Big Rapids: River Trails, Art and Discovery
Accommodation in Big Rapids
Big Rapids brings together the Muskegon River, trails, public art and glimpses of local culture. You can shape your stay in different ways: spend time by the river, take in artworks at several locations, or explore separate trails in the Hungerford Recreation Area. Which of these aspects interests you most can also help guide your choice of a suitable vacation rental in Big Rapids.
Exploring the Muskegon River
The Big Rapids Riverwalk runs along the Muskegon River from downtown north to Northend Riverside Park. Hemlock Park marks the beginning of the Riverwalk. The paved trail offers a practical way to incorporate the river into your day. There are also four fishing platforms along the Riverwalk.
There is a kayak launch at Hemlock Park. At the northern end of the Riverwalk, there is a direct connection to White Pine Trail State Park. The state park stretches 93 miles from north of Grand Rapids to Cadillac. For planning purposes, it is important to distinguish the local connection at the Riverwalk from the full length of the regional trail: the 93 miles refer to White Pine Trail State Park, not the Riverwalk in Big Rapids. Swede Hill Park is used as a starting point for tubing on the Muskegon River.
Art and Culture in Big Rapids
The Public Art Collective brings together 34 large-scale artworks. They are located in the historic downtown, in local parks and on the Ferris State University campus. The collection includes sculptures, paintings and mosaics, and is open to everyone free of charge. If you would like to discover Big Rapids through its art, you can include these different art forms and locations in your stay.
The Card/Riley Conservation and Wildlife Education Center is also on the Ferris State University campus. This 5,000-square-foot facility serves as an educational resource for university students, K–12 schoolchildren and members of the wider Michigan community. The Jim Crow Museum is also on campus. It uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote a more equitable society. The two places offer different perspectives: one center is an educational resource on conservation and wildlife, while the other explores intolerance and tolerance.
The Painted Turtle Gift Shop is in the heart of Big Rapids. It offers works by more than 100 Michigan artists, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, books and textiles. This adds another dimension to the public art scene, bringing together works in a local shop.
Trails for Different Activities
The Hungerford Recreation Area has separate trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. There are 35 miles of trails for horseback riding. When planning your time outdoors, you can first consider which activity you would like to focus on; the trails mentioned are separated by activity. The Riverwalk and Hungerford Recreation Area offer different ways to spend time outdoors, without requiring you to choose the same activity.
Local Produce and the Right Vacation Rental
The Big Rapids Farmers' Market runs from May through October. It offers produce, plants and baked goods.
A vacation rental in Big Rapids can be your starting point for getting to know the city in your own way.
As another local idea, you can also discover Remus.
For the broader travel overview: Mecosta County.
