Top 11 Parks in Grand Rapids, Michigan: Discover the Best Outdoor Escapes
Grand Rapids, Michigan is renowned for its lively city life, featuring acclaimed breweries, restaurants, and museums. However, the area also boasts breathtaking natural spaces with extensive trails in Kent County and its surroundings.
Grand Rapids takes pride in its exceptional parks and recreation department, offering a diverse range of parks that cater to various interests. From splash pads and volleyball courts to paved trails for hiking and biking, these parks provide a multitude of activities for everyone to enjoy. Some parks even host food trucks during the warmer summer months.
Whether you seek a place to spend quality time with your beloved pets, take a leisurely stroll, engage in a game of disc golf with friends, or simply relish the warm summer breeze, the following parks are the cream of the crop when it comes to visiting Grand Rapids.
Ah-Nab-Awen Park Address
220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Nestled in the heart of the city, Ah-Nab-Awen Park is an extraordinary urban oasis. This park holds significant historical value, as it was once home to indigenous peoples, leaving traces of their presence that span thousands of years. Nowadays, Ah-Nab-Awen Park stands as a tribute to the area’s rich heritage, featuring captivating art installations, open-air events such as concerts and movies-in-the-park, and the timeless beauty of a place that continues to be cherished.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Pet-friendly
- Picnic tables
Huff Park
2399 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Huff Park stands out among other parks due to its unique location on marshland. If you yearn for a tranquil escape in nature, this park is the perfect choice. Its boardwalk trails meander through the wetlands, providing an up-close experience with the natural world. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of native birds and aquatic life. Don’t miss the Observation Deck, where you can marvel at the surrounding marshlands.
Amenities:
- Boardwalk
- Pet-friendly
- Baseball diamond
- Playground
- Open shelter
- Picnic tables
- Parking
Provin Trails Park
2900 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Adjacent to Robinette’s Applehaus and Winery (renowned for its apple cider mills), Provin Trails Park offers an expansive natural playground for families to explore. The park’s distinguishing features include towering pine trees and dunes that set it apart from others in the area. The winding trails are ideal for cross-country skiers and hikers alike.
Amenities:
- Pet-friendly
- Nature trails
- Hiking
- Cross-country skiing
- Restrooms
- Parking
Riverside Park
2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Situated along the shores of the Grand River, Riverside Park is a picturesque destination just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The park’s trails seamlessly connect to the White Pine Trail, making it a haven for cyclists, walkers, and runners. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the stunning views of the Grand Rapids cityscape while indulging in their favorite pastime. The park also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest and Pow Wows to honor the indigenous peoples of the region.
Amenities:
- Disc golf course
- Soccer fields
- Playgrounds
- Pet-friendly
- Restrooms
- Open shelters
- Bike paths
- Picnic tables
- Fishing
- Parking
Waterfront Gilmore Park
2205 Reeds Lake Blvd SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Overlooking Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, Waterfront Gilmore Park offers an exhilarating experience. Take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalks and docks that provide breathtaking views of the lake. You might even spot sailboats gracefully gliding across the water or encounter a variety of bird and fish species that call the lake home. Fishing enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to cast their lines and reel in different lake species.
Amenities:
- Pet-friendly
- Picnic tables
- Fishing
- Parking
Belknap Park
30 Coldbrook St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Known as Lookout Point, Belknap Park offers sweeping views of the Grand Rapids valley and is a prime location for watching fireworks and admiring Michigan sunsets. Its prominent hills make it an ideal spot for sledding, ice skating, and more. Urban stargazers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a breathtaking vista of the city, sky, and valley below will find solace here.
Amenities:
- Pet-friendly
- Baseball diamond
- Playground
- Tennis court
- Sledding hills
- Open shelter
- Picnic tables
- Parking
Richmond Park
963 Richmond St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Nestled on the west side of Grand Rapids, Richmond Park centers around a charming pond enveloped by walking trails that wind through hills and woodlands. The park also features Richmond Sledding Hills, a popular winter destination for winter sports enthusiasts. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the park’s pool with a large water slide and other amenities, making it a perfect spot for family outings.
Amenities:
- Swimming pool
- Baseball diamond
- Playground
- Pet-friendly
- Sledding hills
- Open shelter
- Picnic tables
- Parking
Hillcrest Dog Park
250 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Treat your furry friends to a delightful experience at Hillcrest Dog Park. Located near Eastown in Grand Rapids, this designated dog park allows pets and their owners to roam and frolic freely. The park’s proximity to Hillcrest Community Garden makes it an appealing urban space for nature enthusiasts. Hillcrest Park is also connected to Fuller Park, which boasts baseball fields and hills.
Amenities:
- Baseball diamond
- Pet-friendly
- Sledding hills
- Open shelter
- Picnic tables
- Parking
- Community garden
Ken-O-Sha Park
1353 Van Auken St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Nature enthusiasts and avid explorers should not miss Ken-O-Sha Park. This enchanting wooded park spans over 100 acres, offering a plethora of trails for hikers and adventurers. The park also features playgrounds and obstacles made from natural materials, further immersing visitors in the surrounding nature.
Amenities:
- 100+ acres
- Basketball court
- Natural trails
- Natural surface path
- Bike trail
- Picnic shelter
- Playground
- Parking
- Pavilion
Ball Perkins Park
1675 Perkins Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Ball Perkins Park is another extraordinary wetland destination in Grand Rapids that captivates visitors year-round. Immerse yourself in the trails and boardwalks, which bring you closer to nature than ever before.
Amenities:
- Boardwalk
- Pet-friendly
- Picnic tables
- Parking
Millennium Park
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
Located just outside Grand Rapids, Millennium Park is the largest urban park in West Michigan, spanning over 1,400 acres. This expansive park offers a wide array of attractions, including beaches, lakes and ponds, bike paths, hiking trails, fishing spots, playgrounds, and open fields. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Grand Rapids area.
Amenities:
- Beach
- Pet-friendly
- Hiking trails
- Bike paths
- Playground
- Fishing
- Open shelter
- Picnic tables
- Parking
Bonus: One More Grand Rapids Park Worth Visiting
Grand Rapids Township Park
1836 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Sprawling across 58 acres, Grand Rapids Township Park offers a plethora of recreational opportunities. The park features ball fields, a soccer field, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, basketball hoops, a handicap-accessible playground, and nature trails suitable for cross-country skiing in winter. Take a moment to breathe, relax, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. There’s no better time than the present to explore the exciting and best parks that Grand Rapids has to offer. So, what are you waiting for?