Let's Explore Scenic Downtown Grand Rapids (Walking Trails and Interactive Map)!
Let's Explore Scenic Downtown Grand Rapids by way of walking trails! We have a full day of family-friendly free things to do!
Did you know downtown Grand Rapids is a walkers and explorers paradise? During this adventure quest, we will enjoy the great outdoors and only move our vehicle twice! Are you ready?! Let's go!
Interactive Grand Rapids Map
Use this handy-dandy interactive map to plan your day as we visit each of the spots mentioned below!
How To Use The Map:
- Click on the green arrow
- Click on the blue markers to see a photo, address and more info
- Click on the column on the right for a specific location by name.
Fish Ladder Park!
We started at Fish Ladder Park in Grand Rapids as there is ample free and close parking. I love it here as the views of the water, city skyline and nature are fantastic! I love listening to the roar of the water.
All walks are paved so it's accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
Currently the DNR is testing a newly developed sea lamprey pheromone to increase the trap catch. There are several traps along the walls, see if you can spot them all!
You can head south on the paved walking trails or hop in your car for our next stop. Head north on Front Ave NW, Turn right onto 6th street and marvel at the beauty of the bridge. Turn right onto Monrow Ave NW and park at the 6th Street Bridge Park.
Hotels In Grand Rapids Map!
We've got lots of exploring to do so you might want to book a hotel for an extra day of fun!
Booking.com
6th Street Bridge and Park, Grand Rapids
I love the paved walking trails that go all the way south to the Blue Bridge and north to the 6th street bridge. Great overlooks, benches, shade trees and great Grand Rapids city views!
The 6th Street Park has a free parking lot. There are restrooms south of the parking lot.
I mean seriously! Check out these awesome views of the 6th street bridge, waterfall and the city skyline! I love just sitting here enjoying the view and taking some time to just be in the moment. Soaking in the Sights, Sounds and SUN!
After spending about an hour walking and exploring the Riverwalk trails, hanging over the overlooks hoping to spot a fish, talking to the fisherman and sitting on the rocks, we decided to head to our next stop, the Gerald Ford Museum. Let's go!
I love my Keen sandals for these rocky adventures!
Great Restaurants In Grand Rapids
The Most Instagrammable Spots in Grand Rapids
Photo Credit
Our guest writer, Paul Colbert, put together his favorite spots in Grand Rapids to snap some awesome pics for his Instagram account.
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, April, May and June. Timed tickets sold every 30 minutes. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages. Come to John Ball Zoo to see these incredible works of art in Michigan! The lantern festival will feature handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. Awesome Michigan event!
28th Street Metro Cruise Grand Rapids
Every summer, Chris and I look forward to the 28th Street Metro Cruise in Grand Rapids! Check out the 28th Street Metro Cruise Show schedule, map and things to do!
The Gerald Ford Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
The Gerald Ford Museum has free parking so you can visit the museum for a fee (around $10 at the time of this writing) and then explore the amazing areas near the museum.
There are two floors of interesting presidential displays and historical memorabilia. Be sure to check out the beautiful gift shop on the first floor. You can shop without going through the museum too.
Ah Nab Awen Park
Just keep your car parked at the museum and head across the street to the Ah Nab Awen Park. From here, you can explore the Grand Rapids Riverwalk West and walk under the Gillett Bridge to see the cool murals.
The views of the city, especially near sunset is exquisite! Just be sure to wear your sunglasses as the shine off the buildings is intense!
There is a restroom at the Ah Nab Awen Park.
To the right of this photo is the Grand Rapids Pubic Museum and carousel! There is also fantastic paved travels, so let's cross the street!
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
The Grand Rapids Public Museum has 3 floors of exciting history to explore in a previous flour mill! Lots of plus exhibits to check out plus their 1928 carousel & planetarium.
You can wander around the museum and then head along the RiverWalk to check out the blue bridge! We hope you had a full afternoon or day of fun in Grand Rapids!
Make plans to visit Grand Rapids at Christmas! There are fantastic places to see Christmas Lights, even a drive through (stay in the warmth of your car) as you drive through twinkling light tunnels and pass dancing Santa's!
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