This city four miles east of downtown Grand Rapids has been named one of America's Top 10 "Best Places to Live for Suburbanites" and one of "10 Great Cities to Raise Your Kids." It boasts a wonderful variety of beautifully maintained homes, abundant parks and nature areas, the charming Gaslight Village business district and a magnificent sports lake - all of which contribute to a sense of community that evokes days gone by.

Walkable Gaslight Village is just steps away from Reeds Lake and East Grand Rapids High school, making the area a compact hub of shopping, dining, recreation and community events.

Art & Culture

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East Grand Rapids History Room

Located on the second floor of the East Grand Rapids Library, the EGR History Room preserves and displays artifacts about local history, including the Ramona Park amusement park (operating from 1897-1955) and the steamboats that once traversed Reeds Lake. Most items are available for perusal during library hours, 9:30am-8pm Mon-Thu, 9:30am-6pm Fri and 9:30am-5pm Sat. 746 Lakeside Dr SE.

East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center

The East Grand Rapids High School Drama Club, a member of the International Thespian Society, presents multiple productions in the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center during the school year. The facility is also used for performances from other area arts groups. 2211 Lake Dr SE.

Gerald R. Ford Statue

A bronze statue of President Gerald R. Ford, who represented the Grand Rapids area in Congress for 24 years, is situated outside the East Grand Rapids Library. It is a one-third replica of the Ford statues in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol and outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids. 746 Lakeside Dr SE.

I’m an Artist Community Studio

A welcoming creative space for artists of all ages and levels, I’m An Artist Community Studio offers a wide variety of art classes, workshops and community engagement events. Weekly open studios (Saturdays from 10am-noon) offer space and supplies for creative exploration, often around a specific theme. 2166 Wealthy St SE.

Family Fun

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Groups at Reeds Lake/ John Collins Park

John Collins park is perfect for family outings, outdoor movies, concerts, and more!

Photo by Ideology for Experience GR.

Canepa Tennis Center

The home of the East Grand Rapids High School tennis teams, Canepa Tennis Center has eight community tennis courts available for public use. 2915 Hall St.

East Grand Rapids Library

The East Grand Rapids Branch of the Kent District Library system boasts a vast collection of books as well as public computers, free WiFi and printing, a teen space, used book sales, community events and more. 9:30am-8pm Mon-Thu, 9:30am-6pm Fri and 9:30am-5pm Sat. 746 Lakeside Dr SE.

John Collins Park

Situated on Reeds Lake within easy walking distance of the Gaslight Village business district, John Collins Park hosts many family-friendly events, including outdoor movies and concerts. It’s just three acres in size but it includes a public-access boat launch, shore walk, overlook decks, benches, rain gardens and picnic tables. 650 Lakeside Dr.

Manhattan Park

The city’s largest park at 42 acres, Manhattan 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. Two hills are popular for winter sledding. 430 Manhattan Rd.

Memorial Field

Memorial Field is the setting for East Grand Rapids High School football, soccer and lacrosse games. The stadium provides an idyllic view of Reeds Lake in addition to close-up views of sports action. It’s just steps from Gaslight Village shopping and dining. 701-799 Lakeside Dr SE.

Reeds Lake Trail

The Reeds Lake Trail is a 4.2-mile route that passes through city parks, wooded areas, wetlands and residential areas around picturesque Reeds Lake. Walkers, runners and cyclists use the trail, which includes sidewalks, paved pathways and boardwalks. The trailhead is located at John Collins Park (650 Lakeside Dr) but the trail can also be accessed from multiple sites.

Remington Park & Dog Park

Remington Park offers a baseball field, restroom facility and a trail that leads to adjacent Hodenpyl Woods. The Dog Park includes separate off-leash areas for large and small dogs, dog waste bag dispensers and drinking fountains. 2310 Reeds Lake Blvd. SE.

Waterfront Park

Situated on the west shores of Reeds Lake, Waterfront Park features universally accessible trails, picnic areas, benches, a fishing dock and a 425-foot floating boardwalk system providing a unique perspective on the lakeshore environment. 2205 Reeds Lake Blvd.

Food & Drink

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Olive's Restaurant & Bar Interior
Olive's Restaurant & Bar Interior

Olives offers delicious scratch-made dishes and a relaxed vibe.

