Millennium Park
A vast urban park transformed into a 6-acre beach, wetlands, and trails, offering affordable fun and nature exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Millennium Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast urban park transformed into a 6-acre beach, wetlands, and trails, offering affordable fun and nature exploration.
"For a fun, affordable, warm weather activity I highly recommend this place."
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to access the park and its amenities. :car:
🛶 Rent Water Gear
Affordable rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and more are available at the DeVos Boathouse. :kayak:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beach and Splash Pad
DeVos Boathouse area
Enjoy a clean, well-maintained beach and a fun splash pad with areas for all ages. Perfect for a warm weather escape.
Boating and Water Rentals
DeVos Boathouse
Rent kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, or rowboats for an enjoyable hour on the water with beautiful park views.
Ninja Playground
Near the boathouse
An exciting ninja-style playground that offers a unique and challenging play experience for kids.
Nature Playscape
Adjacent to Blandford Nature Center
Explore a natural play area that encourages imaginative play amidst a beautiful, natural setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit
Affordable Fun for Everyone
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to access the park and its amenities. :car:
🛶 Rent Water Gear
Affordable rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and more are available at the DeVos Boathouse. :kayak:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
With extensive trails for biking and walking, wear comfortable shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Affordable Beach Access
A small, reasonable fee grants access to the clean beach and splash pad areas. :moneybag:
Tips, tricks or recommendations for first timers staying near Millennium Park?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking is available, making it easy to access the park and its amenities. :car:
🛶 Rent Water Gear
Affordable rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and more are available at the DeVos Boathouse. :kayak:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
With extensive trails for biking and walking, wear comfortable shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Affordable Beach Access
A small, reasonable fee grants access to the clean beach and splash pad areas. :moneybag:
🌿 Explore Nature Trails
Discover paved trails perfect for biking, walking, and spotting local wildlife. :deer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Millennium Park is widely praised for its affordability, natural beauty, and diverse activities, especially its beach, splash pad, and water rentals. Families appreciate the well-maintained playgrounds and ample space for picnics. While some note a slight pond-like smell in the water, the overall experience is considered peaceful and enjoyable.
"I have been here twice now. Good amount of space on the beach. It tends to be pretty busy, but the size makes it so its not too crowded.
I did the kayaking, $8 for an hour, per person. It was really enjoyable.
The water is not the cleanest, it smells a little like being in a pond, is really my only complaint.
It offers some pretty views, and is a peaceful space."
Jena Bale
"Millennium Park is fantastic! My family loved it here. The playground area has a ton of equipment, there is plenty of areas to picnic, it is well kept, and there is plenty of parking.
The beach and splash pad were great also! There is a small fee, but it is incredibly reasonable and affordable. The splash pad had areas to accommodate different play levels for different ages, the beach was clean and maintained well, there are people who monitor the swim areas for safety and adherence to park rules. You pay for your entrance into these two areas at the DeVos Boathouse. You may also rent boats, kayaks, canoes, and other equipment here too.
For a fun, affordable, warm weather activity I highly recommend this place."
Zac Blodgett
"My wife and i go here all the time to ride bikes, so cool to see it being transformed back into nature. We absolutely love this place! They have paved trails for bikes, boards or walking. They also have pavilions that are always being rented out for weddings and events. There is a beautiful beach area and lots to explore!"
Tyler Robart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Millennium Park is accessible by car with ample parking available. It's also a great destination for cycling, with paved trails leading to the park from surrounding areas like Hudsonville. +1
If you have a significant layover in Chicago, Millennium Park is a popular choice for a quick visit to see iconic sights. Check transportation times to ensure you can make it back for your flight.
Absolutely! Millennium Park features paved trails that are excellent for biking, and you can cycle there from nearby towns like Hudsonville.
The park offers plenty of parking, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, the park's paths are paved and accessible, making it easy for everyone to explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General access to Millennium Park is free. However, there is a small, affordable fee for the beach and splash pad areas, which can be paid at the DeVos Boathouse.
