Grand Rapids is teeming with parks and green spaces. Despite this, the city’s parks system gets some bad reviews online.
Fall is chili season, and there are tons of delicious cook-off events happening on a weekly basis. One of the top ones is this weekend, hosted by the nonprofit Fans of Valley Field. Read on for some ideas.
What to Expect
Grand Rapids has a lot to offer, whether it’s a summer afternoon kayaking on the river or a cold winter day strolling through one of the city’s museums. The city’s diverse offerings make it a destination worth visiting all year round.
Located north of Downtown, Comstock Riverside Park is a massive urban park with lots of open space and scenic vistas. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic and is also popular for disc golf and fishing on the Grand River.
For a bite to eat, travelers can visit a variety of local restaurants, including upscale dining at Anna’s House and casual options like Corner Bar. The area also has several breweries and coffee shops, such as Madcap Coffee Company and Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge. For a sweet treat, there are several great local ice cream shops and dessert places, such as Pinkie’s (home to the “Superman” ice cream), Love’s, and Herman’s Boy.
Boat Launch
Whether you want to launch your runabout, sailboat, or kayak, it’s easy to find a public boat launch in the Grand Rapids area. Simply type the name of the lake or waterway you plan to visit into Michigan’s Recreational Boating System (MIRBS) to get results.
The Grand River runs through Riverside Park and the park also surrounds a large lagoon, making it beautiful year-round. In addition to a boat launch (fee required), the park has sports fields, paved trails, and picnic areas.
The city’s first accessible kayak launch is located in the middle of this park on a small lagoon. It allows people with disabilities to enter and exit boats without assistance. The city is currently planning to install an additional accessible kayak launch on the Grand River at another city park in 2022. Explore more!
Playground
With open spaces, playgrounds, and long walking paths this park is a great destination for people who love to picnic and play sports. It’s also one of the best places in Grand Rapids for playing volleyball, tennis, baseball, and basketball.
Riverside Park runs along the Grand River and surrounds a large lagoon which makes it a great spot for fishing and looking for frogs and other water creatures. It also hosts community festivals throughout the year.
The playground at Riverside Park features modern equipment and a mulch ground covering. Leashed dogs are welcome here as well.
The paved walking trails at Riverside Park provide a peaceful escape from the city. You might be able to spot some wildlife while you stroll through the park, but check the flooding conditions before heading out on the trails after heavy rain.
Hiking Trail
One of the best things about Riverside Park is its 3.7 mile out and back paved hiking trail. On the trail you will encounter power walkers, couples on Sunday strolls, and a plethora of leashed dogs enjoying the fresh air. The trail is easy to navigate and offers plenty of shade on hot days from the surrounding tall trees.
Another favorite walking trail is located near the playground on the north side of the lake. This loop is a great place to take the kids out for a nice long walk and enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
Provin Trails Park is a true reprieve from the city. This natural undeveloped park is filled with interconnected hiking trails that wind through a dense pine forest. Check our next area of interest here.
Driving directions from Premier Edge Concrete Solutions to Riverside Park
Driving directions from Riverside Park to Huff Park