Versluis Park is Your Go-To Beach
Versluis Park, among more than 50 West Michigan beaches AND one of the 85+ playgrounds, is a delight for those in West Michigan.
When the weather is beautiful and the beach is beckoning… which one do you pick? Sometimes the thought of driving out to Lake Michigan is too big of a commitment. Enter: Versluis Park.
Versluis Park is located in Plainfield Township, making it an easy drive for those in Grand Rapids who want water and beach without the commitment of hauling everyone out to the lakeshore.
It offers a beach, playground, paved one mile hiking path, and modern restrooms.
Know the Rules at Versluis Park
3650 Versluis Park NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
The lake here is in an old gravel pit – which means there’s a 30 ft drop off right after the swim rope. They want to ensure people are safe while they swim.
And at Versluis, that means a few rules.
These rules are posted on the gate, but we’ve also listed them here for your convenience.
Here’s a synopsis:
- No food on the beach (they don’t want to encourage geese and ducks to hang out).
- Alcohol is prohibited on park property.
- No glass on the beach (they don’t want people getting hurt by broken glass).
- No flotation devices (rafts, swimmies, etc), except for Coast Guard approved life jackets.
- No swim masks, flippers, snorkels, etc. Goggles are okay as long as they don’t cover the nose.
- Parents must be in the water with children under 10 years old.
Now that we’ve got the rules covered, let’s talk about the fun stuff.
More About Versluis Park
Versluis Park no longer has an admission fee!
It is great for toddlers as long as you are ready to go in the water with them.
Bring your beach toys for sand play, bring a Coast Guard approved life jacket for swimming, and spend time on not one but two play structures.
The small beach and swim area are close proximity to the restrooms making this a great park for families with kiddos who need to access the bathroom readily.
Their modern restrooms are available, not far from the beach and playground area. The women’s restroom has a baby changing table in the larger stall.
A foot wash station is a short distance away from the restrooms. There are an abundance of picnic tables throughout the wooded section of the park. This a great spot for eating lunch or taking a snack break.
They also have a covered eating pavilion and charcoal grills.
Versluis Park Beach Hours
Versluis Park swimming beach hours are:
- Memorial Day – Labor Day: 8 AM – 9 PM (Mon – Thu, Sat & Sun), 10 AM – 9 PM (Fri).
The rest of the year, typically when public schools are in session, Versluis Park is open from 7 AM to sunset.
The gate at the park entrance closes propmtly each evening, so be paying attention so as not to get locked in.
Tips for Visiting Versluis Park
Versluis Park has 2 great playsets.
One is on the beach and the other is near a picnic area.
There are several types of facilities, but no food for sale.
There is a drinking fountain/shower/foot wash as well as a basic bathroom area.
No food is for sale in the park. Pack a picnic or hit McDonalds (just across the street) before you come in or go for ice cream at Kool Kone down the street.
You may not walk out of the park and then return…foot traffic is not allowed – it’s a good idea to plan ahead before your visit.
Bring along your beach gear.
We recommend: buckets and shovels and a beach or camp chairs. Be prepared to stay a few hours if you intend on doing everything. Plan on at least two hours.
The beach can get full. It is not all that big, so be prepared to be close to other people while you play in the sand.
The water here is clear and clean.
This is a good spot to fish.
Go ahead and bring a pole, fishing is allowed. Some fish you may find include: bluegill, carp, catfish, crappies, gar pike, northern pike, large mouth bass, small mouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, and walleye
Many of the picnic tables and one of the playgrounds are in shaded areas.
The beach is in full sun, come prepared for a warm time if you’re headed to play in the water. Pack the sunscreen.
Versluis Park is great for toddlers as long as you are ready to go in the water with them.
Bring your beach toys for sand play, a Coast Guard approved life jacket (this includes puddle Jumpers) for swimming, and spend time on both of the play structures.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Versluis Park?
No
How long is the hiking trail at Versluis Park?
There is a one mile paved walking path at Versluis Park.
What is the difficulty level of the hiking trail?
This is an easy trail.
How long should you spend at Versluis Park?
Plan for at least two hours if you’re hitting the beach and an additional hour or so for the other parts of Versluis Park.
Is Versluis Park accessible?
Yes!
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.
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Do people really pay $8 to go there? I mean were there others there?
$8 really seems a bit steep and then not allowing foot traffic. Wow.
Just seems really (really) uppity to me. And uppity never did feel “family friendly.”
I guess what I’m really saying is, you couldn’t pay me $8 to take my kids there!
Just wanted to suggest another alternative too, Long Lake.
Take 131 North to 17 mile road, turn left (west) and go a few miles (you’ll pass Algoma and Pine Island, and Olan Lakes road) then just before Long Lake road is the entrance to the park.
They have a playground, swimming area, (no lifeguard) picnic areas and other areas to fish around the park (no fishing allowed in the swimming area) and a changing house with bathrooms.
And….. it’s all FREE and well maintained by the Kent County Parks.
When I went to Versluis Lake it was quite busy. They charge by the vehicle, so I guess if you took a van load it would be a better deal than a 2-seater. I know that Plainfield Township residents can get a season pass for $15 because their taxes support the park. Maybe they do it so it doesn’t get too crowded? It isn’t a huge park, and I’m thinking that it would be overwhelmed by people if it were free.
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