(Disclaimer - some of this is copy/paste from my review of the East course on site!)

Northend Riverside Park is located in Big Rapids, MI. It's right on the north edge of town, but yet feels secluded. There are two 18-hole disc golf courses on site here, West and East. The two courses are right next to each other but do not overlap. There is some great signage between holes that allows disc golfers to easily play all kinds of different layouts within each course, and even between courses. The signs point out 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 hole layouts and honestly, even more layouts are possible. For example, this isn't signed but you could easily play holes 1-8 of the West course then skip to holes 12-18 on the East course for an easy 15-hole round. This is really almost a choose-your-own-adventure disc golf park which adds to the appeal, in my opinion. The park is very pretty, and for the most part dedicated to disc golf only.

The West course is the newer of the two, and in general it plays slightly longer but slightly flatter than the East course. The West course has what I feel are two distinct sections. Holes 1-6 and 14-18 are generally quite long (mostly over 400'), flat, and fairly open. From the long Blue tees, there are several par 4s among these holes - plus hole 3's 900' par 5 challenge. These holes are not completely open, but the obstacles here are much fewer and farther between vs. the remaining holes 7-13. This middle section of holes is much shorter (all holes under 300') and much tighter. A couple of these I would classify as "thread the needle" kind of throws. Despite having a completely different feel, these holes are also quite challenging. You will need to throw for both distance and accuracy to score well here.

As alluded to above, there are two sets of tees here. The long Blue layout will be a challenging round for most disc golfers. The shorter Red layout looked like it would still offer respectable challenge, while also requiring some different throws and being a little more forgiving for newer disc golfers.

The baskets on this West course are yellow banded DISCatchers (east course has Chainstars). Baskets #5 and #10 are raised for extra challenge. One basket per hole.

The two teepads per hole are concrete. There are trash cans at every long tee, and benches at many of them.

The tee signs are decent. Those at the long tees each have a map of the hole mounted to a sheet metal sign. The hole number and distance is cut into the metal on each sign. Unfortunately, these signs do not show the par or give any information about the shorter Red layout, and there are no signs at the shorter tees.

There is a kiosk at the parking lot that has a large map of both courses, information on some of the possible layouts, and other notices. There are also two practice baskets and a porta potty nearby. Wi-Fi is available in the parking lot too!

Hole 1 plays next to what is supposed to be a private drive, but it seemed like there were quite a few cars passing through when I was playing. An errant throw on this hole could easily find the road. A couple of later holes play next to a popular paved walking/bicycling trail.

Besides the great layout maps between holes mentioned at the beginning of this review, there are not many "Next Tee" signs. There are a couple of places where it isn't quite clear where to go for the next hole, and several other places where you could waste time by walking to the Red tee instead of the Blue tee for the next hole, and vice versa. More signs that point towards both Blue and Red next tees would be nice.

Even though the variety is pretty good, for me it did kind of feel like things went from one extreme to the other on this course. From the blue tees, all holes are either shorter than 300', OR longer than 400'. I felt like a couple more trees could be cleared on the tight middle holes. Also, there isn't a ton of elevation challenge on the West course, and no water hazards to work around. Obviously these are all pretty minor gripes.

The rough on the wooded holes will be quite thick in the summer. You may want a spotter on these holes.

Road noise can be heard throughout the course, but especially on this West half which is closer to the busy road across the river.

As of this writing, using Google Maps to get here is a little funky. The road that the park is on is shown as a trail for some of its length as you approach the park, and I believe that road is the only way in and out of the park so Google was a little confused. I recommend checking the directions listed on the Course Info tab before you drive here.

Overall, Northend Riverside Park is a great disc golf option. I would not call it a destination for out-of-state DG travelers, but those within a reasonable drive should definitely check it out. Personally, I preferred the East course but I think big arms will like this West course more. With some of the Cons addressed this is an easy 4.0. I think that the lack of elevation change and "wow" factor hold it back from a higher rating than that.

