The Grand Outdoors

America’s Best River Town. America’s Best Mountain Biking Town. America’s 6th Best Fishing City. One of America’s Top 10 Waterfront Towns.

A lot of people associate Grand Rapids with big-city excitement. We’ve certainly got plenty of that. But we’re also fortunate to enjoy a spectacular natural playground – one that’s earned kudos like those above from the experts at Outside, Field & Stream, and National Geographic Adventure magazines.

The “Grand Outdoors” video series introduces you to a few of the many ways you can play, relax and have fun in the fresh, clean air of Grand Rapids and Kent County. Take a look – then come explore our outdoor offerings for yourself!

Walks of Life

Two women from different walks of life create meaningful connections through shared nature experiences.

The Grand Outdoors: Summer Opportunities

Start your journey with this overview of the area’s outdoor summer recreation opportunities.

Gifts of the Grand

Get a peek at the variety of fish and fishing experiences available here.

Built for Bikes

Learn why Grand Rapids has become such a vibrant cycling community.

Vehicles of Change

Discover how a local organization is empowering more people to bike.

Made for Winter

Discover the fun and beauty of fat biking at Cannonsburg Ski Area.

Carving a Community

Twenty-one ski runs and one of the Midwest’s top three terrain parks just 20 minutes from downtown.

After the Outing

One of the most distinctive features of our Grand Outdoors is the close proximity to urban amenities. You can fish, paddle and bike just steps away from hundreds of downtown restaurants, shops, nightclubs and museums. Dozens of additional lakes and rivers, fishing spots, and biking and hiking trails are as close as 5-30 minutes from the city center.