This Michigan City Is An Underrated Gem For Nature Lovers

As the second-largest city in Michigan, with nearly 200,000 residents, Grand Rapids offers a diverse range of experiences. While it is primarily known for its vibrant cultural scene, iconic landmarks, and eclectic downtown, it often flies under the radar for nature enthusiasts. Instead, most visitors are drawn to its family-friendly attractions and cultural sites like the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and Grand Rapids Art Museum. Additionally, the city proudly holds the title of "Craft Beverage Capital," attracting brewery lovers to spots like Founders Brewing Co.

However, beneath its urban charm lies some of the most underrated natural attractions in the state. These lesser-known parks and nature centers offer a refreshing escape from the city buzz without the same crowds typical of more popular destinations. If you are on the hunt for off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, tranquil waterfronts, and parks blending nature and art, Grand Rapids has some truly magical spots waiting to be discovered.

Why Is Grand Rapids An Underrated Nature Destination?

As with most urban centers, Grand Rapids’ big-city attractions take center stage, often overshadowing the area’s natural surroundings. With beautiful Lake Michigan within driving distance of the city, many also overlook Grand Rapids' waterfront in favor of the Great Lake. While the city sits on the banks of the Grand River, in many cases, the waterway feels like a backdrop or an afterthought for those visiting Grand Rapids. This is especially true given the city’s history with its namesake. The Grand River’s iconic rapids disappeared between the late 1800s and early 1900s with the construction of several dams. As a result, the rapids that earned the city its name have been missing for generations.

While the city has its fair share of underrated waterfront spaces, efforts are still underway to restore the river’s rapids to their original glory. The Grand Rapids WhiteWater Project is “dedicated to revitalizing the Grand River and putting the namesake rapids back in the Grand River for everyone’s enjoyment,” with hopes of improving the city’s environment and recreation. By removing dams, improving river access, and generating improved water flow, the hope is to increase recreation such as tubing, fishing, boating, kayaking, and more.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the Grand River and Grand Rapids’ other outdoor attractions. While there is much to look forward to with the Grand Rapids WhiteWater Project, nature lovers should not wait to take advantage of everything this Michigan city has to offer—especially when these underrated attractions can be enjoyed without crowds.

The Best Natural Attractions And Activities In And Around Grand Rapids

Riverside Park

Less than ten minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Riverside Park is a peaceful waterfront retreat. This 64-acre park provides nearly one mile of access to the mighty Grand River, making it a perfect gateway to breathtaking views and outdoor recreation. The park’s paved walking trail offers stunning scenes in every season, but the surrounding trees especially shine in the summer and fall, shading and brightening the landscape. Warmer months are also when the boat launch becomes a popular spot for boaters and kayakers eager to explore the water. Back on land, the park boasts 1,000 feet of grassy shoreline, making it a romantic picnic spot. As for those enjoying a day of angling from the barrier-free fishing dock, the park's grills are the perfect follow-up.

Millennium Park

From May through October, Millennium Park comes to life with hikers, beachgoers, and nature-loving birders. This 1,400-acre space is located on the southwest edge of Grand Rapids along the Grand River, reaching three additional cities. It is one of the largest urban parks in the country, surpassing even New York’s iconic Central Park.

In summer, the 100-acre Millennium Park Lake takes the spotlight. Its swimming area, sand beach, boat rentals, and Mehney Splashpad are fun for all ages, immersing visitors in a world beyond the concrete jungle. Michigan’s warmer months are also when the park’s 18-mile trail system awakens. Much of the trails are paved to promote accessibility, and there are a variety of lengths, from laid-back half-mile paths to longer over-one-mile routes. These easy-to-explore trails lead past lakes, open fields, and wetlands, whose habitats boast a range of wildlife, including mute swans and bald eagles.

While technically in “hibernation,” in the winter, Millennium Park is one of only two parks in Kent County with groomed trails for cross-country skiing. Along with the original 18 miles of paths, certain natural areas are groomed when weather permits, and a shorter trail is also maintained for fat tire biking. The park’s Winter Trail Map can be accessed online for more details.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Listed as the #1 Thing to Do in Grand Rapids by TripAdvisor in 2024, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the city’s most well-known natural attraction. In 2023 and 2024, USA Today readers named it the “Best Sculpture Park in the United States,” and it is easy to see why. Since 1995, over 15 million people have visited this spectacular fusion of art and nature to experience Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory and outdoor sculptures by artists like Alexander Calder and Ai Weiwei. Other highlights include Victorian-inspired gardens, a Japanese garden with an authentic teahouse, an interactive children's garden, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts live music in the summertime.

Blandford Nature Center

For a quieter, more traditional nature experience, the Blandford Nature Center is a serene escape from the city. The center spans 143 acres of woodlands, with 4 miles of trails to explore from dawn to dusk, whether hiking in spring through fall or renting snowshoes in the winter. The center is also home to more than 40 rehabilitated Wildlife Ambassadors, including owls, hawks, turtles, and more. No longer able to survive in the wild due to injuries, these Michigan critters are cared for by the center and can be visited to learn more about wildlife preservation. Throughout the year, the Blandford Nature Center also hosts countless fun and educational events for the whole family, including their Sugarbush Festival in March and their Earth Day Celebration in April.

Why Visit Grand Rapids Instead Of Michigan’s More Popular Nature Destinations?

With Lake Michigan to the east, the natural beauty of Grand Rapids is often overshadowed. Even city locals tend to flock to the famed Great Lake, drawn to its inviting marinas, beautiful beaches, and scenic boardwalks. However, for those seeking a less-trodden path with a more secluded atmosphere, Grand Rapids stands as the true star.

While the city boasts more mainstream attractions like Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, you can also find solace in quieter gems like Riverside Park or the Blandford Nature Center. For a day at the beach without fighting for a spot, Millennium Park is also a scenic alternative, allowing you to enjoy the sand and sun in peace. For nature lovers eager to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, these Grand Rapids attractions are some of the best in Michigan. Though they may be overlooked, their beauty is undeniable—but they may not stay quiet for long, so you may want to experience the serenity while you still can.

Grand Rapids: A Welcoming And Accessible Gem For Nature Lovers

Inclusivity is one of the best features of Grand Rapids, and it extends far beyond its accessible public transportation. The city’s vision calls for innovation, equity, and a welcoming atmosphere, all of which are visible in the city’s outdoor spaces. Attractions like the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcome people of all abilities with wheelchair-accessible paths and an accessible tram. Even the more nature-based attractions, like the Blandford Nature Center, offer paved accessible paths, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can breathe in the beauty of this Michigan city.

The Takeaway

Although parts of Grand Rapids are still undergoing development with the Grand Rapids WhiteWater Project, this Michigan city still offers a wealth of attractions for nature lovers in 2025. As CNN highlights, this “‘Beer City USA’ is much more than just a drinking destination,” boasting some of the most beautiful natural sites in the state. Whether spending a day in the sand at Millennium Park or exploring the Blandford Nature Center to learn about Michigan's wildlife, there is something to excite any nature lover in Grand Rapids, regardless of age, ability, or interest.