
Riverside Park
Grand Rapids' largest park, offering scenic river views, extensive trails for biking and hiking, disc golf, and vibrant summer food truck events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Food Truck Fridays & live music

Riverside Park
Best Time
Food Truck Fridays & live music
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Grand Rapids' largest park, offering scenic river views, extensive trails for biking and hiking, disc golf, and vibrant summer food truck events.
"This place is beautiful! I definitely recommend checking it out. Its a place for everyone."

🎯 Arrive Early for Food Trucks
Beat the crowds and get the best food options at Food Truck Fridays by arriving early.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore the extensive trails and park grounds with comfortable footwear.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Food Truck Fridays
Riverside Park
A vibrant summer event with diverse food trucks and live music. A must-visit for foodies!

Grand River Views
Along the Grand River
Scenic waterfront paths perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying nature.

Disc Golf Course
Designated Disc Golf Area
Challenge yourself on the park's disc golf course, a popular activity for visitors.

Bird Watching Haven
Various Ponds and Riverbanks
Abundant birdlife, including geese, ducks, and even occasional sightings of hawks and eagles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Food Truck Fridays Frenzy
Park Size & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Food Trucks
Beat the crowds and get the best food options at Food Truck Fridays by arriving early.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore the extensive trails and park grounds with comfortable footwear.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along, but ensure they are kept on a leash.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Enjoy fishing along the Grand River; remember to check local regulations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Food Trucks
Beat the crowds and get the best food options at Food Truck Fridays by arriving early.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
Explore the extensive trails and park grounds with comfortable footwear.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along, but ensure they are kept on a leash.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Enjoy fishing along the Grand River; remember to check local regulations.
🛶 Kayak/Boat Launch
Access the Grand River for kayaking or boating from designated launch points.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Riverside Park's beauty, extensive trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. The park is praised for its natural scenery along the Grand River, abundant birdlife, and amenities like playgrounds and disc golf. While popular, especially during events like Food Truck Fridays, it generally offers ample space. Some wish for a dedicated off-leash dog area.
"This place is beautiful! I definitely recommend checking it out. There's a place to launch your kayak or boat onto the Grand river, take photos, park benches, fishing access everywhere, its a place for everyone. Walking, running, biking, walk the dogs, Disc golf.."
Erin Ogden
"What an enormous park! Constantly getting maintenance, though not intrusively. It's peaceful. It's popular, and very busy at times, but not without space to spare when it is. They have a lot of parking within, as well as parallel parking on the roadside outside of the gates. Boaters seem to never be congested, bathrooms (prison style toilets but clean and stalls to separate the toilets in the women's . Multiple playgrounds, disc golf courses, ball fields, picnic tables and grills (some with cover). My favorite part of this park is the bird population. Lots of geese (and goslings right now!). Ducks, robins and small birds too. I've seen blue herons, hawks, and a Balde Eagle. If I could change one thing, I would loooove to have an enclosed/fenced area for off-leash dogs to run, play, and get the stimulation they need. I bring my dog each time. Lots of people walking their dogs, as well."
Katquincy
"Best local park. White pine trail picks up here.....great little bike ride to Rockford. Foodtruck fridays are really fun here!"
john sherman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverside Park is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available both inside the park and along the roadside. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the park area.
Yes, Riverside Park offers a lot of parking within the park itself, as well as parallel parking on the roadside outside the gates.
Absolutely! The White Pine Trail connects to Riverside Park, making it a great destination for cyclists.
While specific routes can vary, it's advisable to check with the local Grand Rapids transit authority for the most up-to-date information on bus routes serving Riverside Park.
There are designated places within Riverside Park to launch kayaks or boats onto the Grand River, making it easy for water activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Riverside Park is generally free to enter and enjoy. There are no admission fees for accessing the park grounds, trails, or most amenities.
Riverside Park typically has generous operating hours, often from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to enjoy it throughout the day. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check local listings if planning a very early or late visit.
