Sixth Street Park - Image 1
1 / 10

Sixth Street Park

4.5
·911 reviews·Grand Rapids, United States

A vibrant downtown park along the Grand River, known for its scenic views and captivating public art installations, especially during festivals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

ArtPrize & World of Winter

Experience vibrant art festivals

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Sixth Street Park - Image 1

Sixth Street Park

Best Time

ArtPrize & World of Winter

Experience vibrant art festivals

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant downtown park along the Grand River, known for its scenic views and captivating public art installations, especially during festivals.

4.5
(911 reviews)

"Great park for walking and enjoying the view of the river and the city, also a place for good fishing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Art Event Schedules

Plan your visit around ArtPrize or World of Winter for the most impressive art displays!

🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear

The Grand River is cleaner and offers good fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Art Installations

Art Installations

Throughout the park

Discover captivating large-scale art pieces, especially during ArtPrize and World of Winter festivals.

Grand River Views

Grand River Views

Along the riverfront

Enjoy picturesque vistas of the Grand River and the downtown Grand Rapids skyline.

Fishing Opportunities

Fishing Opportunities

Near the dam

Cast a line and try your luck catching smallmouth bass and catfish in the cleaner Grand River.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Art & River Views

Sixth Street Park is a vibrant hub for art installations and riverfront enjoyment. Plan your visit around ArtPrize or World of Winter for a truly immersive experience. The Grand River offers scenic walking paths and fishing opportunities.

Timing is Key for Art Lovers

While the park is lovely year-round, its appeal skyrockets during major events like ArtPrize and World of Winter. Check event dates to catch the most dynamic art displays and festivals. Consider weekdays to avoid peak crowds.

Best Times

When
ArtPrize & World of Winter
Why
Experience vibrant art festivals
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy peaceful river strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Relaxing riverfront ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#GrandRiver #GrandRapids #6thStreetPark
@koolrunner77
14 likes • 502 views

🎯 Check Art Event Schedules

Plan your visit around ArtPrize or World of Winter for the most impressive art displays! TikTokInstagram

🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear

The Grand River is cleaner and offers good fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish. Reddit

Downtown Grand Rapids from 6th St Park So much blue sky today. #drone #grandrapids #spring
@blackswanuas
36 likes • 948 views
Art Prize is back in Grand Rapids from 9/14 - 10/01! I can't wait to check out some the various exhibits this weekend. Here's a top down shot of a couple of exhibits near Sixth Street Park. #artprize2023 #artfestival #grandrapidsmi #puremichigan #experiencegr #puremittigan #awesomemitten #michiganawesome #michiganders #dronevideo #dronestagram #michigrammers
journey_with_jacob
23 likes • 603 views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the River Paths

Enjoy scenic walks along the Grand River with beautiful city views. Reddit

📸 Capture Drone Footage

The park offers great vantage points for drone photography of the river and city. TikTok

All installations head out September 9 ✨ 
You’ve still got time to explore them at: 📍 555 Monroe
📍 Sixth Street Park Catch them before they’re gone!
returntotheriver
115 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Art Event Schedules

Plan your visit around ArtPrize or World of Winter for the most impressive art displays! TikTokInstagram

🎣 Bring Your Fishing Gear

The Grand River is cleaner and offers good fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the River Paths

Enjoy scenic walks along the Grand River with beautiful city views. Reddit

📸 Capture Drone Footage

The park offers great vantage points for drone photography of the river and city. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A pleasant place to walk your dog with shady spots and picnic tables. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(911 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sixth Street Park for its scenic riverfront views, enjoyable walking paths, and the vibrant art installations that frequently grace the space, especially during festivals. It's seen as a clean and pleasant spot for fishing and relaxing. Some reviews mention occasional encampments, which can detract from the family-friendly atmosphere in specific areas.

"Haven't fish the Grand River in over 30yrs because of pollution.
Took my youngest boy to see what we could catch. 4 little Smallmouth Bass.
The river looks A Lot cleaner than it used to be, back in the 80s.
The walking paths are a Great way to see downtown Grand Rapids."

Charles Genereaux

"Great park for walking and enjoying the view of the river and the city, also a place for good fishing👍"

Serik Suieu

"Nice place to take a stroll with your loved ones!"

