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One thing to do while in Big Rapids is check out a
few local Real Estate properties with me, Randy
Ostrander. Although that sounds
fun to me, tastes do differ, so here are a few other
things to do while here in Big Rapids:
BIG RAPIDS RIVERWALK
You can spend all day in Big Rapids enjoying the local Riverwalk, which runs from Northend Riverside Park south to Maple Street. No matter how you decide to travel it, the Riverwalk allows visitors to enjoy the experiences found in the outdoors while staying within Big Rapids. The Riverwalk allows the user a nearly unending view of the Muskegon River and, with plenty of places to rest and plenty of room to run, is attractive to runners of nearly every speed and skill.
Northend Riverside Park is located at the end of Fourth Street in Big Rapids and offers many of the same amenities as the larger Hemlock Park to the south. There are horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, pavilions, grills, and even a children's play area, though not nearly as large as the PlayScape at Hemlock. There are a number of small walkways, both paved and unpaved, that wind their way throughout the area. This park can also serve as a staging area for the White Pine Trail, Michigan's largest rails-to-trails walkway, which stretches 93 miles. This trail can take you as far north as Cadillac and as far south as Comstock Park.
At the southern end of the park, nature has managed to carve its own etch into the city. With Northland Drive visible across the river, the walkways are sometimes used by the local wildlife, including deer and various types of birds. Looking down towards the river, you'll see a number of rapids as well as the occasional stranded log, left over from the logging days. These rapids, which is the site of a former dam, is also a great place to fish, as the rapids keep the tubers to a minimum.
Across the road the mix of the past and the present continues, where new condos have been built next to Sawmill Point, the site of a reconstructed sawmill. These new condos, which you can walk through simply by checking with your favorite Big Rapids Realtor, provide quality housing in the midst of a historic area. Next door is a restored sawmill and carriage house which, if you aren't looking for the past, is also home to Sawmill Tube & Canoe, where you can spend the day floating down the Muskegon River.
Between Maple Street and Northend Riverside lies Hemlock Park, which is the centerpiece of the Riverwalk. Hemlock combines park elements that appeal to every member of the family. Moms will enjoy the beautiful trees and spacious lawns that, when combined with the covered pavilion and grills, provide the ideal environment for a family picnic. Young children are drawn to the PlayScape, located at the north end of the park. This mammoth play area, which was built by volunteers (including myself), provides children with a source of fun that they won't be willing to leave on their own. For the older kids, there are not only spacious areas for playing lawn games, but there are also basketball courts, softball diamonds, and tennis courts. And, in case you thought we forgot about dad, there are fishing platforms along the river bank for the angler and plenty of picnic tables and benches for the dad that just wants a break from life. From Hemlock, head south and Maple Street is just a hike uphill away.
Of course, Northend Riverside and Hemlock aren't the only parks in the area. The links below provide information and maps of Big Rapids area parks.
City Parks: http://www.ci.big-rapids.mi.us/maps/City_Park_Map.pdf
County Parks: http://www.mecostacountyparks.com/
If cruising the rails to trails on a bike or on blades isn't up your alley, there are a number of other activities to do in the area. If you're looking for a leisurely walk around the links, Big Rapids offers both Katke and Falcon Head golf courses for you to experience 18 holes of fun or frustration, depending on your handicap. These courses also feature driving ranges as well if you don't have time to squeeze a round in. If your idea of fun includes lanes instead of links, Big Rapids also offers a pair of bowling alleys for you to visit. The Gate, on Perry Street, and BRB, on Northland Drive, also offer sports bars to catch up on a score. If you're looking to play instead of watch, the local parks offer plenty of open space to get a pick-up game going. Once you've worked up a sweat, take the rest of the day off and float down the Muskegon River, which cuts right through Big Rapids. Most weekends find the river full of tubers, all looking to enjoy their day off. If you want to play on the water, but your boat won't fit in the river, just south of town you can put in at the public access at the Rogers Heights dam. There's also a public pool in town if you only want to go swimming. If your idea of outdoors leans more towards blaze orange or bait and tackle, there are a number of areas to hunt and fish in the area. If you find hunting game a little too easy, the area is also prime for hunting morel mushrooms. Springtime in the area will often bring hunting stories of a different nature, with the elusive morel being the object of these tales.
If you're looking for something to do that requires a little less exertion, there are a number of shops in town that should be explored. From visiting the past at the Old Pioneer Store and Emporium to playing futuristic games at Area 51, Big Rapids has something that appeals to everyone. If you're looking for a quiet shopping experience that is only found in a quaint downtown setting, Big Rapids has a number of stores and shops that are located in the same buildings that have serviced the area for over 100 years. Of course, if you're looking for something with a little more variety, there are a number of big-box stores in town, including K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Meijer, Lowe's, and Menards. Looking to grab a bite to eat after all that playing? You can either go the franchise route, with fast food (McDonalds, Burger King, etc.), pizza parlor (Pizza Hut, Domino's, etc.), and restaurant (Applebee's, Big Boy, etc.) to choose from or you can eat at one of the local stops, such as Pepper's, Pizza King, or the Blue Cow Cafe. While I've tried to give you a glimpse of what Big Rapids has to offer, I know I've missed some things. If something's missing that you would like to see, send me an email and I'll include as soon as I can. Big Rapids is the perfect blend of big city and small town, where there's always something going on, and yet you can always get away from it all. Thanks for stopping by.
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