The best parks & outdoor spots in Grand Rapids

“Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm is that rare local spot where you can pick your own asparagus, strawberries, cherries, apples and pumpkins, then wander a barn-turned-market with a gift shoppe, bakery, kitchen and tap room. Go for the produce, stay for the live music and small-town vibes.”

“Apple harvest is rolling at Wells Orchards, with more varieties arriving each week through October, plus a farm market stocked with their own fruit and veggies, baked goods, jams, jellies, and salsa. Friendly service since 1919, and yes, the pumpkin patch and corn maze are part of the fun.”

“Whether you’ve got 20 minutes or a whole morning, The Highlands serves up nearly three miles of easy trails and a front-row seat to a former golf course turning wild. Keep an eye on events like tree planting and restorative yoga, plus a new entrance and nature play area coming by spring 2027.”

From the Grand Rapids newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Green space with baseball fields, tennis courts, a pickleball court, playgrounds, and picnic tables.”

“Natural area on the Grand River with play fields, trails, picnic shelters & fishing.”

“Whether you want a lazy blanket-on-the-grass evening or a breezy lap on paved loops, The Meadows at Millennium Park delivers lake views, open prairie vibes, and easy access to nearly 18 miles of trails. Perfect for unwinding after work while pretending your inbox doesn't exist.”

From the Wyoming newsletter, August 17, 2026

“Need a breather between errands and school drop-offs this week? Palmer Park delivers quiet, woodsy trails with a mix of paved and dirt paths, playgrounds for the kids, and picnic-ready nooks among the trees, making it an easy midweek escape without leaving Wyoming.”

From the Wyoming newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Farmhaus Farms just folded into the Farmhaus family and it shows, with U-Pick apples, cherries, plums and pumpkins, a farm market, jams, salsas and mustards, plus fresh donuts, pies and ice cream. Easy, happy outing vibes for anyone who needs a low-stress local reset this week.”

From the Grand Rapids newsletter, August 7, 2026