Macatawa River

The Macatawa River, also known as the Black River, is located in the lower part of Ottawa County, Michigan, which drains into Lake Macatawa and eventually into Lake Michigan. The main stream is 16.8 miles (27.0 km) long.[2]

Macatawa River
The Macatawa River in Holland Township
Location
Country	United States
State	Michigan
County	Ottawa County
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Zeeland Township
• coordinates	42.85058°N 85.91337°W / 42.85058; -85.91337[1]
Mouth	Lake Macatawa
• location	Holland
• coordinates	42.78891°N 86.12476°W / 42.78891; -86.12476
• elevation	581 ft (177 m)[1]
Length	16.8 mi (27.0 km)
Basin size	174 sq mi (450 km2)

The name Macatawa is a mis-phoneticization of the Native American "Muck-i-ta-wog-go-me", which means "black water".[3] The region was inhabited by Ottawas, Chippewas and Potawatomie tribes prior to European Settlement.

The Macatawa River Greenway is a corridor of land along the river including a number of private and public parcels that provides a green highway for wildlife and recreational opportunities for people along the water. Land along the Macatawa River open to the public includes: Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Hawthorn Pond, Adams Street Landing, Ridge Point Community Church Natural Area, Paw Paw Park, Windmill Island, Window on the Waterfront Park, Dunton Park, Kollen Park and Holland State Park.

A number of entities contribute to the management of the public areas along the Macatawa River Greenway including: Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway (non-profit), Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission, City of Holland, Zeeland Township, Holland Township and Park Township.