Ryan Dehuff

What People Like

Scenic river views
Public art installations
Clean river improvements

What People Dislike

Occasional encampments

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sixth Street Park is conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids, easily accessible by car, public transport, or on foot. Many visitors find it a great starting point for exploring the city. Reddit

While street parking might be available, it's often easier to find parking in nearby downtown garages. Consider public transport or ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, Grand Rapids' public bus system serves the downtown area, making it accessible via public transit. Check the local transit authority for routes and schedules. Reddit

Absolutely! The park is centrally located and a pleasant walk from many downtown hotels, restaurants, and other attractions like the Blue Bridge and Calder Plaza. Reddit

If you're new to the city, using a GPS or navigation app is recommended. Many visitors find the park easily navigable once they are in the downtown core. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sixth Street Park is a public park and does not have an admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors. TikTok

As a public park, Sixth Street Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, specific event hours may vary. TikTok

The art installations themselves are typically free to view as part of public events like ArtPrize and World of Winter. Check event-specific details for any associated festival costs. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the park frequently hosts major events like ArtPrize and World of Winter, featuring numerous art installations. It also hosts festivals like Return to the River. TikTokInstagram+1

Generally, no reservations are needed for the park itself. For specific festival events, check their official websites for any ticketing or reservation information. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, fishing, picnicking, and admiring public art installations. It's a great spot for a relaxing afternoon by the river. TikTokReddit

Restrooms are typically available, though their condition and accessibility can vary. It's always a good idea to check recent visitor feedback if this is a priority. Reddit

Yes, it's a nice place for families to stroll, enjoy the river, and view art. Keep an eye on children near the water. Reddit

Yes, the park is dog-friendly, making it a pleasant spot for dog walkers. Reddit

The park often features large-scale, temporary art installations, especially during ArtPrize and World of Winter, ranging from sculptures to interactive pieces. TikTokInstagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the Grand River, the downtown skyline, and the diverse art installations. Drone photography is also popular here. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the open space and river views make it a popular spot for drone enthusiasts to capture aerial shots of Grand Rapids. TikTok

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) offers beautiful lighting for both the river and the city skyline. Event times during festivals provide dynamic subjects. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so check local regulations if unsure. TikTok

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide river views and detailed art pieces. A wide-angle lens is great for cityscapes. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sixth Street Park offers a pleasant environment for families. The walking paths along the Grand River are great for a leisurely stroll with children, and the open spaces provide room to run around. Reddit While there aren't dedicated playgrounds, the visual appeal of the art installations can be captivating for younger visitors, especially during festival seasons. TikTokInstagram

Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as amenities can be limited. Fishing can be an engaging activity for older kids interested in nature, and the cleaner river offers a more positive experience than in past decades. Reddit Keep a close eye on children near the riverbanks for safety.

🎣 Anglers & Nature Enthusiasts

For fishing enthusiasts, Sixth Street Park presents a revitalized opportunity to cast a line in the Grand River. Recent improvements in water quality have led to a healthier fish population, with reports of catching smallmouth bass and catfish. Reddit The park offers accessible spots along the riverbank, and some areas near the dam are noted for good fishing. Reddit

Beyond fishing, the park's riverfront paths are ideal for nature walks, bird watching, and simply enjoying the natural scenery within the city. The presence of driftwood dragons and other artistic elements adds a unique touch to the natural environment, blending art with the outdoors. TikTok

🎨 Art Aficionados

Sixth Street Park is a must-visit for art lovers, especially during ArtPrize and the World of Winter Festival. These events bring a spectacular array of large-scale, often temporary, art installations to the park, transforming it into an outdoor gallery. TikTokInstagram+2

Beyond the major festivals, the park frequently features public art, making it a year-round destination for appreciating creative works. The unique sculptures and installations, set against the backdrop of the Grand River and downtown skyline, offer fantastic photographic opportunities and a chance to engage with contemporary art. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Art Installations & Festivals

Sixth Street Park is a dynamic canvas, particularly during Grand Rapids' renowned art festivals. ArtPrize, an international art competition, transforms the city into an open-air gallery, with many significant installations often found within or near the park. Similarly, the World of Winter Festival brings unique, often illuminated, art pieces to public spaces, including Sixth Street Park, during the colder months. TikTokInstagram+2

These events draw significant crowds, offering a vibrant atmosphere but also requiring strategic planning to navigate. Beyond these major festivals, the park may host other temporary art exhibits or community events throughout the year. Checking the official event calendars for ArtPrize, World of Winter, and local Grand Rapids event listings is crucial for experiencing the park at its most artistically engaging. TikTokInstagram

Visitors often rave about the scale and creativity of the art, with many pieces being interactive or thought-provoking. The park's location along the Grand River provides a stunning backdrop, enhancing the visual impact of the artwork and making it a prime spot for photography and exploration. Instagram

The Grand River Experience

The Grand River is a central feature of Sixth Street Park, offering a refreshing natural element within the urban landscape. The park provides direct access to the riverfront, with well-maintained walking paths that allow visitors to enjoy scenic views of the water and the downtown Grand Rapids skyline. TikTokReddit

Historically, the Grand River faced significant pollution issues. However, recent decades have seen substantial improvements in water quality, making it a more inviting environment for recreation. This revitalization is evident in the return of fish species, with many visitors reporting successful fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish near the park's dam. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a spot to enjoy a picnic, or a chance to try your hand at fishing, the Grand River at Sixth Street Park offers a revitalized and enjoyable experience. The presence of picnic tables and shady areas further enhances its appeal for a relaxing day outdoors. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2