- A truly wide variety of holes here. Left to right and visa versa. Stupid long holes and some really short ones too.
- All the baskets are in great shape
- Concrete tees throughout.
- While this course seems like it needs a lot of work it does appear that the locals are working on it and making great headway.
- Love the elevated tee pad on 13.
- Love the landscaping around the 16 basket. Basically, there was a lot of landscaping I really liked throughout.
- Never felt like any of the holes were truly unfair. Even the 900' par 5 of number three I felt was a fair par and the basket is entirely reachable for rec and above players.
- Loved the signage. Big white metal signs were easy to pick out in the woods which helps in figuring out where to go next.
- Occationally throughout the course there are signs indicating alternate loops to do with the two courses here. I've never seen this before and frankly, it's brilliant.

- While I understand that big run-ups are really not needed but some of these tees are just way too small.
- I wonder if all the distances are correct. No way #18 is 240' - has to be longer than that.
- One spot that seemed like it could use some next tee signs is the walk between 6 and 7. That was a little confusing.

Northend Riverside West is a more difficult version of its Easterly sibling. From narrow wooded fairways to stupid long sequences of holes that will challenge every aspect of your game at every skill level. The use of the rolling hills and elevation is well executed. Play here on a regular basis and you will become a better disc golfer.

Has nice signs and good baskets. Teepads are good as well.

The fairways are small with a lot of small shrubs on the side. Really easy to lose discs.

I drove up from Cincinnati this weekend to play courses to the west of here ( mainly Flip City and Mason County Parks ) and was looking up & down US-131 for courses to play on day 2 , after making a reservation in Rapid City . At the last minute , I decided to copy the information for Northbend Riverside Park and give the courses a try , since 2 of them were in the same park , After reading previous reviews , I thought this was going to be just a better than average course . I can't believe I almost passed on these courses . When you print or look up directions for this course , make sure you drive 4th street until you already look like you are in the park and keep looking to your left . You will come to a large parking area eventually , so turn in and park on the right handed side of the closest spaces available . You will see a large kiosk near the entrance to the parking lot , with a huge map of all 36 holes , East and West course , and sign that reads that it is the Home Course Of Ferris State University , 2017 National Disc Golf Champions . You will see the first tee for the West course right across the street .Since I didn't know that a college champion disc golf team claimed this as their home course , and the distances aren't marked on the scorecard online , I wasn't sure what to expect . The baskets are nice Discatchers with the yellow banded tops , especially nice for long or wooded holes ( dusk play ). There are concrete tees throughout the course . I think when Ferris State started claiming this course , someone spoke up and said " these tee pads are too short " . Most of them seem to have been shored up by pouring more concrete into or connecting pavers to the front of the tee pad for the holes. On a number of the holes , they have poured more tee pads closer to the hole , maybe so that many families in the park or newbies and casuals aren't scared off from the length of some of these holes .The signage was one of the most unique and best designs I have ever seen . They are a metal , cut out at the top of it , telling you that it is West or East and number you are on . This is a huge help as you leave a basket , you can read the sign , course and number from the front OR the back . The front of the sign gives you a good description of the hole and the length . Both look accurate . The course itself is pretty easy to follow if you are paying attention . In case you are talking to your playing partners and forget which path you are on , there is help . I have never seen this before , but at several junctions of the course , there is the same large sign hanging up that you saw at the kiosk in the parking lot with the large map of the courses and where you are . What an incredibly original idea . I have played well over 500 courses in my life and have NEVER seen that before . I wasn't real impressed with the first hole , a Hyzer 235' that sits back in a cove of brush and trees . Then the gloves came off . I was intent on playing this course straight up so I could compare with scores of some of the college players if I could find their scores somewhere . The next hole #2 almost doubled the first hole in length ( 425' ) . It is a tough narrow fairway slight anyhyzer with heavy brush on the right and left . Most of the fairways here are narrow or risk/reward shots , some actually having landing zones for the longer holes . Bring your A game or face time digging your disc out of the trees or brush . I was never in jeopardy of losing a disc here , as most of the heavy rough are those plants that grow like little trees from the ground and you can see your disc under them pretty easy , which is another plus . #3 will literally punch you in the stomach. It is a 900' hole through narrow winding fairways to a tight green under trees , making it hard to throw over and know where you land . You may have to throw 3 different kinds of drives on this 1 hole ( I took my only 6 of the weekend on this %$#!!?** hole . I was playing alone and it was early morning , so I don't think there was anyone on the course yet , but I swear that I felt at times that the spirits of the Ferris State coach and players were standing behind me and evaluating my every throw ( I heard the whisper " Nice 6 " ) . You now go through a few holes ranging over 400' where shot placement should be your prime objective . I took 4's on a couple of them , watching my score start to balloon and wondering what I did to deserve this , then the holes became shorter ( mid to low 200' range ) as you entered the woods .I took my only Deuce on #10 , then followed it up with a ricochet drive 4 on the next hole . The Ferris State spirits were now asking if I want to just keep score for the team or be a fairway spotter for home games . Another great feature on this course are signs that give you direction AND give you the option of cutting your round short , sometimes for a 6, 12 or 15 ( or adding holes from the West course to make 24 or 27 holes ) ,hole round . Once you enter the woods , you will see varying length and the most elevation on the course , which gratefully , there is not a lot of here . Even though the holes are short , the fairways are tight and the baskets well placed . A cool area and fun place to take a breather is #12's tee . It has a kindling type hut with sticks pile up behind it with a bench to sit on , and at the tee pad someone made a great carving out of a tree just to the right of the tee pad . Shortly after , the course pops out of the woods and you are back on semi to slightly wooded spots . There are still a couple of 450' + holes in the last 6 , but they start to go back to the mid to upper 200' length . If you stray from some of these fairways , it will likely cost you at least a stroke . #18 is listed as 240 ' but I think they moved the basket back into a tight cove and made it closer to 300' , a nice control drive finishing hole .After finishing my round , I saw the spirit of the coach holding up a cheerleader uniform for me to try on . I had been cut from the team ,,,,,, There were many competitive and great holes on this course . A lot of money must have been poured into this course ( and they are still adding tee pads and signage ) , and it looks like it is ever improving . I never give my rating based on potential , but in this rare case I am making an exception . My signature hole was #17 . Although shorter than most at 250' , it is a banking left drive that works its way to an elevated basket sitting behind a wooden fence . A very clean course . Bathroom and a fountain a short distance at the end of the parking lot .

