Rockford and Cedar Springs is for Outdoor Lovers
For years I thought that Rockford was just another nice small town north of Grand Rapids. I didn’t grow up in West Michigan, so even though I kept hearing about this “cool dam” and great ice cream and fun parks, I didn’t understand what they were talking about.
I mean, Grand Rapids has those things, too. Ok, except for the dam.
Now, though, I’m a Rockford tourist pro. We are regularly up there to check out the dam, walk the trails, and shop stores like Rockford Shoe Depot. And for a smaller town, they’ve got a lot of food options.
My friends have moved to Rockford and they love it. It’s the small town everyone dreams of – an “everyone knows everyone” kind of feel, mixed with all the amenities us modern people are used to, including a highly rated public school system.
My kids’ favorite place in the world might be Cedar Springs, where they’ve experienced the wonder of Deer Tracks Junction. In their minds, nothing else can compare to a train ride to see exotic (to them) animals and a playground made straight from the owner’s big imagination.
Me, I’m hoping to make it to the iconic Red Flannel Festival this fall. (That’s right – the Midwest can turn anything into a reason to celebrate. Even those old fashioned one-piece pajamas with the butt flap.)
Pickerel Lake is another favorite place if you prefer the Belmont/Cannonsburg area. Stop by at Trailside Treats in Belmont afterward for their Grasshopper Sundae. Or, really, anything from their menu is delicious.
Winter lovers don’t fret – if a set of skis is more thrilling to you than ice cream, you’ve got Cannonsburg.
If you’re looking for some wide open spaces, affordable homes and easy access to the city (but also living a bit closer to “up north”), you might fall in love with Rockford, Cedar Springs and Belmont.
Quick Facts
What it’s Like to Live in Northeast Grand Rapids
There’s a lot that people love about living northeast of GR. Read on to see which town speaks to you the most.
Life in Rockford
Why people love to live here: With all its amenities, Rockford feels like it should be a bigger city, but the small population reveals the truth: residents love their close-knit community and friendly neighbors vibe.
There is an array of housing options, a top-rated school district, and an emphasis on outdoor life.
Parks and trails like Myers Lake Park (swimming!), Memorial Park, Glen Park and the White Pine Trail keep residents outdoors year round.
You should know: The Rockford Dam overlook is an iconic part of Rockford, and hooks up to the White Pine Trail.
Foodies will not starve in Rockford. Bostwick Lake Inn is a favorite West Michigan dinner destination in summer, as well as many ice cream shops and more.
Rockford
Population:
6,299
School District:
Rockford Public Schools
Known for:
» Rockford Dam
» Downtown shopping, including Aunt Candy’s Toy Company and The Pump House Frozen Yogurt
» Home to Wolverine, makers of Chaco, Merrell, Saucony and Sperry
Life in Belmont
Why people love to live here: Families can take advantage of an outdoors life at the Rogue River, local golf courses and Cannonsburg right in their backyard.
You should know: Love Rockford and GR, but don’t love the price tag? Belmont gives you easy access to both, but with lower property taxes.
Belmont
Population:
10,293
School District:
Rockford Public Schools
Known for:
» Rogue River Park
» Cannonsburg Ski Area
» Versluis Lake
Life in Cedar Springs
Why people love to live here: Residents can enjoy rural life coupled with access to bigger towns like Muskegon and Grand Rapids by their proximity to US 131.
True to the nature of small towns everywhere, residents brag friendly neighbors and a community that helps each other out.
You should know: You’ve got the edge on getting “up north” on weekends. While 131 is backed up for miles south through Grand Rapids, you’re right at the top of the metro area and can hit the road without wait.
Cedar Springs
Population:
3,684
School District:
Cedar Springs Public Schools
Known for:
» Deer Tracks Junction
» Red Flannel Festival
» Hot spot along Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
» Kent Theatre’s $3 Family Movies
22 Family Things to do in Rockford, Belmont & Cedar Springs
There’s a lot to love about the Cedar Springs, Rockford and Belmont areas. They’ve got the small town, country charm, but are just a quick drive from urban amenities – not that you’d need them.