Photo by Courtesy of Olive's Restaurant & Bar Captured by Amanda Kamppinen

Bagel Kitchen

Bagel Kitchen serves hand-formed, boiled and baked bagels in a variety of flavors along with bagel sandwiches and coffee drinks made with locally roasted Schuil Coffee. Delicious bagel spreads, too. 6:30am-1pm Mon-Fri and 7:30am-1pm Sat-Sun. 2228 Wealthy St SE.

Big Bob’s Pizza

Family-friendly bar and restaurant Bob’s Pizza offers a variety of pizzas, of course, but there are plenty of handhelds, pastas, salads and other goodies on the menu, too. Full bar service includes rotating microbrews. Dog-friendly patio. 3-9pm Mon, 11am-9pm Tue-Thu, 11am-9:30pm Fri-Sat and noon-9pm Sun. 661 Croswell Ave SE.

Bowdie’s Chophouse

A true upscale steakhouse experience, Bowdie’s Chophouse serves impeccably prepared prime cuts of beef along with a selection of seafood and poultry. The bar menu includes an extensive wine list and exceptional craft cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5-10pm daily. 2237 Wealthy St SE.

Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen

Southern-inspired coastal fare, from Carolina Shrimp and Delta Catfish to Chicken Po’ Boys and Fried Green Tomatoes, are the specialty at Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen. The beverage menu includes many southern favorites, as well. 11am-10pm Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm Fri, 2-11pm Sat and 2-9pm Sun. 2213 Wealthy St SE.

Crazy Charlie’s

Crazy Charlie’s is the place for affordably priced hot dogs, chili dogs, coney dogs, French fries, ice cream and more. 11am-8pm Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat, 11am-10pm Thu and 11am-7pm Sun. 2184 Wealthy St SE.

Gaslight Kitchen Asian Cuisine

Specializing in Chinese-American dishes, Gaslight Kitchen Asian Cuisine features a variety of curated dinner combinations for 2-6 guests as well as individual appetizers, soups and entrées. 3-9pm Mon, Wed & Thu, 3-10pm Fri, 11am-10pm Sat and noon-9pm Sun. 2128 Wealthy St SE.

Jersey Junction

The epitome of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, Jersey Junction was established in 1963 by Doris “Chris” VanAllsburg, mother of “The Polar Express” author/illustrator Chris VanAllsburg, and a model of that fictional train to the North Pole runs along the ceiling of the shop. Serves locally made Hudsonville ice cream and offers a unique candy selection. 3-9pm Mon-Fri and noon-9pm Sat-Sun from March-Oct. 652 Croswell Av SE.

Jet’s Pizza

East Grand Rapids franchise of the Jet’s Detroit-style pizza chain. 11am-10pm Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm Fri-Sat and noon-10pm Sun. 2163 Wealthy St SE.

José Babushka’s

A broad assortment of Mexican staples share the menu with such Polish classics as kielbasa and pierogi at José Babushka’s. Full bar service includes local beer, global wines and creative cocktails. Seasonal patio. 4-10pm Mon and 11am-10pm Tue-Sat. 2232 Wealthy St SE.

Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream

The East Grand Rapids location of a northern Michigan-based chocolate, fudge & ice cream franchise, Kilwins features 32 flavors of original-recipe ice cream as well as shakes, malts, sundaes, chocolates, hand-paddled fudge, caramel apples and other treats. 11am-10pm Mon-Sat and noon-10pm Sun. 2226 Wealthy St SE.

Olives Restaurant and Bar

A perfect blend of elevated cuisine in a laid-back setting, Olives offers a seasonally inspired menu of scratch-made dishes and a food-centric bar offering that impeccably complements each meal. The seasonal patio is dog friendly. 11am-10pm Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm Fri and 4-10pm Sun. 2162 Wealthy St SE.

Pera Pizzeria

The authentic, organic and simple Mediterranean cuisine at Pera includes wood-fired pizzas as well as pasta dishes, wraps, salads shish kabobs and more. Scrumptious appetizers and homemade desserts, too, plus an Italian wine list. 11am-9pm daily. 2224 Wealthy St SE.

Pink Piggy

Pink Piggy serves a variety of Asian dishes (including vegetarian options) as well as bobas, milk teas, traditional teas, freezes and other specialty drinks. 11am-8pm Tue-Sun. 2230 Wealthy St SE.

Rose’s

Historic spot on Reeds Lake offers gorgeous views along with a pleasing fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisine, wine, cocktails and beer. The last remaining building from the Ramona Park amusement park that operated on these shores from 1897-1955 has a wonderful four-season patio and deck. Rose’s is open from 11am-9pm Sun-Thu and 11am-10pm Fri-Sat. 550 Lakeside Dr SE.

