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, canoe 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.

Log On for Launch Sites

Finding local launch sites 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.”

Launch fees are required at some DNR launch sites, but Michigan boaters who have purchased a $14 annual state recreation passport can use them without paying anything more. Non-state residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 or an annual pass for $41, and they can be purchased online or at any state park or recreation area.

Other Popular Local Launches

Kent County Parks Department also manages public launches on two area waters. One is found at Wabasis Lake, 11220 Springhill Dr., Greenville, a popular, 400-acre lake that feels very “up north” though it’s only 30 minutes from Grand Rapids. The public boat launch has four lanes, a shoreline dock with tie-offs and ample parking. Camping is permitted in the adjacent campground.

Another very popular public launch is John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Dr. SE, on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids. The 265-acre lake is delightful for boating, fishing, water skiing, and sailing. The free launch site is administered by the city of East Grand Rapids. The park has picnic tables and overlooks where visitors can relax and enjoy the day.

Accessible Launches

Reeds Lake also offers an accessible kayak and canoe launch located behind the city’s Community Center on the south end of the Public Safety building (770 Lakeside Dr. SE).

The launch features guide rails for easy access in and out of the water, launch rollers for easy movement of the watercraft, and a transfer bench so paddlers using a wheelchair can easily board their watercraft. It’s simple for people of all abilities to use.

Other accessible kayak/canoe launches ease entrance into the Grand River. Riverside Park, about five minutes north of downtown GR, offers barrier-free access to a lagoon that connects to the Grand River. To the west of the city, Grand River Park (9473 28th Ave., Jenison), Eastmanville Bayou Park (13507 68th Ave., Allendale) and Connor Bayou Park (12945 N Cedar Dr., Grand Haven), offer accessible entry at different points on the Grand River as it flows to Lake Michigan.

The city of Lowell, 20 minutes east of downtown, has an accessible launch to the Flat River in its Riverwalk Park.

More Recommendations

Looking for other interesting area boating access sites? Explore the MIRBS list, the Grand River Heritage Water Trail and the Grand River Greenway 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 is best for small to medium-size watercraft.
• 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. 
• Johnson Park: Two motorized boat launches for the Grand River are available off Veterans' Memorial Dr., between Butterworth Dr. and Riverbend Dr.

Visit our Boating & Paddling in Grand Rapids page to discover even more fun on the water!