Grand Ledge, Michigan, is one of the most popular places in the country for rock climbers, who flock here to scale the sandstone routes located high above the Grand River.
Grand Ledge has a population of 7,786 (2010 census), and it's safe to say that a large percentage of these locals may well be rock climbers
Grand Ledge, Michigan, is one of the most popular places in the country for rock climbers, who flock here to scale the sandstone routes located high above the Grand River.
Grand Ledge has a population of 7,786 (2010 census), and it's safe to say that a large percentage of these locals may well be rock climbers. This town is a mecca for folks who love to scale the area's magnificent sandstone and quartzite rock ledges, many of which rise to more than 60 feet. Back in the 1870s, Grand Ledge was reinvented as a resort town, where entrepreneurs peddled the healthful waters from the local mineral springs. In 1891, these savvy developers even built an amusement park here, complete with animals, a merry-go-round and Michigan's first roller coaster. All of this may be gone now, but what remains is a wonderfully scenic town with a friendly, unhurried atmosphere; beautiful nature centers; picturesque historic buildings and loads of charm and personality -- even without the roller coaster.
Grand Ledge is easy to find. It's just off Interstate 96. There's no real renter's peak season here, but the area does get its share of snow and the occasional blizzard, so you might want to avoid a wintertime move.
Looking for Rental Properties
You'll find that apartments and rental houses in Grand Ledge are pretty affordable, and condo rentals are reasonably priced here as well. Be aware, however, that many of the residential properties were built decades ago, and a number of them are even considered historic landmarks (such as the Riverwalk Apartments). Don't let this bother you. These vintage homes have been carefully restored and modernized, and are usually in top-notch condition.
What You'll Need
Once you've found a place, you shouldn't be in for any surprises; landlords here will ask for pretty much the same things you'd have to supply anywhere else. Have your identification cards and proof of employment on hand, and be prepared for your potential landlord to conduct a credit check. If you need answers, ask questions before you sign. And speaking of signing, read your rental agreement carefully. Otherwise, you might commit yourself to a year's lease when you're only planning to stay for six months.
Grand Ledge has a number of attractive, bike-friendly residential areas that feature a mix of Victorian, mid-century and contemporary homes. Here are a few areas to start your search:
West Saginaw: In addition to lovely residential homes, you'll find some beautiful modern townhouses for rent in this area, all close to amenities like Meijer groceries, Family Fare Supermarkets and Player's Choice Golf.
Hummingbird Lane: In this bike-friendly area, you'll find beautiful multi-level homes for sale or rent, including a number of houses built within the last 15 years. It's close to Reverman Tree Farm, Book Bodega and Wacousta General Store.
Apartment Complexes in Grand Ledge
Townsend on the Park: On Ambassador Avenue, you'll find Townsend on the Park, which offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as condos for rent or purchase. These units have dishwashers, microwaves and washers and dryers, and some units have patios and balconies as well. It's close to amenities like Art Van Furniture, Lippert Sports and Player's Choice Golf.
Grandview Manor: Maple Street is home to Grandview Manor, which has spacious one and two-bedroom apartments with oversized windows, covered parking and extra storage. It's close to the Grand Ledge Opera House and the Sun Theater, and not far from amenities like Walgreens and Little Caesars Pizza.
Riverwalk Apartments: These apartments along Perry Street are housed in a historic, beautifully restored 1906 building that's close to the Grand River and scenic Oak Park.
If you like infinite variety, you'll love the climate here. This area does get definite seasons with chilly winters. January highs stay at around 30, but on the flip side, July highs only get up to about 83. As for snow, you can expect about 46 inches a year of the white stuff, so buy some boots and invest in some snow tires.
Getting Around
Need to get out and about? Leave the car at home. The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) will get you anywhere via bus. In addition, the Capital City Airport is only eight miles away while the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids is just 40 miles away.
Climbing Rocks and Riding the River
If you're a rock climber, you may already know about Oak Park, which has more than 100 routes above the Grand River. If you're new to rock climbing, there are several local guide services that provide lessons in the park. If you're not a rock climber, Oak Park is still a beautiful spot where you can stretch out underneath the towering oak trees and watch the world go by. Another great local oasis is Fitzgerald County Park, which is located along picturesque Fitzgerald Dam. It has a nature center and plenty of trails as well as baseball diamonds, a skate park and even a sledding hill.
How about a riverboat cruise? You can get your Mark Twain vibe going with a trip down the river, courtesy of the 1880 triple-deck Michigan Princess, which leaves from the area of Grand River Park. In addition to great scenery, the trip also includes dinner and big band entertainment. Speaking of music, check out the historic Grand Ledge Opera House, which features a regular roster of performances from regional musicians.
Eateries
When it's time to eat, head for Cugino's, one of the town's most popular restaurants. You'll find specialties like beer-battered cod and sirloin steak, all served up with fantastic sides. There's also Sophia's House of Pancakes, where you can get breakfast food any time of the day. To wash it down, stop by the Barn Tavern for beer and a pub-type ambiance.
With metropolitan Lansing just 12.7 miles away, Grand Ledge is just a short drive to the big city, but all that seems a million miles away here. It's one of those places you'll feel comfortable calling home, no matter where you're from.
