Muskegon River: Thornapple Access

County: Newaygo
Features
  • Fishing
  • Water Feature
Amenities
  • Accessible
  • Canoe/Boat Launch
  • Parking
  • Restrooms

At a Glance

  • Thornapple Access: 3550 Timberview Dr, Newaygo, MI 49337
  • The Muskegon River is the second longest river in Michigan and is known for its good fishery which includes the threatened Lake Sturgeon, and it’s history as one of the major timber producing rivers.
  • River miles to Henning Park access – 6 miles
  • Float time to Henning Park is approximately 2.5 hours
  • The Thornapple Access is managed by the DNR and the Henning Park access is managed by Newaygo County Parks. Please direct questions about these access points to the managing organizations.
  • Learn more about Muskegon River access points.

Visitor Information

The Thornapple access is a Michigan DNR access point located off of Thornapple Road about a mile north of M-82. Restrooms are available at both the Thornapple access and Henning Park.  Henning Park also has picnic areas and campground facilities.  A vehicle permit (fee) is required for Henning Park. The City of Newaygo is just downstream of Henning Park, and is also an easy drive southwest from the park for other amenities.

What to See

This section of the river is characterized by a good current and some impressive slopes towering overhead. There is an active blue heron rookery tucked into a property along this stretch, as well.

Conservation Value

The Muskegon River is the second longest river in Michigan and is known for its good fishery which includes the threatened Lake Sturgeon. Several tributary streams and wetlands supply high quality cold water to the Muskegon River in this section.

History

Through partnerships with six families, the Land Conservancy has protected more than 500 acres of land and five miles of river frontage in the Muskegon River watershed. The Land Conservancy worked with the Veit, Sutton, and Leaver families to protect more than 400 acres of land and 3.5 miles of frontage along this stretch of river.

Features
  • Fishing
  • Water Feature
Amenities
  • Accessible
  • Canoe/Boat Launch
  • Parking
  • Restrooms

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