Welcome to Zeeland, Michigan, home of one of the most loved playgrounds in West Michigan. Any kid under 12 enjoys it – and over, though they might not admit it so readily. When I was that age, I couldn't wait to go back. The feeling of getting safely lost was awesome.

The name says a lot about the construction; the place is made of wood – and the occasional metal chains to climb on. However, the place is also a work of art. A few murals sprinkled around the area, plus little picturesque nooks and crannies and the wood structures make it more than just a playground for young kids; it becomes a photogenic park for the “olders.”

Welcome!

Our can't-drive transportation

Castle-like entrance

Backside of the entrance

Carved version of downtown Zeeland

Mini Western-style town

This space is about a foot by a foot – fondly dubbed “The Cathedral”. It also happens to be my favorite picture I have ever taken.

Happy butterfly

No, this is not filtered at all.

Not all supports are beams...

Shielded by the sun.

Spin the crank, move the clock. Easy.

Ah, so THIS is what makes the place look sun-bleached!

The funders of the park.

The DNA ladder. Kids don't even know they're learning. “Mom, why is that ladder painted like that?” “Oh, so it looks like a DNA strand.” While the young ones might not get it now, later on, in middle school...

The reason for the amount of shields on the entrance must be to really give kids the impression of a castle.

What does the light at the end of the tunnel slide show? Woodchips! Or, for the imaginative, LAVA! Don't go down there, you'll boil!

The tower of reflections! It creates...

… this on the ground. Not quite what you'd expect.

Don't fall in! Our childhood story went you'd never get out. It's more applicable now that my shoulders would get stuck.

There are about four different ways to get from any point A to any point B. Two normally involve crouching down and shuffling along, one involves a large jump, and the other involves a really roundabout way that's twice as long as a direct line. Timber Town's about the experience, not quickness. Of course, you could always cut through the lava...

Even at sixteen, I still enjoy Timber Town. However, now it's a perfect set for Lego stop motion photography, still photos, races at breakneck speed, and climbing from place to place in strange ways to avoid the short places that I can't fit in anymore. Plus, at sixteen, I can appreciate the architecture.

No matter what age you are, Timber Town is for you. All your age changes is what you do there and how people look at you as you climb over another railing. Just make sure to bring your camera.

Harris Boyink is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program

All photos courtesy and copyright Harris Boyink