These towns have plenty of tasty treats, parks, hiking, shopping, good food, and outdoor fun and more to keep kids happy year round.
Stroll the Boardwalk at the Rockford Dam
25 Squires Street, Rockford, MI 49341
Listen to the rushing water, walk along the boardwalk, see the ducks and watch the fishermen – and if you’re lucky you may even get a chance to see some trout trying to jump up the dam!
Plus, there are playgrounds, ice cream shops, restaurants and shops all within walking distance!
Put on your Sleuth Hats at Rockford Riddler
Get outside, explore Rockford, learn new things and challenge your minds with some puzzling riddles with the Rockford Riddler!
A great activity for the whole family, from preschoolers to grandparents.
Check out their website for more information.
(Rockford Riddler has suspended activities, but hopes to return in full force soon!)
Spend an Epic Hands-On Animal Day at Deer Tracks Junction
Deer Tracks Junction
7850 14 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Visit the hands-on farm, play in the crazy fun play areas, pet and feed baby deer and elk, experience the live theater show and hop on the Wildlife Safari Tour! Your kids will love it!
Jump Into River and Lake Life
Head to Belmont if you dig the water.
Rogue River is a fun place for tubing and other outdoor rec.
Just south along the Grand River is Versluis Park and Beach.
Go Retro at Pinball Land
Pinball Land
114 Courtland St, Rockford, MI 49341
Buy a wristband and play all day on up to 12 different pinball machines.
Wanna play, too, Mom? Come on Mondays, aka Momday, where mom plays for free with the purchase of a child’s admission.
Experience Kid Friendly Hikes at Pickerel Lake Park
Pickerel Lake Park
6001 Ramsdell Rd NE, Cannonsburg, MI 49317
Adults can go on just about any hike, but when you add a kid or two to the mix, everything changes. Is it stroller friendly? How far is it? Are the trails well marked?
Pickerel Lake Park, also known as the Fred Meijer Nature Preserve, is a destination for families because of its shorter length, and beautiful paved boardwalk over the lake.
With over 80 acres to explore, explorers with stronger endurance can hike, fish or birdwatch to their heart’s content.
Grab Your Plaid and Head to the Red Flannel Festival
18 South Main St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319
The Red Flannel Festival put Cedar Springs on the map back in the 1930’s, and this annual fall event is still as popular as ever. Whether you want to revisit your old 90’s grunge phase, or can extol the greatness of a good flannel shirt, you will love the Red Flannel Festival.
Tube and Ski at Cannonsburg
Cannonsburg
6800 Cannonsburg Rd., Belmont, MI 49306
Not only does Cannonsburg Ski Area offer downhill skiing and tubing, but it also has miles of trails for fat biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking.
And if you’re up for an adventure, be sure to check out Cannonsburg’s Zip Line Tours!
Swing, Slide and Run at all the Playgrounds
If your kid is a fan of playgrounds, then northeast Grand Rapids is the place for you!
With so many playgrounds in Rockford and the surrounding area, your kiddos will never get bored!
Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
Here are some options to get you started: Myers Lake Park, Richardson Sowerby Park, Glen Park, Pickett Park, Rogue River Park, Rotary Jaycee Park, Townsend Park, Courtland Township Park and Versluis Lake Park.
Watch $3 Movies at Kent Theatre
Kent Theatre
8 N Main, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Historic Kent Theatre in Cedar Springs is home to the famous $3 family movies.
Check their Facebook page to see what’s playing and when and get ready for some popcorn!
Find Incredible Reads in Epilogue Books’ Children’s Section
Epilogue Books
10 E. Bridge St., Rockford, MI 49341
Check out this cozy bookstore along the river! Read a book to your kids in the kids’ section or check out a story time (tentative every other Saturday at 11:00 AM – please call ahead to confirm).
