East Grand Rapids was first settled in the early 1830s by the Reed Family from New York, New York. It is one of the oldest suburbs in Kent County. Originally part of Paris Township, residents voted to establish the Village of East Grand Rapids in 1891.
By the 1870s, the Reeds Lake area was a popular summertime day trip destination for the people of Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Picnicking, boating, swimming and spending a leisurely day at the lake and park were enjoyable pastimes. Ramona Park is the most-remembered feature of the bygone days of East Grand Rapids. The amusement park, owned and operated by the Grand Rapids Street Railway Company, was a destination spot for thousands of families between 1897 and 1955. Rose’s Bathing Beach and Swimming School located on the west shore of Reeds Lake on the north side of the boat launch, was established in 1901 by James Rose. After the bathing beach closed in the late 1960s, most of the facility was demolished. One small building was left standing. James’ son John “Bub” Rose kept it open as a marina and a restaurant noted for its hamburgers and popcorn. The building, though now redone, still sits in the same spot and is a favorite in East Grand Rapids as a dining a tavern establishment right on the water. Recently the downtown area known as Gaslight Village has been the focus of major reconstruction. In 2006 the City of East Grand Rapids performed a $3 million refurbishing of Wealthy Street with new paving, lighting and decorative features. A new community center and library were also completed as well as a new football stadium scoreboard, seating and press box. The high school is also getting a new gym, weight room and other facilities. The East Grand Rapids public schools have always been rated in the top public school systems across the country and continue to do so. The high school has over 105 state championships and again ranks high nationally. East Grand Rapids also boasts one of the few “opera house” facilities for both music and theater arts.
The city itself has a feeling all of its own. The streets are have a 25 miles per hour speed limit and the population of between 10-11,000 people really never changes. This means that your school system will always be a consistent size, never having to worry about overcrowding. The kids either walk or ride their bikes to school, there isn’t any busing.
The evenings in East Grand Rapids are special, because, in the fall, many families walk to the EGR football games or just enjoy the lake or Gaslight Village area. In the summer, many walk up to Rose’s, Jersey Junction, or Reed’s Lake for a picnic for some type of lake experience. In the winter, many use the lake for other activities, such as, ice fishing or ice skating.
The city has a traditional Reed’s Lake run that goes around the lake and it attracts people from all over.
East Grand Rapids is also very convenient for families. Only 10 minutes from downtown, minutes to any expressway and a short drive to the airport and shopping. Also, it is only a 30 minute drive to Lake Michigan, where many spend weekends at the beaches of Holland, Grand Haven or Spring Lake.
When moving to the greater Grand Rapids area, don’t forget to take a look at East Grand Rapids, as it is a great place to raise a family and spend a lifetime of great memories and share those times with the long time friends you will make in this little suburb of Grand Rapids. As a life long resident of the East Grand Rapids community, I can speak from experience when I say that it is a great place to live.

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