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Print Friendly MapThe Fred Meijer Standale Trail—one of several trails in western Michigan named for the grocery magnate and philanthropist who donated generously to their development—connects retail, civic and residential centers in Walker with Millennium Park along the Grand River. Both the Fred Meijer Millennium Trail and Kent Trails system in the sprawling 1,500-acre park provide numerous recreational opportunities for Walker residents.
Extending north from Millennium Park, the Fred Meijer Standale Trail follows Maynard Avenue before breaking off from the road to share electric utility corridors. The arrow-straight corridors allow for a direct route past residential areas of Walker to retail and civic hubs on Lake Michigan Drive/State Route 45 and Remembrance Road. Trail users should exercise caution at busy road crossings.
Parking for the Fred Meijer Standale Trail is available at its southern end in Millennium Park along Maynard Avenue. Farther north, parking can be found at a small community park on Sunset Hills Avenue and at the City of Walker Ice & Fitness Center on Remembrance Road.
I love this trail! Def recommend. Has some hills, good scenery and easy access.
Great news - the new tunnel under five-lane Lake Michigan Drive is complete. Very nicely landscaped with terraced sides and access to the surface sidewalks leading to nearby businesses on both sides of Lake Michigan Drive.
I started at the north end where there is a small network of trails through the Walker City Complex that includes ball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The trail followed what I would call a "double width" sidewalk alongside Remembrance Road until it crossed to follow a powerline corridor. Residential backyards were visible along much of this section but there was a fair amount of low vegetation so I didn't feel like I was "intruding". Just south of Lake Michigan Drive things opened up with more of a country feel. But I was also challenged by some fairly steep hills in this area. Be extremely careful if you are southbound south of O'Brien. It is a continuous downgrade that makes it tempting to "let it all out" but there are some hidden driveways that you need to watch out for. At the extreme south end I was able to seamlessly continue on to the Millennium trail network.
As the description mentions, there are some street crossings (some four lanes) where you need to take the time to make sure it is safe to cross. In fact at Lake Michigan Drive, signs direct you to a traffic light about a block to the west to cross. A tunnel under Lake Michigan drive is being considered but, for the time being, the traffic light is certainly the safe place to cross. This is not a "get away from it all" trail. But there are some nice boardwalks and the asphalt is still in good shape most of the way. I found it to be an enjoyable ride. And it is a great way to get to Millennium Park from the Walker area.
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