One of the best ways to explore Grand Rapids and all it has to offer is by biking it. Lucky for us, Grand Rapids has more than its fair share of trails to explore.
If you’re a fan of gliding and riding through long scenic stretches, the White Pine Trail and Kent Trails through the beautiful Millenium Park are both great options. But, for those of you that like bike riding with activities along the way, Riverside Park and the Monroe North area is just what you’re looking for.
Millenium Park is one of Grand Rapids' largest parks and nearly 18 miles of paved trails.
Photo by Wheel The World for Experience GR
Safety Check
Before you set off on a biking adventure, it’s important to wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet - one that sits level on your head, with the front of the helmet covering the majority of your forehead. The chin strap should be tightened just enough so that it’s snug beneath your chin.
In addition to wearing a helmet, there are rules of the road to abide by. You can brush up on those rules by visiting Driving Change.
The Routes
There are a variety of places to see and activities to do when biking Riverside Park and the Monroe North area. Here are just a few biking routes with fun activities along the way:
Route 1: The Ice Cream Route
Where to park: 2001 Monroe Ave NE
What to bring: Money to purchase ice cream, of course!
Route Length: 3.8 miles round trip
This route takes you on a four-mile loop with a stop at Too Tall’s Tasty Treats. You’ll begin by parking your car at the free and public Riverside Park parking lot located at 2001 Monroe Ave NE. This parking lot is near Riverside Park’s boat launch and picnic area.
(Note: This lot is adjacent to the Apple Tree Learning Center - Monroe located at 1953 Monroe Ave NW.)
From there head north on the adjacent bike path, which is technically the White Pine Trail.
As you bike along the smooth, paved path, you’ll have the Grand River to your left, making it quite a scenic route. Continue to follow this paved path, keeping the Grand River to your left.
At about a mile-and-a-half into your ride, the path opens up into a parking lot. Ride through the parking lot where you’ll reach the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Lamberton Street. From here, continue onto Lamberton Street.
(Note: Once on Lamberton Street, you are no longer on a protected bike path, which means you’re now sharing the road with vehicles. Please use caution.)
Continue on Lamberton Street, alongside the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, until you reach the intersection of Lamberton Street and Coit Avenue. Make a right at Coit Avenue, and soon you’ll see Too Tall’s Tasty Treats.
This quaint ice cream shop has a large variety of frozen treats like ice cream, milkshakes, popsicles and more. Too Tall’s has a great outdoor eating area, so you can easily park your bike and sit at a picnic table to enjoy your dessert.
When you’re ready to begin again, head south on Coit Avenue past Lamberton Street and Wolverine Drive to the intersection of Coit Avenue and 3 Mile Road. Make a right onto 3 Mile Road.
Once you reach the intersection of 3 Mile Road and Monroe Avenue, head south on Monroe Avenue until you reach the parking lot where you began your journey.
Optional Tasty Treat #2: Have a hankering for another sweet treat? Head south on Coit Avenue from Too Tall’s to Ann Street, a distance of roughly 1.6 miles. (There are dedicated bike lanes on the first part of your journey on Coit, and again on Ann Street.) Turn left on Ann and bike about one-third mile to Plainfield. There on the corner is Frosty Boy, a beloved local ice cream shop offering a popular lemon soft-serve option in addition to Michigan-made hand-scoop ice creams and several gluten-free and vegan options. Then it’s back west on Ann Street (towards the Grand River) to Monroe Street, and right on Monroe to the Riverside Park parking lot.
In addition to their craft beer, City Built Brewing Company's menu is inspired by Puerto Rican cuisine.
Photo by Mod Bettie for Experience GR
Route 2: The Foodie Route
Where to park: 2001 Monroe Ave NE
What to bring: Money, bike lock
Route Length: 3.3 miles round trip
For this route, we recommend you park your car in the free and public parking lot located at 2001 Monroe Avenue near Riverside Park’s boat launch and picnic area. From there, head south on Monroe Avenue, which has dedicated bike lanes.
(P.S. don’t forget to bring your bike locks!)
BrickYard Tavern
BrickYard Tavern is located at 940 Monroe Avenue, about 1.5 miles away from your starting point. BrickYard Tavern has a variety of menu items like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. There is also a large patio you can enjoy, as well as live music. Be sure to check their summer schedule to look at upcoming artists. There are bike racks in Canal Park, directly across the street from the restaurant.
City Built Brewing
City Built Brewing is less than 200 yards south of BrickYard Tavern, at 820 Monroe. You’ll find them in Suite 155, near Field and Fire Cafe. City Built Brewing prides itself on their craft beer options, but its unique Puerto Rican-inspired menu is also a must-try.
