Discover the Best Scenic Drives Near Grand Rapids

Want to see all the beauty the Grand Rapids region has to offer? Look no further than through your car window. The scenic drives in West Michigan are the perfect way to explore if you feel like trading in your hiking boots for a more leisurely—but equally picturesque—exploration of the area all year round.

Get ready to dive into an unforgettable journey through the scenic drives near Grand Rapids, where every twist and turn unveils a new vista that will leave you spellbound.

Thornapple River Drive

Thornapple River Drive is one of the best scenic drives near Grand Rapids, MI. Just a stone's throw away from the city buzz, this 88.1-mile marvel will take you on a journey through lush landscapes and tranquil waterscapes from Ada to Alaska (Alaska, MI, that is).

As you drive from north to south, let the rhythm of the Thornapple River guide you from Ada Drive to Cascade Road and Leslie E. Tassel Park (2900 Thornapple Dr). Situated beneath a canopy of mature hardwood trees and filled with beautiful landscaping, this small park offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking and canoeing as well as picnicking and relaxing along the river bank. There are whimsical sculptures and a splash pad with interactive fountains for kids to play, and great views of adjacent Cascade Dam.

And the adventure doesn't stop there! Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems like Cascade Peace Park (8900 Grand River Dr SE) and Burton Park (6805 Burton St SE), each offering hiking trails where Mother Nature puts on a show that will leave you breathless. Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of elusive woodland creatures like the majestic red fox.

Ada, the starting point for your Thornapple Drive cruise, is worth exploring before you hit the road. Ada Village, a charming and walkable downtown district, is filled with restaurants and boutique shops along with easy access to the Thornapple River.

Give yourself time to admire Ada's Covered Bridge, one of the area’s most popular existing pieces of historical architecture. Connecting Ada Village with beautiful Leonard Park, pedestrian walkway was originally built for vehicular traffic in 1867 and now invites travelers to pause and soak in its rustic allure. Be sure to capture the moment with a snapshot!

If you’re looking to stretch your legs even more, take a detour to Roselle Park (1010 Grand River Dr NE), a seven-minute drive northwest of Ada Village. This 240-acre nature preserve along the Grand River is a great spot for photo ops and a nice place to enjoy the vast natural beauty of the park that shines through in every season.

You might also want to make a pit stop at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (1000 East Beltline Ave NE), less than 10 minutes from Roselle. One of the world’s 100 most visited art museums, it seamlessly blends breathtaking gardens with hundreds of significant sculptural works.

Less than a mile south of Ada on Thornapple Hills Drive is the hidden paradise of Forest Hills. Discover the charm of a small business district and nearby neighborhoods, surrounded by natural attractions like Ada Township Park (1180 Buttrick Ave. SE) and the Grand River Nature Area.

4 Mile Road NE

4 Mile Road NE is an east-west route stretching from Grand Rapids Charter Township to the Grand River. Start your journey at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery (3142 4 Mile Rd NE), a century-old family farm that includes a craft beverage operation, bakery, lunch counter, gift barn, orchards and family fun activities. Savor delectable treats and fine wines amidst the picturesque backdrop of orchards lush with apple, apricot, cherry, peach and nectarine trees.

Robinette’s is a one-minute drive from Provin Trails Park (2900 4 Mile Rd NE), a heavily wooded park with interconnected loops of natural-surfaced trails ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing. You can admire the dense foliage as you drive by – especially in fall – or park and explore the largely undeveloped area.

Continue west on 4 Mile as it winds through wooded tracts and residential areas. You’ll soon reach Dean Lake Ave NE, named for the 100-acre residential lake it passes by. Turn right (north) on Dean Lake and it will transition into 4 Mile Road again. You may want to take a detour to Dean Lake Park (2268 Edgewater Dr NE), which has picnic tables and a public boat launch. It’s a great spot to fish for bass, pike, tiger muskie and panfish.

Keep west on 4 Mile and you’ll come to the Plainfield Ave NE intersection. Plainfield Ave is lined with restaurants and shops, so you may want to stop for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy before continuing on another 1.4 miles to Briggs Boulevard NE. Turn left (south) on Briggs and follow it past the roundabout to Monroe Ave NE and Riverside Park. The largest park entirely in the city of Grand Rapids, it features walking paths, ballfields and a kayak launch on the Grand River.

You can follow Monroe Ave south into downtown Grand Rapids or cross the Grand River at Ann Street, just past Riverside Park, and pick up 4 Mile Road NW in Comstock Park. Continue west on 4 Mile for a few miles and you’ll encounter the southern edge of The Fruit Ridge, one of the world’s prime fruit-growing regions. Cruise the Fruit Ridge to view acres and acres of fruit orchards and shop for fresh-picked produce at farm markets like Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm (3025 6 Mile Rd NW), which also features a restaurant, craft brewery, live music, gift shop and more.

Heritage Hill Historic District

One of the nation’s largest urban historic districts, Heritage Hill abuts downtown Grand Rapids. Head east on just about any street from the city center and you’ll encounter Michigan’s finest collection of 19^th and early 20^th century houses. Nearly every style of American architecture is represented in the 1,300 buildings that date from 1844.

Marvel at the edifices from the comfort of your car or park and embark on a self-guided walking tour. You can also take advantage of a guided walking tour each May. Don’t miss the Meyer May House, a 1908 Frank Lloyd Wright design, which is open free to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays

Fall Color Tours

Fall is a fantastic time for a scenic drive in Grand Rapids, as the region’s abundant tree canopy explodes in a riot of brilliant colors. Check out these Fall Color Tour suggestions.

Lake Michigan

Downtown Grand Rapids is just 30-45 minutes from the sugar-sand beaches and towering sand dunes of majestic Lake Michigan. You can follow Lakeshore Avenue from Grand Haven south to Holland as it hugs the coastline. Leave time to explore Rosy Mound Natural Area, Kirk Park, Olive Shores Park, Tunnel Park and Holland State Park along the way.

What are you waiting for? Embrace the call of the open road and embark on an exciting journey along the scenic drives near Grand Rapids, where a new adventure awaits at every turn.