What is Northend Riverside Park - West like?
Northend Riverside Park - West sits in Big Rapids, one of 3 courses in the city and 308 across Michigan. The layout runs 18 holes to a par of 54 over 6,570 ft, averaging roughly 365 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is mixed/varied — a mix of wooded and open holes, which puts the emphasis on a complete game. The variety is the test: you will need a tunnel shot on one hole and a full-power drive on the next, often back to back.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. 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 - West?
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 - West
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 If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.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 - West
Big Rapids, MI — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Northend Riverside Park - West
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 - East | 18 | Beginner | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Northend Riverside Park - West?
Northend Riverside Park - West has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 6,570 ft, averaging about 365 feet per hole.
Is Northend Riverside Park - West free to play?
Yes. Northend Riverside Park - West is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Northend Riverside Park - West good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play Northend Riverside Park - West?
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 - West located?
Northend Riverside Park - West 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 - West?
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.