Reeds Lake is the reason East Grand Rapids looks and feels the way it does. At 283 acres and about 52 feet at its deepest point, it's big enough for boating, paddling and fishing, and small enough to walk around before breakfast. Here's what to know, straight from the City of East Grand Rapids.

Walk the 4.2-mile Reeds Lake Trail

The Reeds Lake Trail loops the lake on sidewalks, paved paths and boardwalks, passing wooded natural areas, wetlands and residential streets. Map signs are posted at key points. Along the way you'll pass John Collins Park, Waterfront Park and its 425-foot floating boardwalk, the 0.9-mile rustic trail and floating bridge in Hodenpyl Woods, the Remington Park dog park, and the quiet woodland of Griffiths Park.

Get on the water

  • Boat launch: The lake's only public boat launch is in John Collins Park, 650 Lakeside Drive SE, open daily 7am–10pm. Parking for vehicles and trailers is on the street, and the launch can close during special events.
  • Kayaks and canoes: A carry-in launch sits behind the Community Center (750 Lakeside Drive), on the south end of the building. No trailers, and no cars down the side drive — it's reserved for Public Safety vehicles.
  • Kayak rentals: A Rent.Fun kiosk behind Public Safety (770 Lakeside Drive SE) rents kayaks dawn to dusk for $25 for two hours, life jacket and paddle included. Renters must be 18+, and life jackets must be worn at all times.
  • Boating rules: The Kent County Sheriff's Department Marine Unit enforces boating law on Reeds Lake.

Fishing, year-round

Bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike are all found in Reeds Lake. Ice fishing is allowed in winter at your own risk; warming huts and shanties must be removed daily.

About swimming

The city does not have lifeguards and does not allow public swimming from city or school property, including John Collins Park. For splashing around, the Manhattan Park splash pad runs daily 10am–8pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Summer on the shore

John Collins Park hosts free all-ages Concerts in the Park on Monday nights at 7pm through the summer, plus Movies in the Park on an inflatable screen at dusk. It's also the center of the Fourth of July celebration, with fireworks over the lake, and the Reeds Lake Run and Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon. The park is part of the EGR Social District; grilling and open fires aren't allowed, and dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

Help keep the lake healthy

Storm drains empty straight into Reeds Lake, so recycle car fluids instead of pouring them out, bag and trash pet waste, skip feeding the ducks and geese, and leave fallen trees in the water — they're valuable habitat for fish and turtles.

Information current as of September 2026. For official updates, visit eastgrmi.gov.