Park hours can vary seasonally, but generally, the park is open from early morning until dusk. Specific facilities like the boathouse and beach may have different hours. It's best to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
While not always necessary, booking boat rentals like kayaks and paddleboards in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
The splash pad has a small, reasonable fee for entry, making it an affordable option for family fun.
Yes, Millennium Park offers many free activities including playgrounds, walking trails, biking paths, and general park exploration.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Millennium Park offers a wide range of activities including a beach, splash pad, playgrounds (like the ninja playground), boating rentals, hiking and biking trails, and opportunities to observe wildlife. +1
The beach is generally described as clean and well-maintained, with staff monitoring the swim areas for safety and rules.
Millennium Park features a variety of playgrounds, including a popular ninja playground and a nature playscape, offering fun for different age groups.
Yes, visitors have reported seeing wildlife, including deer, on the park's trails, especially during quieter times.
Millennium Park provides plenty of areas for picnicking, making it a great spot for a family outing or a relaxed lunch.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't extensive restaurant facilities within Millennium Park itself, the DeVos Boathouse may offer some concessions. It's advisable to pack your own food for picnics or plan to dine in nearby areas.
Yes, bringing your own food for picnics is highly encouraged and a popular activity at Millennium Park, with many designated areas available.
The DeVos Boathouse is primarily for rentals and information, but it's worth checking if they offer any light refreshments or snacks.
For a wider selection of dining options, you would need to explore the surrounding areas outside of the park itself.
Information on specific BBQ facilities is not widely available, but picnic areas are plentiful. It's best to check park regulations regarding open flames or grills.
📸 📸 Photography
Millennium Park offers beautiful scenery, especially during golden hour, with the beach, water, and natural landscapes providing great photo opportunities.
Yes, golden hour is a particularly beautiful time to capture stunning photos at Millennium Park, with the light casting a warm glow over the landscape.
Photography at Millennium Park often focuses on nature, landscapes, and candid moments, with some visitors enjoying beach-themed shots.
Drone usage in parks is often restricted. It's crucial to check the specific park regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
While not as famous as Chicago's downtown parks, the natural beauty of the beach, wetlands, and trails offer unique and picturesque photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With plenty of space, picnic areas, and affordable beach access, it's an ideal spot for a budget-friendly family day out. The well-maintained trails are also great for family bike rides or leisurely strolls.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even the paid attractions are very affordable. Boat rentals are reasonably priced, and the beach and splash pad have a small, accessible fee. Packing a picnic is easy and cost-effective, with numerous spots available for dining al fresco.
🚴♀️ Active Adventurers
Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals available at the DeVos Boathouse. Whether you prefer land or water, the park provides a dynamic environment to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Activities at Millennium Park
For those seeking more active water fun, the DeVos Boathouse is the hub for rentals. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and rowboats for an hour or more. The rental prices are described as affordable, making it an accessible activity for most visitors. Paddling on the water offers a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty and a peaceful escape.
While the water is generally enjoyable for recreation, some visitors note that the water can sometimes smell a bit like a pond. Despite this, the overall experience of boating and enjoying the beach and splash pad is highly recommended for a fun, affordable warm-weather activity.
Exploring Millennium Park's Trails and Playgrounds
For families, the playground areas are a major draw. Notably, the park has a ninja playground that provides a more challenging and engaging play experience for children. Additionally, there's a Nature Playscape, which encourages imaginative play in a more natural setting, often found near the Blandford Nature Center. These play areas are well-kept and offer plenty of equipment for kids to enjoy.
Visitors often highlight the park's transformation back into nature, appreciating the blend of developed recreational spaces with the natural environment. The accessibility of the paved paths makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the park's extensive network of trails and play areas.
Wildlife and Nature at Millennium Park
Many visitors have reported encountering wildlife during their visits. A particularly memorable sighting mentioned is a deer crossing the trail right in front of them. This indicates that the park's natural areas are thriving and provide opportunities for unique nature observation.
Beyond the larger wildlife, the wetlands and trails offer a chance to appreciate the local flora and fauna. Early morning visits are often recommended for those hoping to spot animals, as the park is quieter and wildlife is more active.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit