Ten Must Do's When in Big Rapids

Located about 50 miles North of Grand Rapids, Mi just off Exit 139 on US131 lies a great place to live. You call it Big Rapids, I call it home. If you ever are in the Big Rapids area there are a number of ways to spend a day. One of my favorites is looking at houses with me. lol. Ok for some that may not be on your agenda, so here is a list of 10 things you must do when visiting Big Rapids:

1. Check out our Riverwalk. You can spend a few minutes or pretty much an entire afternoon walking Riverwalk. Starts at Maple Street Bridge and goes over 2 1/2 miles of paved walk paths along the Muskegon River. Ends at Northend Riverside Park which is our number #2 of must do's.
2. Find a hidden treasure. Way out to the end of Fourth Street lies Northend Riverside Park. Besides your usual picnic area with pavilions there is a children's playground, volley ball and horseshoe pits as well as 18 hole disc golf course and a fishing pier. A must do indeed.
3. Tour the Michigan Artwalk on the Ferris Campus. This is a great way to spend an afternoon. There are over 25 pieces of artwork on the tour with renown artists like Robert Barnum showing their masterpieces.
4. If you have an extra bit of time try the driving range or a round of golf at Katke. Excellent course and open to the public. Right around $22 for 18 holes and if you are in a time crunch go ahead and get a cart.
5. One of the most visited areas in Big Rapids has to be Hemlock Park. Softball diamond, tennis courts and PlayScape for the kids all set on the banks of the Muskegon River. What a great way to spend the day.
6. Speaking of the Muskegon River, a day of tubing is just what the doctor ordered to help relax. Hundreds of people hit the water every day in the summer for the ultimate river venture.
7. When you are checking out Ferris you should take a tour of the Card Wildlife Center where you can see up close around 180 wildlife specimens in the 5,000 sq ft building.
8. Downtown Big Rapids is always a highlight for me. I could spend an entire day just checking out the local shops like the Old Pioneer Store and  Emporium where it is like taking a step back in time. They have ice cream, fudge, popcorn and the best selection of gifts around.
9. While Downtown stop into Schuberg's Bar for lunch. The second you walk in you feel like you belong. Great little family bar with an awesome bowl of chili or a great Flat Iron Steak.
10. I may have saved the best for last. You must see the remodel at ArtWorks downtown. Three floors of local artists along with a dance studio and pottery class. They have a really neat bronze sculpture of an angel protecting a fireman if you were thinking of getting me a gift.

If you need help finding any of the above feel free to give me a call and I will guide you in from wherever you are. I truly hope you enjoy Big Rapids as much as I do.