Plenty of Places to Launch in Grand Rapids

Summer days and boating go hand-in-hand. When temperatures climb and days get longer the urge to hit the water often grows strong. But where can you launch that runabout, sailboat, kayak or rowboat? Fortunately, Grand Rapids area boaters have many public launches to choose from. Most provide lake access where summer revelers can relax. Others provide access to scenic portions of the Grand River.  Finding  them takes just a few computer keystrokes. 

“One of the best ways to figure out where you can launch is by using Michigan’s Recreational Boating System (MIRBS),” explains K.C. Fahrni, who administers several Kent County boating access sites for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  “I like to get out a county map, find a lake and then look it up online.”

The alternative, he says, is to type “Kent County” into the system and see all 13 of the state-managed, Kent County launches. The MIRBS system is a database of 1,300 boating access sites around Michigan. It contains details about each - and 80 Great Lakes Harbors and marinas. All of its listings are managed by the Michigan DNR.  In Kent County those include popular waters like Murray Lake, Campau Lake, Big Pine Island Lake, and smaller waters like Lime Lake and  Pratt Lake, to name a few.

“Big Pine Island has a wonderful launch,” Fahrni said. “It’s paved, has a dock and a nice bathroom. It’s a great lake for fishing, boating and there are a lot of kayakers out there.

 “Murray Lake is interesting in that it is shaped like a horseshoe. There is a launch site on both sides of the peninsula. You can row or paddle from one launch to the other. They are right across the road from each other.”

Kent County Parks Department also manages public launches on two area waters. One is found at Wabasis Lake, 11220 Springhill Dr., Greenville, the popular, 400-acre lake with multiple launch ramps. Camping is permitted in the adjacent campground.

Long Lake, 13747 Krauskopf NE, Sparta, is another. It is 230-acres and very scenic. Its launch is a carry-down affair only for those with small watercraft. It’s a very nice place to float, fish or birdwatch. No motors are allowed.  

Another very popular public launch is John Collins Park, 2205 Reeds Lake Blvd., on Reed’s Lake in East Grand Rapids. The 283-acre lake is delightful for boating, fishing, water skiing, and sailing. The free launch site is administered by the city of East Grand Rapids. It has picnic tables and overlooks where visitors can relax and enjoy the day.

Launch fees are required at some DNR launch sites, but boaters who have purchased an $12 annual state recreation passport can use them without paying anything more. The listings on MIRBS indicate if fees are required. Campau Lake is the only Kent County fee-site among the DNR listings. The launch fee is the $12 cost for an annual passport which provides access to every state park in Michigan, state forest campgrounds and any other state boat launches that require fees.

Looking for other interesting area boating access sites? Consider exploring the list for some place new to boat. A couple of others to consider are:

Campbell Lake: A small lake where the fishing is good. Only half of its shoreline is developed. It is one of Kent County’s “quieter lakes” according to Fahrni and a neighboring resident rent rents rowboats for a reasonable fee.

Lincoln Lake:  A larger and newer paved site which offers access to Lincoln Lake and three other connected waters. It offers a lot of water to explore and good fishing. But it is one that fills up quickly on the weekends. 

This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated by Experience Grand Rapids.