Grand Rapids Outdoor Winter Activity Guide

There is lots of fun to be had in our City parks and public spaces throughout the colder months. We've created a guide to staying active and exploring the outdoors this winter.

Sledding

Image of a young boy sledding

Sledding has always been a favorite winter pastime for families. Our favorite sledding hills at the following parks:

Ice Skating

JPEG Image of skaters at Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink

Rosa Parks Circle ice rink is one of Grand Rapids' treasured winter destinations. The 2023-24 season begins on November 30 and ends on February 24.

Learn More

Hiking and Outdoor Exploration

Aman Park

Winter hiking can be a relaxing escape from the City and no snow is required! The following parks are great for taking in natural winter beauty across Grand Rapids:

Riverside Park (2001 Monroe Ave NE)

Riverside Park is a sprawling 186-acre park on the City's Northeast side. The park has plenty of open space for playing in the snow, excellent views of the Grand River and Grand Rapids skyline, and plowed paved trails for walking and running.

Parking info: North and south parking lots are open and plowed, Guild Street and little league field entrances are closed.

  • Miles of trails: 2.3
  • Surface: Paved
  • Trail Plowed: Yes

Aman Park (O-1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW)

Aman Park is the largest park under City ownership. The park has over 300 acres of wooded area and over 6 miles of natural trails to explore. Be sure to check out the footbridges over sand creek for picturesque winter beauty.

Parking info: Entrance is open and plowed by Indian Trails Camp.

  • Miles of trails: 6.4
  • Surface: Natural 
  • Trail Plowed: No

Burton Woods (2259 Everest Ave SE)

Burton woods is a 6-acre natural area with a small trail loop perfect for short but scenic walks through snow-covered pines. 

Parking info: Plowed street parking is available at the trailhead. The nearby Garfield Park Gym parking lot off Madison Ave is open and plowed.

  • Miles of trails: 0.4
  • Surface: Natural 
  • Trail Plowed: No

Ken-O-Sha Park (1353 Van Auken St SE)

Ken-O-Sha Park is home to a trail head for the Plaster Creek Trail. The paved and natural trails throughout this 82-acre park wind through peaceful wooded areas and along Plaster Creek.

Parking info: Entrance is open and the parking lot is plowed by Grand Rapids Public Schools.

  • Miles of trails: 2.7
  • Surface: Natural and Paved
  • Trail Plowed: No

Huff Park (2399 Ball Ave NE)

The Huff Park boardwalk is a year-round community favorite. Wildlife sightings are common, so keep an eye out for deer on your visit.

Parking info: Parking lot off Aberdeen St is open and plowed, Ball Ave entrance is open and partially plowed

  • Miles of trails: 1.0
  • Surface: Paved and Boardwalk
  • Trail Plowed: No

Ball Perkins Park (1675 Perkins Ave NE)

Ball Perkins Park is a lesser-known natural area on the City's Northeast side. Despite a relatively shorter trail, the wooded area and wetland overlook are a must-see in the winter.

Parking info: Entrance off Perkins Ave is open but not plowed.

  • Miles of trails: 0.7
  • Surface: Natural
  • Trail Plowed: No

Grand River Edges East (from Sixth Street Park to Leonard St.)

Looking for something closer to the heart of Grand Rapids? The paved multi-use trail along the east side of the Grand River will be plowed for use throughout the snowy season.

Parking info: Parking lots at Sixth Street and Canal Parks are open from 5:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. daily and plowed by Mobile GR and Parking Services.

  • Miles of trails: 0.7
  • Surface: Paved
  • Trail Plowed: Yes

Parks to Visit

Image of trees and the Grand River in the winter at Riverside Park

If you want to adventure Downtown or if you're looking for an open space to make a snowman, have a winter scavenger hunt or build snow forts, we keep the following parks open daily from dawn to dusk through winter:

Fat Tire Biking, Snowshoeing, and Cross Country Skiing

Image of a family fat tire biking in the snow

In the winter months, Indian Trails Golf Course (2776 Kalamazoo Ave SE) becomes home to a winter recreation track for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. Snowshoes and fat tire bikes are available to rent. Visitors must bring their own skis. The clubhouse is open daily for warming up by the fire and buying some hot cocoa.

View a trail map, hours, and admission prices HERE.

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