Massive U.S. Map At West Michigan Park Set For Restoration

Did you know there's a massive U.S. topographical map hidden in a West Michigan park?  Well, it's been around for decades and is now in need of some TLC!

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The map is carved into the earth at Hager Park in Jenison. You'll find the 104-acre park at 834 28th Ave. in Ottawa County. In addition to features like picnic areas, nature trails, and a mature hardwood forest known for its gorgeous spring wildflowers, there's also the Age of Discovery Playground.

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The play space overlooks the giant terrain map of the United States. Raised berms and gravel mark state boundaries and features like mountain ranges and rivers. Around for more than 50 years, these days that map is in need of restoration. Grass has taken over, the details are tough to spot, and unless you already know it’s there, you might just think it’s a regular patch of overgrown lawn.

According to comments online, the park is difficult to spot from the ground. Veronica B. writes on RoadsideAmerica.com,

As of 04/2025 this map is barely there. Mostly grassed over, and even Michigan is near impossible to identify. I have childhood memories of this map so quite disappointed that it's no longer maintained. If you did not know it was here, you'd think it was just a grassy area in an otherwise lovely park.

An local teen, Wyatt Nance has taken on restoring the map as his Eagle Scout Project!

Wyatt has already raised more than $2,500 through a GoFundMe campaign—but that’s just the minimum needed to get things going. With more donations, even more work can be done to bring the map back to life.

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The plan is to clear overgrowth, rebuild the features, and make the map visible and enjoyable again for future generations. Donations will help cover materials and volunteer support—things like tools, canopies, and water for workdays.

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If you’d like to help, whether by donating or volunteering, you can check out the GoFundMe here or sign up to volunteer here.

With a little love and effort, this one-of-a-kind landmark could become a must-see stop for West Michigan families once again!