The city of Grand Rapids is located in the western portion of Michigan, and is about 34 miles from the beautiful beaches of Lake Michigan. Situated on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids is the second largest city in the state, and the largest in West Michigan. The clean and safe downtown area is filled with art galleries, museums, eclectic upscale dining, book stores, coffee shops, the Van Andel Arena and the DeVos Place Convention Center. And at the heart of the city, surrounded by these modern facilities, is the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. This hotel, originally the Pantlind, built in 1913 and beautifully restored in 1979, boasts the world’s largest gold-leaf ceilings and two of the world’s most stunning chandeliers, both located in the Pantlind Lobby. Along with all its finery, Grand Rapids has a special affinity for the four-legged family members of its residents and guests, so Grand Rapids dog parks and dog-friendly attractions are many.
Hillcrest Dog Park
Hillcrest Dog Park is the only official off-leash dog park within the city of Grand Rapids. Hillcrest was originally part of the larger Fuller Park, which was established in 1956 when the Board of Education received a portion of the park land to build a school. Neighbors raised funds to turn part of the land into a dog park, and it was opened in 2005. The park is located on Lyon Street near Benjamin and has two fenced areas, one for large dogs and one for smaller breeds. The park also has a number of picnic tables and benches and there are dog-waste disposal bags onsite. There is no water fountain in the park, so be sure and bring your furry family member its own water bottle and bowl. Park rules are posted at the entrance to the park, and pet owners are asked to keep their dogs under voice control at all times and pick up after their pooches.
Covell Dog Park
Covell Dog Park is located on the northwest side of Grand Rapids at the corner of Bridge Street and Covell. This one-acre, off-leash park features plenty of mature trees so Fluffy can enjoy the shade on warm summer days. Covell Dog Park is open from dawn to dusk daily. This park is a great option for families with more than one dog that like to romp and play together since there is no separate section for smaller dogs.
Grand Rapids Riverwalk
The Grand Rapids Riverwalk Park stretches on either side of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids and features green spaces, sidewalks, paths and waterfront terraces for easy access to the river for fishing. The Grand Rapids Riverwalk also has one of the longest truss bridges in Michigan. The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Bridge used to hold two tracks which were removed and replaced with a concrete deck. The bridge is now used as a pedestrian walkway. The bridge features its original stone abutments and pier base, and connects downtown Grand Rapids with locations of interest on the other side of the river, such as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Furry family members on leashes are welcome at all points along the riverwalk, and there are plenty of green spaces along the way for them to enjoy. There are no waste disposal bags available, so pet owners are asked to provide their own and to please clean up after their pets to help keep the riverwalk clean for all.
Downtown Dogs
The city of Grand Rapids is a safe and clean, walker-friend city, and that means it’s a dog-loving city. Business owners keep water bowels available on sidewalks, and all downtown parks and gathering areas are pet-friendly as long as Fido is on a leash and pet owner take care to clean up after their puppies. Rosa Parks Circle is a favorite gathering place in the heart of downtown and features picnic tables, benches and some grassy areas. In the winter, Rosa Parks Circle is transformed into an ice rink. The Veteran’s Memorial Park on Fulton Street is another favorite spot for dog owners and their leashed canine companions.
Dog-Friendly Dining
And after all that walking, don’t forget to stop for lunch or a drink at one of several dog-friendly restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids. The One Trick Pony grille and taproom has a dog-friendly patio, and provides water bowls and special marrow-bones for all their four-legged diners. The Mitten Brewing Company also has a dog-friendly patio and is a favorite gathering spot to try some of Michigan’s best local brews, while Fluffy rests on the cool patio or gets a drink from one of many water bowls.
Parks and Recreation Areas
Along with the Riverwalk, Rosa Parks Circle, and Veterans Memorial Park in downtown, Grand Rapids has over 1,200 acres of forests and parks throughout the city. There are 71 city-owned parks and 350 acres of green space and recreational opportunities in 48 park-school sites. Some parks include outdoor art and sculpture, while some feature historic monuments. But the one thing all Grand Rapids parks have in common is being pet-friendly for dogs on leashes. Many parks provide dog waste disposal bags, but park visitors are asked to bring their own just in case. With so many acres of land to explore, visitors and residents and their furry family members can expect plenty of fun and pet-friendly exercise in Grand Rapids.
2 Point Highlight
The City of Grand Rapids is a safe and clean walker-friend city, and that means it’s a dog-loving city.
Along with the Riverwalk, Rosa Parks Circle and Veterans Memorial Park in downtown, Grand Rapids has over 1,200 acres of forests and parks throughout the city.
