East Grand Rapids MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near East Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1. John Collins Park
LAKESIDE FAMILY FUN
John Collins Park is a charming three-acre park situated on Reeds Lake within easy walking distance of the Gaslight Village business district. Visitors can enjoy the public-access boat launch, shore walk, overlook decks, benches, rain gardens, and picnic tables while attending family-friendly events including outdoor movies and concerts. The park serves as a trailhead for the Reeds Lake Trail, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the natural beauty of East Grand Rapids.
2. Manhattan Park
LARGEST RECREATIONAL OASIS
Manhattan Park stands as East Grand Rapids' largest park, spanning an impressive 42 acres of recreational space. The park features a playground, sand volleyball courts, softball diamonds, tennis courts, a soccer field, rustic nature trails, restrooms, and a picnic shelter with grills and tables for visitors to enjoy. During winter months, the park's two hills become popular sledding destinations for local families and visitors alike.
3. Memorial Field
SCENIC SPORTS VENUE
Memorial Field serves as the primary setting for East Grand Rapids High School football, soccer, and lacrosse games, offering spectators a unique combination of athletic excitement and natural beauty. The stadium provides an idyllic view of Reeds Lake as a backdrop to the sporting events taking place on the field. Conveniently located just steps from Gaslight Village shopping and dining, visitors can easily combine a sporting event with other local attractions.
4. Reeds Lake Trail
SCENIC LAKESIDE PATHWAY
Reeds Lake Trail offers outdoor enthusiasts a 4.2-mile route that encircles the picturesque Reeds Lake, passing through city parks, wooded areas, wetlands, and residential neighborhoods. The trail accommodates walkers, runners, and cyclists with its varied terrain that includes sidewalks, paved pathways, and boardwalks. While the main trailhead is located at John Collins Park, multiple access points around the lake make it easy for visitors to join the trail from various locations throughout East Grand Rapids.
5. Gaslight Village
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Gaslight Village is the vibrant commercial heart of East Grand Rapids, offering a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and services in a picturesque setting. This walkable district features establishments such as Bagel Kitchen, Big Bob's Pizza, Bowdie's Chophouse, Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen, Crazy Charlie's, and Gaslight Kitchen, making it a culinary destination. The village's proximity to Reeds Lake and John Collins Park allows visitors to combine shopping and dining with outdoor recreation in one convenient location.
6. Wege Plaza
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Wege Plaza serves as a central community gathering space in East Grand Rapids, offering residents and visitors alike a place to relax and socialize. The plaza's strategic location makes it an ideal meeting point when exploring the surrounding attractions and amenities of the city. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained public space while taking in the charming atmosphere that defines East Grand Rapids.
7. Waterfront Park
LAKESIDE RELAXATION SPOT
Waterfront Park provides East Grand Rapids visitors with a peaceful retreat along the shores of Reeds Lake. The park offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding natural landscape, making it perfect for photography, picnicking, or simply unwinding. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while watching boats glide across the water or birds soaring overhead in this picturesque setting.
8. Side Bar
LOCAL FAVORITE HANGOUT
Side Bar is a popular local establishment in East Grand Rapids that offers visitors a taste of the community's social scene. The venue provides a welcoming atmosphere where guests can unwind with drinks and possibly light fare while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. Its reputation as one of the top attractions in East Grand Rapids makes it a must-visit spot for those looking to experience the city's authentic nightlife.
9. Log Cabin Cocktail Lounge
RUSTIC DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT
The Log Cabin Cocktail Lounge welcomes visitors with its distinctive rustic ambiance and friendly atmosphere in East Grand Rapids. This establishment offers a selection of beverages in a charming setting that evokes the warmth and coziness of a traditional log cabin. Visitors seeking an authentic local experience will appreciate the character and charm of this unique cocktail destination.
10. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
BOTANICAL AND ARTISTIC WONDER
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park offers visitors a stunning combination of horticultural displays and world-class sculpture in a 158-acre campus near East Grand Rapids. The attraction features meticulously maintained gardens, nature trails, and an internationally acclaimed sculpture collection that includes works by renowned artists. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy seasonal exhibitions, concerts, and special events that showcase the harmonious relationship between art and nature.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY DESTINATION
Shopping in East Grand Rapids offers visitors a delightful mix of boutique stores, specialty shops, and local retailers, particularly in the charming Gaslight Village district. Shoppers can browse through unique merchandise, locally-made products, fashion items, home goods, and gifts while enjoying the walkable, picturesque setting. The shopping experience in East Grand Rapids combines small-town charm with quality offerings, making it a perfect destination for those seeking retail therapy in a relaxed atmosphere.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS ABOUND
Dining in East Grand Rapids presents visitors with a diverse array of culinary options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Local establishments like Bagel Kitchen, Big Bob's Pizza, Bowdie's Chophouse, Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen, Crazy Charlie's, and Gaslight Kitchen showcase the city's vibrant food scene with various cuisines and dining styles. Many restaurants are concentrated in the Gaslight Village area, allowing diners to enjoy their meals with convenient access to shopping and lake views.
13. Hiking
NATURE TRAILS EXPLORATION
Hiking in East Grand Rapids offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to explore scenic trails that wind through diverse landscapes including wooded areas, wetlands, and lakeshores. The 4.2-mile Reeds Lake Trail serves as the centerpiece of the hiking experience, with its mix of paved pathways, sidewalks, and boardwalks accessible to various skill levels. Manhattan Park's rustic nature trails provide additional hiking opportunities for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this Michigan community.
14. Fishing
LAKESIDE ANGLING ADVENTURES
Fishing in East Grand Rapids centers around Reeds Lake, offering anglers opportunities to catch various freshwater species in a picturesque setting. Access points such as John Collins Park provide convenient spots for shore fishing, while the public boat launch allows fishermen to explore deeper waters. The peaceful environment combined with the lake's fish population makes for a rewarding fishing experience for both novice and experienced anglers visiting the area.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCES
Camping near East Grand Rapids gives outdoor enthusiasts access to natural surroundings while remaining close to urban amenities. While the city itself has limited dedicated camping facilities, nearby areas offer opportunities for tent and RV camping in more rural settings. Visitors interested in camping can use East Grand Rapids as a base for day trips while enjoying overnight stays in the natural areas surrounding the greater Grand Rapids region.