ALLENDALE, MI -- Once upon a time, Native Americans and early settlers purposefully deformed hardwood trees to create way-finding markers that pointed trail travelers to natural resources like watering holes or river crossings. These trail marker trees can still be found in the woods around Allendale, where the new

. opens at noon on Saturday, Aug. 8. "Our name is a homage to these trees and the history of Allendale," said Greg Evans, a partner in the new microbrewery at 6035 Lake Michigan Drive. Business partners Evans, father Gary Evans and Jeff Knoblock are tapping eight beers for the new brewery's grand opening this weekend, including an oatmeal stout, wheat ale, two IPAs, a lemon shandy and a cream ale. Longtime homebrewers Knoblock and Gary Evans are working on a seven-barrel system at Trail Point, which Evans said will produce a range of beer styles. "I focus on all styles," he said. "Light beers, cream ales, shandys, pale ales, IPAs, double IPAs, black ales, stouts -- you name it and I've brewed it or will eventually." Trail Point plans to begin distributing kegs at some point soon, and potentially cans, said Greg Evans. Trail Point's first festival appearance is Aug. 29 at

in Muskegon. The bar top, barn wood trim and most of the tables were crafted by Knoblock, a hop grower and woodworker. The 5,000-square-foot operation includes seats for 150. There's no kitchen, but bring-your-own food or delivery ordering is welcome.

food truck will be on hand for Saturday's opening. Greg Evans said the brewery hopes to host food trucks on a regular basis. Trail Point Brewery is open from 2 to 10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Garret Ellison covers business, environment, history and government for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email him at gellison@mlive.com or follow on Twitter & Instagram