Parents can browse the shop while kids lay on comfy pillows and read to stuffed animals. Kids will love Tommy, the owners’ friendly Golden Retriever, who often hangs out in the store.
They also sell puzzles and games for kids.
And, after you are done reading and shopping, take a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk.
Enjoy Dinner on the Shore at Bostwick Lake Inn
Bostwick Lake Inn
8521 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Eat on the deck and let the kids play on the beach!
Located on the shore of Bostwick Lake, this restaurant provides the perfect place for both a fun and delicious family mealtime!
Usher in Summer at the Rockford Start of Summer Celebration
Downtown Rockford
25 Squires Street, Rockford, MI 49341
If you are near Rockford in the beginning of June, be sure to stop by for the Start of Summer Celebration.
This fun annual festival welcomes the start of summer with a parade, carnival rides, food, crafts, music, live entertainment and family fun.
You won’t want to miss it – mark your calendars now!
Get in Shape and Watch the Kids Have Fun at Rockford MVP
Rockford MVP
515 E Division, Rockford, MI 49341
Learn, Laugh, Cheer and Play in MVP Athletic Club Kid’s Stuff!
Kids will love this awesome fun zone while you work out, or enjoy an evening away and bring your kids to Kids Night Out.
Kid’s Stuff is THE PLACE for active FUN!
Enjoy a Fresh Donut at Sprinkles Donut Shop
Sprinkles Donut Shop
8467 Algoma Ave NE, Rockford MI, 49341
Grab a delicious donut – and while you’re at it, check out the muffins, cakes, cupcakes and coffee, too… And then be sure to come back next week because they are offering new products every week!
Play and Check Out Books at KDL Rockford Krause Library
KDL Rockford Krause Library
140 E. Bridge St., Rockford, MI 49341
Your little one will have lots of fun with all that the library has to offer including the LEGO table, puzzles, toys – and of course… lots of books!
But KDL libraries also offer story times, classes and special events for ALL ages, so be sure to check their website for upcoming classes and events.
Snag some High Quality Toys at Aunt Candy’s Toy Company
Aunt Candy’s Toy Company
63 Courtland Street, Rockford, MI 49341
With hundreds of unique toys and books and an area where small children can try out some of those fun toys, this is sure to become a favorite stop for the kids!
Spend the Day at Myers Lake
Myers Lake
7350 Hessler Dr, Rockford, MI 49341
Your kids will love Myers Lake!
They can swim and play in the sand (while you relax on the grassy part of the “beach”).
Then you can head to the playground for even more fun and a picnic lunch.
Other pluses: restroom facilities, changing areas, picnic tables and lots of shade trees.
Join the Lawn Party at the Rogue River Blues Series
Garden Club Park
Rockford, MI 49341
This wonderful open-air concert series features some of the best blues bands in the area.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic and take in the music alongside the beauty of the Rogue River.
Ride Bikes on the White Pine Trail
The White Pine Trail is Michigan’s second longest rail-trail, stretching for 93.5 miles through five counties – including right through the towns of Rockford and Cedar Springs.
The trail includes the scenic overlook of the Rogue River Dam, but also leads to miles of beautiful trails for walking, biking, and enjoying nature.
Get Story Time and Pottery Fun at Accidental Art
Accidental Art
355 Northland Drive NE, Rockford, MI 49341
Let your little one try her hand at painting pottery!
Read a favorite children’s book together and then paint a piece of pottery that relates to the story
Spend Saturday Morning at the Rockford Farm Market
Rockford Farm Market
54 South Main Street, Rockford, MI 49341
Voted “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” in a 2011 nationwide popularity contest, the Rockford Farm Market offers seasonal produce, fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers and so much more.
Plus, it is conveniently located near the gorgeous Rogue River, Rockford Dam and White Pine Trail, as well as many local shops and restaurants.
More to Explore
You forgot the Kent Theater!
$3 family movies in a historic theater,
http://www.kenttheatre.org/
Thank you!