Field and Fire Cafe
Field and Fire Cafe is at 820 Monroe Ave, Suite 100 and is 1.6 miles away from where you parked, and about 150 feet from City Built. The cafe boasts a bakery, breakfast and lunch. They also offer a variety of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options!
Note: Field and Fire is only open until 3 p.m. each day.
Garage Bar & Grill
The Garage Bar & Grill is located at 819 Ottawa, which is just one block from Monroe Avenue. From Field and Fire, head south on Monroe Avenue until you reach Newberry Street. At Newberry Street, make a left. Make another left on Ottawa and you’ll soon see the Garage Bar & Grill. This popular gathering spot features burgers, chicken tenders, a brisket sandwich and more.
SILVA
Keep going north on Ottawa to reach SILVA (975 Ottawa). This “dinnertainment” venue combines a restaurant and bar with lively games like billiards, darts and bocce ball, all in a historic furniture factory that has been removed in “circus-chic” style.
To return to Riverside Park, continue north on Ottawa, which morphs into Monroe Avenue beyond a roundabout about two-tenths of a mile from Silva.
Note: You will soon be able to travel between Riverside Park and Canal Park off-street via a paved multi-use trail along the Grand River. Work is underway to connect Riverside Park’s White Pine Trail, whose south terminus is currently Ann Street, with the Grand River Edges Trail, which now starts at Leonard Street and runs through Canal Park on its way to downtown Grand Rapids. The new 12-ft wide trail, set to be completed in 2026, will include safe at-grade street crossings, lighting, benches and signage.
This new trail connection is part of the Grand River Greenway project, which is linking trails along the Grand River from Grand Rapids west to Grand Haven and east to Lowell. The five-mile section of the Greenway from Riverside Park to downtown Grand Rapids and on to Millennium Park also includes a restoration of the city’s namesake rapids to the Grand River, a riverside outdoor amphitheater, enhanced river engagement opportunities in downtown’s Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Canal Park, Sixth Street Park and Lyon Square, and so much more. Click here for a look at new and upcoming construction.
Route 3: The Disc Golf Route
Where to park: 2001 Monroe Ave NE
What to bring: Frisbees
Route Length: Varies
Nestled on Riverside Park’s 180 acres is an 18-hole disc golf course. To start your disc-golf-biking journey, park in the parking lot located at 2001 Monroe Ave. Then, bike north on the White Pine Trail, which takes you along the river banks of the Grand River.
At about the half-mile mark, make a right on Guild Street NW. That will take you directly to the parking lot situated by the course’s first hole (You can view the entire disc golf course here).
The majority of the disc golf course is located along paved paths within Riverside Park, so you can ride your bike to each of the 18 holes.
Once you finish your game of disc golf at the 18th hole, you’ll be right back at Guild Street.
Route 4: The Hammock and Leisure Route
Where to park: Monroe Ave and Riverside Park Drive
What to bring: Hammock and a book!
Route Length: 3 miles round trip
For this route, you’ll want to have a hammock and a good book, because Riverside Park offers plenty of space to read and relax. We recommend you begin your journey in the parking lot at Monroe Avenue and Riverside Park Drive, which is located at the north end of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
From the parking lot, go south on White Pine Trail, over the historic North Park Bridge, and across Guild Street.
After you pass Guild Street, you’ll see that Riverside Park opens up to display beautiful trees, which is a perfect setting to place a hammock. Simply park your bike, put up your hammock, and read your book while you enjoy the peaceful scenery around you.
After a relaxing reading session by the river, you can return to your car by taking the same route back to the parking lot.
If you get tired of biking, take a break to launch kayaks or fish at Riverside Park!
Photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR
Route 5: The Waterside Playground Route
Where to park: Monroe Ave and Riverside Park Drive
What to bring: Whatever you want!
Route Length: 2 miles round trip
This route is perfect for the whole family. A great starting point for this route is at in the parking lot at Monroe Avenue and Riverside Park Drive, which is located at the north end of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.
Begin your route by biking south on the White Pine Trail. This will take you past the Little League Baseball diamonds, park gazebos, and over the North Park Bridge.
A mile into your journey, you’ll see a playground situated by a large pond to your left. There you’ll see over 1,000 feet of grassy area with picnic areas and grills. As a bonus, there’s a barrier-free fishing dock right across the way from the park. If you plan on fishing, be sure to purchase a one-day fishing license.
Once you’re done exploring the area, you can simply return to your car the same way you came.
Whether you're craving ice cream, a relaxing hammock session, or a game of disc golf, don't hesitate to embark on a new bike route this summer!