Starbucks

East Grand Rapids location of the iconic Seattle-based Starbucks coffee chain. 5:30am-7:30pm daily. 2172 Wealthy St SE.

Tacos el Cuñado

Serving fresh, authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, tortas and more, Tacos El Cuñado is a well-known (and well-loved) Grand Rapids chain. 10am-10pm daily. 2151 Wealthy St SE.

East Grand Rapids Social District

The EGR Social District allows visitors 21 years and older to consume alcoholic beverages sold by qualified Gaslight Village businesses in designated outdoor zones. The social district is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily during the summer season. During the school year, the hours are 4-10 p.m. Mon-Fri and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat-Sun.

Agate & Herb is a cozy boutique filled with unique gifts, jewelry and handmade goods. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat and noon-4pm Sun. 2180 Wealthy St. SE.

Athleta is a chain retailer offering trendy sportswear and accessories for women. 10am-6pm Mon-Wed, 10am-7pm Thu-Sat and 11am-5pm Sun. 2213 Wealthy St SE Ste 100.

Bella Furs and Boutique stocks the finest in luxury outerwear and offers fur storage and cleaning services. By appointment only. 660 Croswell Ave SE.

Crescent Floral and Gifts offers a curated selection of gift items in addition to crafting breathtaking floral arrangements. 9am-5:30p Mon-Fri and 10am-2pm Sat. 2140 Wealthy St SE.

D&W Fresh Market is a full-service grocery store that also features a Starbucks and a pharmacy. 6am-11pm daily. 2181 Wealthy St SE.

The East Grand Rapids Farmers Market offers a selection of local produce, artisan goods and more on summer Thursdays from 8:30am-1pm. 750 Lakeside Dr SE.

Hoffman Jewelers offers fine jewelry and giftware, plus engraving and repair services. 9:30-5:30pm Mon-Fri. 2135 Wealthy St SE.

Lovesac is a showroom for the chain retailer known for foam-filled beanbag chairs, modular sofas and décor items. 10am-7pm Mon-Sat and noon-6pm Sun. 2213 Wealthy St SE.

Pink Lemonade specializes in unique gifts for “children, home and her,” including clothing, toys, jewelry, candles, drinkware and more. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat and 11am-4pm Sun. 703 Bagley Ave SE.

Snapdragon Boutique offers a wide assortment of children’s clothing, footwear and gifts. 10am-6pm Mon-Thu and 10am-5pm Fri-Sat. 725 Bagley Ave SE.

Style Restoration offers upscale resale clothing and accessories for men and women. 2141 Wealthy St SE.

Outdoor Adventure

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Couple Reeds Lake/ John Collins Park

Take a leisurly walk along the Reeds Lake Trail and soak in the park views.

Photo by Ideology for Experience GR.

Griffiths Park

Griffiths Park is small patch of undeveloped woodland that includes a paved pathway and benches. The path connects to the Reeds Lake Trail. 2816 Reeds Lake Blvd.

Hodenpyl Woods

A nearly mile-long rustic plant identification trail through the wooded wetlands of Hodenpyl Woods includes several boardwalk crossings and a floating bridge. A popular destination for local birdwatchers. 2430 Reeds Lake Blvd.

Reeds Lake

283-acre Reeds Lake is the recreational heart of Reeds Lake, with fishing, boating and scenic viewing opportunities within an easy walk of the Gaslight Village business district. Fish for bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike, from the shore or a non-motorized boat. A canoe/kayak launch is located behind the EGR Community Center at 750 Lakeside Dr. and the lake is used Grand Rapids Yacht Club Regattas. The Reeds Lake Trail circles the lake and passes through many city parks.

Reeds Lake Run

Taking place in June each year, the Reeds Lake Run includes 5K and 10K runs around the lake.

Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon/Duathlon

Consisting of a Sprint Distance Triathlon, Duathlon, Aqua Bike, Swim and Elite Sprint Championship wave, the Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon/Duathlon is held in September.

Movies in the Park

Free family-friendly movies are shown on a huge outdoor screen in John Collins Park on select summer evenings.

Concerts in the Park

Free concerts are presented in John Collins Park on Monday nights in June and July.

4th of July Celebration

The annual EGR 4th of July festivities include a parade, kids’ activities, live music and fireworks over Reeds Lake.