Riverside Park - Grand Rapids,
Riverside Park: A Dog-Friendly Gem in Grand Rapids
Riverside Park is a spacious and scenic area located along Monroe Ave NE, stretching alongside the Grand River in Grand Rapids, MI. Known for its picturesque walking paths, lush shaded areas, and frequent community upkeep, the park is hugely popular among locals looking for pet-friendly trails and relaxing outdoor experiences. It’s a fantastic destination for families, with multiple playgrounds, picnic spots, barbecue grills, and a renowned disc golf course, making it one of the top recreational spaces in the area.
For dog owners, Riverside Park stands out as a welcoming space; dogs are allowed on-leash throughout the park, and you’ll find plenty of walking paths to explore with your furry companion. The park is wheelchair accessible, has ample parking, public restrooms, and is well-maintained year-round. While there isn’t a dedicated, fenced off-leash dog area as of now, the abundance of space, shade, and riverside views make it a favorite spot for pet lovers and their pups in Grand Rapids.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash; there is currently no fenced off-leash area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, Riverside Park does not have a designated fenced dog park area.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on leash at all times while at the park.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are on site and are generally clean and maintained.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, both the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Absolutely! Multiple playgrounds, slides, swings, and kid-friendly hikes are available.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, picnic tables and barbecue grills are provided for public use.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are many shaded areas throughout the park, and some picnic spots have covers.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features scenic walking paths, including connections to the White Pine Trail.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Riverside Park is very well-maintained and kept clean by the city.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can be quite busy on weekends, but there is ample space for everyone.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a large parking lot within the park as well as roadside parking outside the gates.
Reviews
A nice big park on the river. A nice place to start bike ride on the White pine trail.
One of the best things about grand rapids. This park is always meticulously maintained and stretches along the grand River for miles. There are parts of this park I could and have spent hours relaxing. Great place to hang a hammock, and they also have an excellent 18-hole disc golf course.
This park is fairly large and has plenty of nice walking paths throughout the area. It has nice views of the river, and there are decent facilities for park goers. If you’re looking to fish, spend time with your family, or just go for a stroll, this park has something to offer. It’s a good place to spend a lazy afternoon.
This nicely-shaded park runs along a stretch of the river and features a few ponds opposite the flowing water, so it’s beautiful all year! Watch out for geese “evidence” in the summer months, but other than that, it really is a safe, clean park for the whole family to enjoy! A great asset to the Grand Rapids community!
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.