KENT COUNTY, MI -- City dwellers looking to beat the heat don’t have to go far to find a free beach, swimming, boating and fishing area near Grand Rapids.
Versluis Park in Plainfield Township has no entry fee and is open daily from 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. all summer, until hours change in September. Located at 3650 Versluis Park NE, the park is a 20-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids.
The parking lot leads straight away into a picnic, playground and beach area.
The park’s main feature is its 50-acre man-made lake parallel to the Grand River.
RELATED: Grand Rapids offering $5 kayak rentals, monthly free paddles this summer
Versluis Lake is open for kayaking, paddleboarding and boating. The designated swim area keeps swimmers apart from boaters and anglers.
The fishing pier is accessible for anglers of all ages and abilities.
A large variety of fish are found in Versluis Lake including bluegill, carp, catfish, crappies, gar and northern pike, large mouth, small mouth and rock bass, sunfish and walleye, according to the Plainfield Township Parks and Recreation website.
RELATED: 5 things to do at West Michigan’s largest urban park
Park activities include two playgrounds, horseshoes, volleyball and a one-mile paved walking trail.
Along the water are large pavilion areas as well as picnic areas throughout including a barbecue grill. The picnic areas and pavilions can be used for gatherings but alcohol and pets are prohibited at Versluis Park.
