GRAND HAVEN, MI — A Grand Haven man has confirmed that he has not traveled north across the drawbridge since 2019, citing concerns about traffic, unfamiliar surroundings, and the possibility that the bridge might open while he’s on the wrong side.
The man, who requested anonymity out of concern that friends and family might use his identity to invite him to events in Spring Lake, says he has nothing against the people who live north of the river. He simply sees no compelling reason to visit a foreign territory when everything he needs is available south of the Grand River.
“Look, I’m sure it’s nice over there,” he said. “But I’ve got a Meijer, a gas station, and three places that serve a decent burger. What am I going up there for?”
His last documented crossing occurred in August 2019, when a family member insisted they attend a birthday dinner in Spring Lake. The trip reportedly took 11 minutes, though the man continues to describe it as “an entire afternoon.”
A River Divided
For generations, the Grand River has served as a natural boundary between Grand Haven and the communities to its north, separating residents by geography, bridge schedules, and their willingness to risk being inconvenienced by a passing sailboat.
While thousands of motorists cross the bridge daily, some Grand Haven residents have adopted a policy of strict geographic isolation.
The Ledger’s Department of Cross-River Relations estimates that a small but deeply committed segment of the population considers any trip north of the bridge to be international travel.
These residents reportedly maintain separate mental maps of Ottawa County, with the northern portion labeled simply “up there.”
“I don’t even know what they have over there anymore,” the man admitted. “Is that restaurant still open? Did they ever finish that road? Do they use the same money?”
Family Concerned About Increasing Isolation
Family members say the man’s refusal to cross the bridge has complicated birthdays, holidays, and occasional trips to the hardware store.
His wife reports that he once drove 18 additional miles to avoid a destination located approximately two miles north of their home.
“He said it was faster,” she explained. “It wasn’t.”
The couple’s adult children have encouraged him to reconsider his position, noting that the bridge is regularly used by thousands of people without incident.
The man remains unconvinced.
“That’s exactly what they want you to think.”
City Explores Diplomatic Solutions
In response to the growing divide, The Ledger’s Department of Cross-River Relations has proposed a series of confidence-building measures designed to encourage peaceful travel between Grand Haven and Spring Lake.
Among the proposals are a voluntary bridge-crossing orientation program, informational pamphlets explaining that Spring Lake residents speak English, and designated rest areas for motorists experiencing anxiety after crossing the river.
Officials have also suggested installing a sign at the north end of the bridge reading, “Welcome to Spring Lake. Your Michigan Driver’s License Is Still Valid.”
The proposal has received mixed reviews from residents who believe the money would be better spent ensuring the bridge never opens when they’re running late.
A Journey Into the Unknown
Despite years of resistance, the man says he may eventually consider crossing the bridge again.
He recently learned that a restaurant north of the river offers a Friday fish fry that several friends have described as “pretty good.”
For now, however, he intends to remain safely within Grand Haven city limits.
“I’m not saying I’ll never go,” he said. “I’m just saying I’d need a pretty good reason.”
At press time, the man was researching whether his auto insurance covered travel to Spring Lake.
