Grand River Riverfront Park: Two Sides, Tons to Do & One Sweet Bridge
There’s a park in Lowell that shows up on both sides of the Grand River. And yes, you can walk from one side to the other on a pretty impressive bridge.
Grand River Riverfront Park is an 80-acre park with two sections, North and South.
One entrance is near downtown Lowell, while the other is more out in the country, with wide-open fields, sports facilities and plenty of room to play.
Connecting the two is a nearly 650-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. It’s easily one of the coolest features of the park, especially when the fall colors start showing off.
The big, bulky beams of the timber-framed pedestrian bridge are really striking.
Two Sides, Two Different Parks
Both sides of Grand River Riverfront Park have playgrounds, but each offers a pretty different experience.
South Riverfront Park: Big Fields, Sports & Playground Fun
The south side is where you’ll find the bigger playground, designed for kids ages 4 to 12. It has a woodchip surface and is surrounded by wide-open grassy areas with plenty of room to run, play or fly a kite.
This is also the sports hub of the park, with eight soccer fields, eight sand volleyball courts, two softball fields and a lacrosse field.
Beyond the sports fields, there’s a canoe launch, picnic tables, grills, a large picnic pavilion and restrooms.
The Lowell Crew team practices here, too, so you might spot rowers out on the Grand River.
North Riverfront Park: Little Kids, Pickleball & Ice Cream
The north side has a smaller playground that’s a good fit for younger kids, plus a gaga ball pit and pickleball courts.
There’s also seasonal ice cream available, which makes for a pretty good reason to cross that giant bridge on a summer day.
Easy Paved Walking Trails Along the Grand River
You don’t need hiking boots to explore this park.
The south side has a roughly one-mile paved walking path with views of the Grand River, including a scenic overlook and fishing pier.
The trail is smooth, mostly flat and stroller-friendly. It’s also a good place for kids who are learning to ride bikes and need some room to practice.
Leashed dogs are welcome, too.
Between the paved paths, river scenery and bridge, this is an easy place to get outside without committing to a big hike.
A Great Lowell Park for Fall Colors
If you’re looking for an easy fall color outing near Grand Rapids, put this park on your list.
The Grand River winds right through the property, and the pedestrian bridge gives you a different perspective on the trees lining the water.
You don’t have to hike miles into the woods to get the views, either. Just park, walk the bridge and enjoy the scenery.
It’s also a nice option for families who want to combine a little fall color sightseeing with playground time.
Where to Park at Grand River Riverfront Park
Here’s where things can get a little confusing if you’ve never been here before.
Grand River Riverfront Park has two separate parking areas, one for each side of the river.
South Park Entrance: 12200 Grand River Drive SE, Lowell, MI 49331. Use this entrance for the larger playground, sports fields, paved walking trail, picnic pavilion and canoe launch.
North Park Entrance: Access from Bowes Road near downtown Lowell. This side has the smaller playground, gaga ball pit, pickleball courts and seasonal ice cream concessions.
You can explore both sides on foot using the pedestrian bridge, so you don’t have to move your car.
Know Before You Go
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Daily, 8 AM to dusk. The park may close when snow or flooding makes driving unsafe.
- Walking Trail: Approximately one mile of paved paths on the south side, plus the bridge connecting both parks.
- Stroller Friendly: Yes, most areas are stroller-friendly.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash.
- Restrooms: Available seasonally, generally closed from late October through late March.
- Best For: Playgrounds, toddler outings, walking, bike riding, pickleball, picnics, kite flying and fall colors.
- Park Website: Lowell Charter Township Parks & Recreation
Whether you’re coming for the playgrounds, a walk along the river or just to check out that giant bridge, Grand River Riverfront Park is a good call for an outing in Lowell.
