Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
1. Grand Rapids Public Museum Beach
A unique urban beach located within the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Offers a mix of history and relaxation.
- Urban Beach Experience: A rare opportunity to enjoy a beach in an urban setting
- Historic Atmosphere: Surrounded by museum exhibits, providing a blend of education and leisure
- Indoor/Outdoor Access: Beach is part of the museum, offering indoor activities as well
2. Millennium Park Beach
A sandy beach with a stunning view of the Grand River. Perfect for picnics and sunbathing.
- Riverfront Location: Beautiful river views and potential for water activities
- Picnic Opportunities: Spacious areas for relaxing and enjoying a meal
- Sand Volleyball Courts: Unique feature not found at all beaches in Grand Rapids
3. Rivertown Park
A waterfront park with a pier and kayak rentals. Offers scenic views of the Grand River.
- Kayak Rentals: Opportunity to explore the river from a different perspective
- Pier Access: Ideal for fishing, bird watching, or simply enjoying the view
- Community Events: Hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals
4. Canal Park
A scenic park with a canal running through it. Offers walking trails, picnic areas, and boat rentals.
- Canal Boat Tours: Unique way to explore the city's waterways
- Walking Trails: Various trail lengths catering to different fitness levels
- Boat Rentals: Pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks available for rent
5. Fish Ladder Park
A park featuring a fish ladder where you can observe salmon spawning. Offers walking trails and picnic areas.
- Salmon Spawning Observation: Rare opportunity to witness this natural event
- Walking Trails: Various trail lengths catering to different fitness levels
- Picnic Opportunities: Spacious areas for relaxing and enjoying a meal
6. Rosa Parks Circle
A circular park with a fountain and skating rink. Offers a beautiful view of downtown Grand Rapids.
- Downtown View: Stunning vistas of the city's skyline
- Ice Skating Rink (Winter): Seasonal attraction for winter visitors
- Fountain Display (Summer): Colorful water display during the warmer months
7. Wayne County Park
A large park with a beach, fishing pier, and hiking trails. Offers camping, picnic areas, and boat rentals.
- Camping Availability: Unique accommodation option for an extended stay
- Hiking Trails: Various trail lengths catering to different fitness levels
- Boat Rentals: Pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks available for rent
8. Riverbend Park
A park with a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground. Offers fishing, hiking trails, and canoe rentals.
- Playground for Children: Ideal for families with young children
- Hiking Trails: Various trail lengths catering to different fitness levels
- Canoe Rentals: Opportunity to explore the Grand River
9. John Ball Zoo Beach
A beach located within John Ball Zoo. Offers a unique combination of wildlife and water activities.
- Zoo Integration: Experience the zoo from a different perspective
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to observe animals while relaxing by the beach
- Zoo Attractions: Access to other zoo exhibits and activities
10. Reeds Lake Beach
A public beach with a sandy shoreline. Offers a swimming area, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
- Swimming Area: Designated area for safe swimming
- Fishing Pier: Ideal for fishing enthusiasts
- Picnic Opportunities: Spacious areas for relaxing and enjoying a meal
11. Lake Miaki Beach
A beach located within Lake Miaki County Park. Offers a swimming area, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
- County Park Integration: Access to other park amenities such as hiking trails
- Swimming Area: Designated area for safe swimming
- Fishing Pier: Ideal for fishing enthusiasts
12. Lake Michigan Beach (Grand Haven)
A beach located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven. Offers a swimming area, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
- Lake Michigan Access: Experience the largest of the Great Lakes
- Swimming Area: Designated area for safe swimming
- Fishing Pier: Ideal for fishing enthusiasts
13. Silver Lake State Park Beach
A beach located within Silver Lake State Park. Offers a swimming area, fishing, and camping.
- Camping Availability: Unique accommodation option for an extended stay
- Swimming Area: Designated area for safe swimming
- Fishing Opportunities: Plentiful fishing opportunities in the lake
14. Macatawa Beach Park
A park with a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a playground. Offers fishing, hiking trails, and boat rentals.
- Playground for Children: Ideal for families with young children
- Hiking Trails: Various trail lengths catering to different fitness levels
- Boat Rentals: Opportunity to explore the Macatawa River
15. Hope College Beach
A beach located on the shore of Lake Michigan. Offers a swimming area, fishing pier, and picnic areas.
- Lake Michigan Access: Experience the largest of the Great Lakes
- Swimming Area: Designated area for safe swimming
- Fishing Pier: Ideal for fishing enthusiasts