Enjoy the Outdoors at Johnson Park
Johnson Park is your one-stop shop for all the outdoor fun you’re looking for: great playgrounds, gorgeous hiking trails, fishing, disc golf, picnic shelters and plenty of open space for running.
This beautiful, sprawling park is along the Grand River in Walker and connects to Millennium Park through the Kent Trails system.
Covering nearly 260 acres, Johnson Park has a lot of room to spread out, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors.
A Little About Johnson Park
2600 Wilson Ave, Walker, MI 49534
Their address will take you to the main entrance near the historic enclosed shelter. However, sometimes this entrance is closed.
There is another entrance off of Butterworth that will take you to the playground.
Good to know: The lodge is a popular place for weddings and other events, so the lot is often busy on weekends.
Activities here include:
- Baseball / Softball Diamond
- Bike Trail
- Boat Launch
- Disc Golf
- Enclosed Shelters
- Fishing
- Grill
- Open Shelters
- Paved Trails
- Picnic Areas
- Playground
- Sledding
- 1.5 miles of grassy and paved trails
The old yellow play equipment was recently replaced with TWO new structures.
The new equipment includes slides, monkey bars and plenty of other climbing opportunities.
Further down Butterworth you’ll find another entrance to the red playground area, where there is a bathroom and covered shelter.
Because Johnson Park is so large, we recommend reviewing their park map before heading out — it’ll give you a better understanding of the park and where to find entrances.
Locals love the disc golf course and the baseball fields, as well as the paved path for biking and the nature walk. They also love that it’s a clean park!
With all its wide open spaces, Johnson Park is perfect for flying a kite. Toddlers will enjoy the open space to “run” around, as well as the play structures.
There is an incredible amount of picnic tables at Johnson Park, and grills can be found throughout. The historic enclosed shelter is often rented out, but there’s an open shelter at the red playground, and lovely shade trees galore.
Tips for Your Trip From Other Parents
- This is a fun place for a picnic, with all the beautiful shade trees. Pick a picnic table or lay a blanket in the grass.
- There’s a fun sledding hill in winter.
- There’s a nice walk through the woods, but it is hilly and sometimes buggy.
- Watch kids if you play at the newer playground area. It’s not far from the yard of the lodge, where lots of events take place.
- The main entrance (where the address will take you) can be closed, so you may have to access the park via Butterworth.
- Lots of fishing opportunities along the Grand River.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Johnson Park?
Yes, on a 6 ft leash.
How long is the hiking trail at Johnson Park?
1.5 miles
What is the difficulty level of the hiking trail?
This is an easy grassy trail, with some small hills.
Is Johnson Park accessible?
Somewhat, there are some paved pathways throughout the park.
What time of year is Johnson Park open?
Johnson Park is open year round from 7 AM until sunset.
Map of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Find your next outdoor adventure near you with this map of the best hiking trails, playgrounds, and parks in West Michigan.
