Boating and Paddling in Grand Rapids

Downtown Boating and Paddling

A river runs through downtown Grand Rapids – the Grand River, Michigan’s longest river, which stretches approximately 252 miles from south-central Lower Michigan through Grand Rapids before emptying into Lake Michigan at Grand Haven.

Boating and paddling on the downtown GR stretch of the Grand River is currently undergoing a major transformation due to the Grand River Restoration Project, an initiative to recreate the river’s natural rapids. When finished, this corridor will be safer and easier to navigate for non-motorized boaters, canoers, kayakers and paddleboarders.

Until then, paddlers must avoid the downtown river stretch between Bridge Street and Fulton Street, as well as a 500-foot no-boating zone between downtown’s Sixth Street Bridge and Fourth Street Dam. However, a universally accessible canoe and kayak launch opens in downtown’s newly renovated Canal Park, just a mile north of Bridge Street (and a few hundred feet from the Sixth Bridge), in late fall 2026. You can paddle upstream (north) from there.

If you need to fuel up before your journey or relax afterwards, Canal Park is just a few steps away from many excellent eateries, including Chicago Beef Joint, City Built Brewing Company, Field & Fire Café, Grand Rapids Garage Bar & Grill, Linear Restaurant and SILVA.

Riverside Park

Another universally accessible canoe and kayak launch is at Riverside Park, about 2.4 river miles north of Canal Park.

The Riverside Park launch actually enters a lagoon, which is ideal for beginners and casual paddlers. Advanced or adventurous paddlers can access the Grand River from the lagoon and head downstream to downtown – or, for more of a challenge, upstream 8 miles to the Northland Drive launch (just west of the West River Dr NE/Northland Dr NE intersection on Indian Dr NE) or about 13 miles to the Knapp Street Bridge launch (on Shady Dr NE, just east of the Grand River crossing on Knapp St). The Northland Drive launch also offers access to the lower Rogue River.

Riverside Park is part of the city’s Creston neighborhood, which has a large stock of residential homes just steps from businesses and greenspaces. Close-by restaurants include 616 Kabob Stop, a fast-casual Mediterranean joint; Iker’s Tacos, featuring authentic Mexican food; Kobold’s Kitchen, a board game café serving global comfort foods; and Lucy’s, named one of America’s best brunch restaurants.

Johnson Park

The nearest boat launch to the south of downtown is the Veterans Boat Launch in Johnson Park, approximately 6-7 river miles away from the city center. It’s an upstream paddle against the current from Johnson Park to downtown GR, but it’s generally manageable during low-water summer and autumn periods. Alternatively, you can paddle downstream from Johnson Park about 3.5 miles to the Grandville Boat Launch (4745 Jenison St SW), roughly 7 miles to Grand River Park or 11.5 miles to Grand Ravines North Country Park.

Johnson Park is also an access point for the 41-mile Grand River Heritage Trail, which encompasses nine distinct routes along the Grand River from Grand Rapids to Lake Michigan.

Johnson Park is just a five-minute drive to downtown Grandville and restaurants such as Lalos Mexican Grill, & Bar, Michigan Moonshine Distillery & BBQ, Oakestown Brewery and Wildroast Coffee Co.

Lower Grand River Water Trail

The Lower Grand River Water Trail flows 96 miles from Portland, east of Grand Rapids, to Grand Haven, a Lake Michigan shoreline community to our west. It is an official State of Michigan Water Trail, meaning it is a route specifically designed for the use of small boats such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.

The trail features 35 access points across Kent County, Ionia County and Ionia County, giving boaters all sorts of options for where and how long to paddle. Wherever you launch, you’ll see scenic forests and wetlands – and, if you keep your eyes peeled, a wide variety of wildlife.

Note that there is a gap in the trail between Canal Park in downtown Grand Rapids and Johnson Park to the south, a 6-7 mile stretch. View maps, mileage and access points for the Lower Grand River Water Trail.

Thornapple River

The Thornapple River is an 88-mile tributary of the Grand River offering scenic paddling, tubing and fishing. The river is relatively shallow and features structures like dams, so most public access points cater to non-motorized watercraft like kayaks, canoes and tubes rather than large motorized trailered boats.

The LaBarge Kayak Launch in Caledonia (7400 84^th St SE) is an ideal starting point for a leisurely Thornapple River paddle or float trip – it’s a three-mile water journey from LaBarge to the Ruehs Park boat launch (7602 68^th St SE).

View a map of water trails and access points on the Grand River, Thornapple River and two other paddle-friendly Kent County rivers – the Coldwater River and the Rogue River.

Millennium Park

If the calm waters of a lake are more your style, you’ll find 50+ choices in the immediate area – starting with Millennium Park, just five minutes from downtown GR. Rent a kayak, canoe, paddleboat or paddleboard in the Park to explore the 100 acres of water and four miles of shoreline. You can also rent boats to traverse the waters of Wabasis Lake, a 400-acre lake 30 minutes from downtown. Long Lake is a great choice if you have your own watercraft.

Reeds Lake

Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, 10 minutes from downtown GR, deserves special mention for its calm waters, scenic views and walkable proximity to the charming shopping and dining district of Gaslight Village. The Reeds Lake canoe and kayak launch is located behind the city’s Community Center (750/770 Lakeside Dr) and there is a self-service kiosk for kayak and SUP rentals. 

Lake Michigan

Just 30-45 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, Lake Michigan offers a scenic and thrilling adventure for kayakers. Be aware that weather and high winds can turn a calm lake into dangerously rough water in minutes, so you will need a proper sea touring kayak (16 to 19 feet long) rather than a standard recreational or inflatable kayak. Launch directly from a sandy beach instead of fighting your way out of a narrow river mouth where currents and waves clash. If you are a beginner on the big lake, stay within 400 feet of the shoreline at all times.

Canoeing is generally discouraged in Lake Michigan because of the lake’s size and unpredictability, but paddleboarding can be fantastic, especially during calm mornings when the water turns smooth like glass. Just be sure to check weather and wind conditions carefully before heading out.

Check out more places to launch boats – including motorized boats – in Grand Rapids, and explore more area lakes and rivers.