No, you do not need tickets to enter Riverside Park for Food Truck Fridays. Entry to the park is free, and you pay for the food you purchase from the individual food trucks.
Yes, Riverside Park hosts various events, most notably the popular 'Food Truck Fridays' during the summer. They also have hosted events like 5k runs and 'Adult Recess'.
While the park has many picnic tables and grills, reservations are typically not required or offered for general use. It's first-come, first-served, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended, especially on weekends.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Riverside Park offers a wide range of activities including hiking, biking, bird-watching, fishing, kayaking, disc golf, picnicking, and visiting playgrounds.
Yes, Riverside Park features multiple playgrounds, making it a great destination for families with children.
It's an excellent park for walking and running, with nicely-shaded paths along the river and through green spaces.
Dogs are welcome at Riverside Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
The park is known for its bird population, including geese, ducks, robins, and small birds. Visitors have also reported seeing blue herons, hawks, and even a Bald Eagle.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the summer, Riverside Park hosts 'Food Truck Fridays' every Friday evening, offering a variety of culinary choices from local food trucks.
Food Truck Fridays typically run every Friday during the summer months, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
There are no permanent restaurants within Riverside Park itself. However, the park is adjacent to areas with dining options, and the Food Truck Fridays event provides a wide array of food vendors.
Yes, Riverside Park has numerous picnic tables and grills available for visitors to enjoy. It's a great spot for a family picnic.
You can expect a diverse range of food options, from sweet treats like cookies to savory dishes, catering to various tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers beautiful scenery along the Grand River, scenic trails, and during events like Food Truck Fridays, providing many picturesque opportunities. The sunsets are also noted as particularly stunning.
Yes, Riverside Park is highly recommended for sunset photos, with many visitors capturing breathtaking views of the sky over the river.
Photography of nature, wildlife (especially birds), sunsets, and event photography (like Food Truck Fridays) are popular at Riverside Park.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so it's always best to check with park management if you plan extensive professional shoots.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Weekday mornings are also great for capturing serene landscapes with fewer people.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as while there are picnic areas, amenities can be spread out. Leashed dogs are also welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family, including furry members.
🏃♀️ Runners & Cyclists
Weekday mornings are particularly pleasant for runners and cyclists, offering a more serene experience with fewer crowds. The shaded areas provide welcome relief during warmer months, making it a comfortable place to exercise year-round.
🎣 Anglers & Boaters
The river's flow can vary, so it's advisable to be aware of current conditions, especially when boating. The peaceful setting along the water makes it a relaxing escape for those looking to enjoy aquatic activities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Riverside Park's Natural Beauty
Nature enthusiasts will find Riverside Park a haven for bird watching. The variety of habitats, from riverbanks to ponds, attracts a rich array of avian life. Common sightings include geese and ducks, often with goslings in tow during warmer months. More elusive species like blue herons, hawks, and even a Bald Eagle have been spotted, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike.
While the park is a natural retreat, it's also a vibrant community hub. The White Pine Trail connects to Riverside Park, extending biking and walking opportunities for miles. The park's commitment to maintenance ensures a pleasant experience, though it can get busy during popular events.
Food Truck Fridays: A Grand Rapids Summer Staple
The atmosphere at Food Truck Fridays is consistently described as lively and fun, often enhanced by live music that adds to the festive ambiance. It's a perfect opportunity for families and friends to gather, enjoy delicious food, and soak in the summer evenings. Due to its popularity, the event can get crowded, so arriving earlier is recommended to avoid long lines and secure a good spot.
Beyond the food, Food Truck Fridays embody the community spirit of Grand Rapids. It's a chance to support local businesses and enjoy a shared experience in one of the city's most beloved parks.
Activities for Everyone: From Disc Golf to Dog Walking
Water activities are a significant draw, with kayak and boat launch points providing easy access to the Grand River. Fishing is another favored pastime, with numerous spots along the riverbank offering opportunities to cast a line.
Families will appreciate the multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the park, ensuring entertainment for younger visitors. For those with canine companions, Riverside Park is a great spot for dog walking, with many visitors bringing their leashed pets to enjoy the trails and open spaces. While there isn't a dedicated off-leash dog park, the general park environment is welcoming to dogs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit