Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Grand Rapids, United States, Grand Rapids, Travel & Transportation, Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas

Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

1. Grand Rapids White Pine Trail

A 92-mile rail trail offering scenic views and biking opportunities, perfect for a leisurely ride.
  • Long Trail: Covers a significant length of the city, providing ample space to explore.
  • Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful landscapes along its route, including woods and wetlands.
  • Accessibility: Has multiple access points for easy entry and exit.

2. Riverwalk Grand Rapids

A scenic urban waterfront walkway along the Grand River offering stunning views of downtown.
  • Urban Landmark: Located in the heart of the city, providing easy access to other attractions.
  • Public Art: Features numerous public art installations to admire along the way.
  • Food and Drink: Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars for a post-walk refreshment.

3. Plaza Towers Park

A park featuring a unique bike rack sculpture, perfect for a picnic or leisurely walk.
  • Sculptural Bike Rack: The bike rack sculpture is a fun and unique attraction in itself.
  • Picnic Area: Offers a grassy area for picnics or relaxing after a bike ride.
  • City Views: Provides panoramic views of the city skyline from its higher elevation.

4. Heritage Hill Historic District

A historic district with beautiful homes and tree-lined streets perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved Victorian and Queen Anne houses.
  • Tree-Lined Streets: Beautiful tree-lined streets provide a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Cultural Events: Hosts several cultural events throughout the year, such as the Heritage Hill Neighborhood Art Tour.

5. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

A botanical garden and sculpture park offering beautiful landscapes and art exhibits.
  • Botanical Wonders: Features over 150 acres of gardens showcasing a variety of flora.
  • Sculpture Collection: Houses an extensive collection of sculptures, both indoor and outdoor.
  • Events and Programs: Offers a variety of events and programs, including concerts and art classes.

6. John Ball Zoo

A zoo with various wildlife exhibits and a beautiful park perfect for a day out.
  • Wildlife Exhibits: Features over 200 animal species, including apes, elephants, and reptiles.
  • Garden Attractions: Incorporates beautiful gardens throughout the zoo, such as the African Garden and Tropical RainForest Building.
  • Park Activities: Offers a variety of activities like playgrounds, animal encounters, and a carousel.

7. Calder Plaza

A modern plaza featuring the iconic Calder Statue, perfect for picnics or people-watching.
  • Iconic Calder Statue: The large, colorful statue is a famous Grand Rapids landmark.
  • Food and Drink: Surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars for a post-visit refreshment.
  • Public Art: The plaza is home to other public art installations as well.

8. Rosa Parks Circle

A circular park featuring a beautiful fountain and ice skating rink in winter.
  • Central Location: Located near several major attractions, making it a convenient stop.
  • Fountain and Ice Rink: The fountain is beautiful during the summer, while the ice rink is popular in winter.
  • Public Art: Surrounded by public art installations and sculptures.

9. Blandford Nature Center

A nature center with trails for hiking and biking, and animals such as raccoons and owls.
  • Nature Trails: Offers several miles of trails through woods and fields.
  • Wildlife Exhibits: Features wildlife exhibits, including a raptor center and native animals.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.

10. Gilmore Car Museum

A car museum featuring over 400 classic cars, perfect for automobile enthusiasts.
  • Classic Cars: Showcases one of the largest collections of classic cars in North America.
  • Special Events: Hosts special events, such as car shows and themed weekends.
  • Gift Shop: Features a gift shop selling automobile-themed merchandise.

11. Van Andel Museum

A natural history and science museum with interactive exhibits.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features hands-on exhibits for a fun, engaging experience.
  • Planetarium Shows: Offers planetarium shows to explore the cosmos.
  • Dinosaurs Alive! Exhibit: Features life-sized dinosaur models in a walk-through exhibit.

12. Kent District Library

A public library offering books, computers, and programs for all ages.
  • Book Collection: Has a vast collection of books, audiobooks, and e-books.
  • Computer Access: Offers computer access for research or browsing the internet.
  • Programs for All Ages: Hosts programs for children, teens, and adults, such as book clubs, story times, and workshops.

13. ArtPrize

An annual international art competition held in various venues throughout the city.
  • International Art: Showcases artwork from artists around the world.
  • Venues Throughout City: Art is displayed in a variety of venues, from galleries to parks and unused buildings.
  • People's Choice Award: The public votes for their favorite artwork, with the winner receiving a significant cash prize.

14. Grand Rapids Public Museum

A museum featuring exhibits on science, history, and culture.
  • Exhibit Variety: Covers a wide range of topics, from dinosaurs to local history.
  • Planetarium Shows: Offers planetarium shows to explore the cosmos.
  • Hands-On Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits for a fun, engaging experience.

15. Grand Rapids Bike Tours

Guided bike tours exploring the city's history, architecture, and culture.
  • Expert Guides: Tour guides provide insights into the city's history and culture.
  • Custom Tours: Offers custom tours to suit individual interests or preferences.
  • Bike Rentals: Provides bike rentals for those without their own bicycle.