Riverside Park is a free, 180-acre Grand River recreation park at 2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, on the city’s Northeast Side. Long valued as one of Grand Rapids’ largest municipal green spaces, it draws travelers and residents for river fishing and paddling, wooded walks, an 18-hole disc golf course, soccer fields, open lawns and a family playground.
What to Expect at Riverside Park
The Grand River is the park’s defining feature. Its broad shoreline gives Riverside Park an unusually open waterside setting for an urban park, with room to watch birds, cast for river fish, launch a kayak or simply follow the paths beneath mature trees. The landscape alternates between lawn, shade and riverside edges rather than feeling like a formal garden; come prepared for a self-directed outdoor visit, with sturdy shoes for unpaved stretches and a camera for the river views.
Recreation is spread across the property. The 18-hole disc golf course is a major draw, using trees and changing fairway lines to make a round more interesting than an open-field layout. Soccer fields, a playground and picnic-ready areas make it equally useful for families and groups. In winter, the open terrain and paths remain a worthwhile place for a brisk walk, while the river and tree cover keep the park rewarding for bird-watchers through the year.
- Grand River shoreline: Fish, paddle, watch waterfowl or take in a quieter view of one of West Michigan’s defining waterways.
- 18-hole disc golf course: A full-length public course threaded through parkland, suitable for players carrying their own discs.
- Multi-use paths: Walking and cycling routes link lawns, riverbank areas and active recreation zones for an easy self-guided circuit.
- Soccer fields: Broad, maintained playing fields bring local league activity to the park during the warmer months.
- Playground and picnic areas: A practical base for families combining active play, a packed lunch and time beside the river.
Riverside Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Riverside Park area, Northeast Side, along the Grand River |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 6am–9pm |
| Admission / Price Range | Free admission; bring your own disc golf equipment, fishing gear or paddlecraft |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours; allow longer for disc golf, fishing or paddling |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | The Rapid Route 11 serves the Monroe Avenue NE corridor; free on-site parking is available from park entrances off Monroe Avenue NE. |
| Official Website & Phone | Grand Rapids Riverside Park; +1 616-456-3696 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening for the coolest summer walking conditions and the best chance of a calmer disc golf round. Weekday mornings are especially good for birding and river photography; soccer activity and disc golf traffic often increase later in the day and on weekends. Admission is free and no reservation is required. Bring water, insect repellent in warm months, and a Michigan fishing license if you intend to fish the Grand River.
Drivers can use the park’s on-site lots reached from Monroe Avenue NE, while cyclists and walkers can approach via the Monroe corridor and river-adjacent paths. The grounds are generally broad and level, with paved internal routes and grass or natural-surface sections; wheelchairs and strollers are most comfortable on the paved areas, while river-edge ground can be uneven after rain. Pair a park visit with a riverfront walk, a round on the disc golf course, and the nearby Plainfield Avenue NE corridor for neighborhood food and provisions. The park’s generous lawns also make it an easy addition to a relaxed Northeast Side afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Riverside Park’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Riverside Park is open daily from 6am to 9pm. Visit in the first few hours after opening for quieter paths, cooler summer temperatures and better conditions for bird-watching; late afternoon is pleasant for a casual picnic or riverside walk.
Does Riverside Park charge admission or require reservations?
Entry to Riverside Park is free, and casual visits do not require a reservation. There is no equipment rental program at the park, so disc golfers, anglers and paddlers should bring their own gear; anglers must comply with Michigan fishing-license rules.
How long should I plan to spend at Riverside Park?
Budget 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a walk, playground stop and time along the river. A full 18-hole disc golf round, fishing session or paddle outing can readily extend the visit to three hours or more.
Is Riverside Park suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, particularly for families using the playground, lawns and paved portions of the park. The mostly level setting is manageable for many wheelchair users and strollers, but natural trails, turf and uneven riverbank areas require more care; use paved routes for the smoothest access.
When planning your Grand Rapids travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Grand Rapids, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown, and Lookout Park (3.9 km away).
