Grand Rapids Lakes

Lakes Around Grand Rapids

The weather is warm and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. If you’re looking for a fun destination, consider visiting a lake near Grand Rapids. As it turns out, when you make a trip to Grand Rapids you have some great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are countless great reasons for a getaway to a lake in Grand Rapids during the warmer months – the water is refreshing on hot days, fun summer activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. Some of the lakes in Grand Rapids have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Don’t you deserve an enjoyable getaway? Load up the car with your fishing gear and snacks then make the trip on your next vacation and discover a brand new favorite location on the water!

Lakes Near Grand Rapids

Things to Do at the Lake

When you visit a lake near Grand Rapids you’ll find all kinds of things to do for people of all persuasions. Whether you’re just looking for a day trip or take a longer vacation to a hotel on the beach to make for a bigger, better getaway.

Now we’ll run down a list of some of the best things to do when you arrive at a Grand Rapids lake:

Have a picnic. The lakes near Grand Rapids gives you the chance to visit many great picnic areas where you can enjoy tasty treats, or just a couple of sandwiches to enjoy while enjoying the scenery. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan should be suitably romantic.

Catch some fish. For those that love to fish, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re roaming the lake in a killer fishing boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Swimming. The swimming lakes near Grand Rapids provide tons of fun for the big kids and little ones, or all the physical activity that an exercise junky could want in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a magnificent public beach!

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

A day at the lake can be drastically different when you take into consideration the specific lake you’ll be visiting, the time of year, the weather, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake necessities that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

Lake basics

For a day spent on the water it makes a lot of sense to bring along several of these items to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and having fun.

  • Proper footwear
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Sunblock
  • Portable stereo
  • USB charger
  • Bug spray
  • Eye protection, a hat, or both
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Plates, cups and utensils

More lake gear

Consider the itinerary when at the water and your guests, the following items might also prove useful and adding to your checklist prior to leaving.

  • Fishing poles
  • Legal flotation devices
  • Corkscrew
  • Goggles or masks
  • Rafts for the kids
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Worms or other bait
  • Games for the beach
  • Kindle

Lake Safety

Of course your getaway to your favorite body of water can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while boating
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Grand Rapids

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes around Grand Rapids, there are a few things that might make your itinerary substantially more successful. As an example, every lake has their own environment so it is important to consider what you need to make an enjoyable adventure when planning yours.

  1. Research your beaches. If you pick the wrong time of year, sometimes the beaches near Grand Rapids could be extremely busy. If you want a little more privacy, research multiple nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening beach!
  2. Maximize the best assets in the area. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
  3. Find a marina. Many lakes have local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or a day of watersports. Doing a quick Google search can typically help you find a marina that has what you need.