Riverside Park

Riverside Park, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the city’s largest park, sprawling across more than 180 acres along the Grand River. The park’s history dates back to 1929, originally known as Comstock Riverside Park, and has since grown into a vibrant public space for recreation, natural beauty, and community events. Surrounded by natural habitats, grassy expanses, and mature shade trees, Riverside Park provides a serene escape within the urban environment.

One of the park’s defining features is its proximity to the Grand River, which offers nearly a mile of waterfront. This makes it a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The addition of an accessible kayak launch ensures that everyone can enjoy the water. Alongside the boating facilities are paved, multi-use trails that stretch 3.7 miles, ideal for walking, biking, and running. These trails meander through the park’s scenic areas, including lagoons, wooded groves, and open green spaces.

Riverside Park also caters to a variety of recreational activities. It has two playgrounds for children, both with modern equipment and safety-focused surfaces. An 18-hole disc golf course, sports fields, and picnic shelters equipped with grills make the park a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Events such as festivals, powwows, and community gatherings are also held here, underscoring its role as a lively community space.

Upgrades over the years, including renovated restrooms, solar-powered shelters, and free Wi-Fi, have enhanced visitor experiences. However, because the park lies within the Grand River floodplain, some areas may become inaccessible during seasonal flooding. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly.