Grand Rapids’ Millennium Park Beach Opens With New Bus Route Access

A sure sign that summer is on the way: Millennium Park's beach and splash pad are now open, a full week ahead of schedule! Plus, there's a new way to get there.

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Millennium Park Splash Pad and Beach Opening Details

Usually Millennium Park's water areas open for the season Memorial Day weekend. In 2025, the beach and splash pad opens to the public May 16, 2025.

A true gem in the Grand Rapids area, it's one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. At Millennium Park explore 1,400 acres with more than 18 miles of trails.

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The sandy beach opens up to a 100-acre lake with a marked swimming area. Prefer splashing to swimming? The park’s splash pad features over a dozen sprayers and buckets. Millennium Park also has playgrounds, picnic areas with grills, boat rental, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball court. Learn more about the park’s full amenities here.

During early summer and late summer beach hours are 10a.m. to 7p.m., and splash pad hours are 10a.m. to 6p.m. Memorial Day weekend through the fourth Sunday in August, each are open an hour later. For adults, cost is $4, seniors over 63 pay $3, kids 3-15 are $2, kids under 2 are free.

How to Ride the Rapid to Millennium Park

Now, for the first time in 20 years, Millennium Park is just a bus ride away! Hop on a Rapid bus and you'll be at the beach and splash pad in no time.

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It's the new Route 1000 and it runs Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Route 1000 runs every half hour on Saturdays and every hour on Sundays.

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It connects The Rapid’s Central Station at 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW to the Van Andel Beach House at Millennium Park at 1415 Maynard Ave. SW in Walker. There are 36 stops along the way, plus bike racks on every bus!

Ready to splash into summer? Grab your towel, hop on Route 1000, and make Millennium Park your weekend destination.