Explore Big Rapids through three themes: the Muskegon River, public art and a range of outdoor activity trails. This can help you decide whether to plan your stay around a riverside route, cultural sites or recreational activities.
Along the Muskegon River: Riverwalk and Water Activities
The Big Rapids Riverwalk follows the Muskegon River from downtown north to Northend Riverside Park. Hemlock Park marks the start of the Riverwalk and also has a kayak launch. Four fishing platforms are located along the paved path. This means the river offers several distinct ways to enjoy it: the riverside route, fishing and the kayak launch in the park. Launch-use details may change; check them before your visit if you plan to kayak.
At its northern end, the Riverwalk connects directly to White Pine Trail State Park. In the wider region, the trail stretches 93 miles from north of Grand Rapids to Cadillac. The Riverwalk follows the river to Northend Riverside Park, while the White Pine Trail offers a longer regional route. Trail conditions may vary seasonally, so take this into account when planning.
Separate Trails for Different Activities
The Hungerford Recreation Area in Big Rapids has separate trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The trail network includes 35 miles for horseback riding. This figure refers to the equestrian trails; the other activities each have their own trails. If you are planning a particular activity, this distinction is more useful than thinking of the trails as one shared system for all uses.
Swede Hill Park offers a different perspective on the river: it is used as a launch point for tubing on the Muskegon River. This gives you two distinct ways to experience the river: the Riverwalk, with its riverside route and fishing platforms, and Swede Hill Park as a tubing launch point.
Art and Educational Sites on Campus
The Card/Riley Conservation and Wildlife Education Center is a 5,000-square-foot facility on the Ferris State University campus in Big Rapids. As an educational resource, it serves university students, K–12 schoolchildren and members of the wider Michigan community. The Jim Crow Museum is also located on campus. It uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote a more just society. Together, these two sites complement the nature and river themes with distinct educational and cultural perspectives.
Art Downtown, in Parks and on Campus
The Public Art Collective brings together 34 large-scale artworks in the historic downtown, local parks and on the Ferris State University campus. The collection includes sculptures, paintings and mosaics, and is free to visit. As new works may be added or installations relocated, the collection may change. Its locations connect the art to several parts of the city rather than concentrating it in a single place.
Seasonal Market and Local Goods
The Big Rapids Farmers’ Market runs from May through October and offers produce, plants and baked goods. This makes the market a seasonal addition to exploring the area; plan your visit within this period.
The Painted Turtle Gift Shop is located in the heart of Big Rapids and offers works by more than 100 Michigan artists. These include paintings, ceramics, jewelry, books and textiles. The selection may change, so check what is currently available if you are looking for a particular item.
Discover more destinations: Remus
For the broader travel overview: Mecosta County.
