leashes. It's advisable to confirm local regulations upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography Spots
The fishing pier offers great vantage points for capturing the expanse of Lake Macatawa, especially during sunrise and sunset. The boardwalks and bridges also provide scenic framing.
Late afternoons and evenings are ideal for photography due to the beautiful sunset views over the lake. The 'golden hour' light can create stunning images.
The combination of the long fishing pier extending into the lake, the tranquil water, and the potential for vibrant sunset skies offers unique photographic moments.
Drone usage regulations vary by location and park. It's essential to check with local authorities or park management regarding drone policies before flying.
Expect serene lake views, picturesque boardwalks, and the possibility of colorful skies during sunset. It's a great spot for landscape and nature photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Picnic areas with tables are readily available, making it easy to enjoy a family meal outdoors. For larger gatherings, consider reserving the main pavilion in advance to ensure you have ample space. The park's generally peaceful atmosphere means you can enjoy quality family time without overwhelming crowds.
🎣 Anglers Seeking a Quiet Spot
Unlike more commercial fishing spots, Dunton Park is known for its tranquil ambiance, rarely feeling overcrowded. This allows for a more focused and enjoyable fishing experience. The park also offers a canoe/kayak launch for those who prefer to fish from the water.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers and Photographers
The boardwalks offer unique perspectives and are perfect for capturing serene water reflections and tranquil landscapes. The park's quiet nature ensures an undisturbed experience for walkers and photographers alike, allowing for ample time to appreciate the scenery and capture the perfect shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Fishing at Howard B. Dunton Park
Beyond the pier, the park's location on Lake Macatawa offers a rich aquatic environment. For those who prefer to be on the water, a canoe and kayak launch is available, allowing for exploration of the lake's calmer sections. While specific fishing reports vary, the consistent presence of fish and the well-maintained facilities make it a reliable spot for a day of angling. Remember to check Michigan's fishing regulations and licensing requirements before you cast your line.
Pro Tip: While the pier is popular, the park's overall peaceful nature means it's rarely overly crowded, offering a tranquil fishing experience. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings for the quietest conditions.
Exploring the Park's Pathways
These trails are perfect for enjoying the fresh air and taking in the picturesque views of the lake. You'll find opportunities to pause at various points, perhaps to admire the water or simply relax on a bench. The presence of bridges adds to the visual appeal and provides interesting angles for photography. The accessibility of these paths ensures that visitors of all ages and mobility levels can enjoy the park's serene environment.
Insider Insight: The trails are particularly beautiful during the 'golden hour' before sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over the water and surrounding greenery.
Family Gatherings and Picnics
Beyond the picnic facilities, the park includes a small playground, offering a fun diversion for children. This, combined with the open spaces and proximity to the water, makes it an engaging environment for families. The peaceful atmosphere of the park allows for relaxed enjoyment, where kids can play while adults socialize and enjoy the scenery.
Community Tip: When planning a large family event, remember to check the availability of the main pavilion early. This is a key piece of advice from locals who frequently use the park for their own gatherings.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit