What is Northend Riverside Park - East like?
Northend Riverside Park - East sits in Big Rapids, one of 3 courses in the city and 308 across Michigan. It plays 18 holes, par 54, across 5,976 ft — an average of about 332 feet a hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is wooded/hilly — wooded fairways with real elevation change, which puts the emphasis on shot shaping in three dimensions. Elevation compounds every mistake: an uphill approach plays longer than the sign says, and a downhill tee shot carries much further than expected.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Northend Riverside Park - East?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Northend Riverside Park - East
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Northend Riverside Park - East
Big Rapids, MI — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Northend Riverside Park - East
More disc golf in Big Rapids
Big Rapids has 3 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champion's Course | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| Northend Riverside Park - West | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Northend Riverside Park - East?
Northend Riverside Park - East has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 5,976 ft, averaging about 332 feet per hole.
Is Northend Riverside Park - East free to play?
Yes. Northend Riverside Park - East is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Northend Riverside Park - East good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wooded fairways with real elevation change and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Northend Riverside Park - East?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Northend Riverside Park - East located?
Northend Riverside Park - East is in Big Rapids, Michigan, at coordinates 43.71664, -85.48750. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Northend Riverside Park - East?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.