Kayakers enjoy peaceful evening on Gilligan Lake

Justin and Brook Hensley paddle a kayak on Gilligan Lake in Laketown Township on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as part of the Outdoor Discovery Center free program sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Colorful kayaks glided across the glassy surface of Gilligan Lake on Tuesday night, July 7, 2026. More than a dozen people relaxed in the sunshine and enjoyed the fish, birds and dragon flies as part of the Outdoor Discovery Center program sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Two Outdoor Discovery Center staff members explained the lake environment while giving kayaking tips to participants.

Check out a short video of the kayak event here.

The parks events continue throughout the summer.

Two participants in the kayaking event on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, on Gilligan Lake in Laketown Township enjoy the peaceful environment. The Outdoor Discovery Center free program was sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Next event

The next free event is “Blueberry Fields Forever” program is at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64^th St. on Monday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Learn about blueberries and how they have become a West Michigan industry. Bring collection buckets to take home some free blueberries from the 6.5-acre u-pick, organic blueberry patch. Sturdy shoes and insect repellent are encouraged. All ages welcome. Guardians stay with the class.

Huyser Farm Park is 102 acres and contains diverse plants and wildlife as well as more than 2 miles of trails and a small pond. The parking lot is not paved and a gazebo offers shelter. There is a portable restroom in the parking lot.

For more information, visit outdoordiscovery.org. Click on the “Learn” tab and choose “Programs+Events.” Scroll down to the Calendar and find the event you are looking for.

Joy Funk, right, vice president of programming for the Outdoor Discovery Center, explains how to kayak to participants in the free event on Gilligan Lake in Laketown Township on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, as part of the Outdoor Discovery Center free program sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Other programs

Other free upcoming programs:

Aug. 20, 10-11 a.m.: Incredible Insects, Shore Acres Park, 6602 138^th Ave. Hike the dune trails of Shore Acres Township Park and search for insects. Join a naturalist and walk through the park with sweep nets, uncovering the hidden lives of these small animals. Get a closer look at their life cycles, habitats, and unique traits that make them extraordinary. All the materials provided. For ages 5 to 14. Guardians stay with the class.

Sept. 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Birds of Prey, Felt Mansion Garage. Get to know the Outdoor Discovery Center resident raptors – including hawks, owls, and falcons. See these magnificent birds up close, and explore their amazing features, from skulls and wings to talons and feathers. All ages welcome. Guardians stay with the class.

Oct. 2, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Night Hike, Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64^th St., 6597 138^th Ave. Registration required. Step into the woods after dark for a night-time adventure. Use your senses to discover how much you can feel, hear, touch, and even see in the dark. For ages 6 and up. Guardians stay with the class.