I could find little wrong with the course , You might find it not as appealing , aesthetically , because of not enough elevation , no water holes , fairways too tight , no trash cans on the course ( carry out what you carry in ) . Maybe a tee pad or 2 that hasn't been lengthened that could stand to be longer ( like #1 ) . I don't know .

The previous reviewers are kind of treating this like it's a work in progress . I am saying that " This Course Has Arrived " . A strong West course , flanked by a pleasing scenic East course . I am cautious to rank it quite up there with Flip City or Rollin Ridge or Zobel Park . If the rating scale were to go to .25 points , I probably would have given this course more like a 4.25 , but hey , this course is a can't miss . If I lived within 40 miles of here , I would be playing it almost every week . Rapid City , you have no idea what treasure you have . ( I did see many more cars parked in the disc golf parking area when I finally left at 12 , and it even was getting ready to rain ) . Thank you , Northend Riverside Parks for putting the money and effort to make this one of the best destinations in Michigan , if not the Midwest .

Well kept, nice signs, decent tee pads on longer holes. A couple decent short holes. Another 18 in same park.

Too many "tweener" holes. 900' hole is just long for the sake of being long. Tee pads on the short holes are about 4' long, basically a waste of cement.

I expected so much more, because I like the East course. Perhaps it will get better as it ages???

Layout offers good variety of distance, open/wooded, and occasional light elevation. 9 and 12 holes loops incorporated. Additional layouts are popular among locals in the know. No poison ivy, large thorny bushes, or muddy spots. Low bugs. No ticks. 2 practice baskets. Cement tee pads. Beautiful metal signs with large graphics. Navigation is smooth, and directional signs with large maps help at major junctions. Awesome primitive shelter on #12 and elevated tee on #13.

some of the tees are little on the short side. benches and trash cans are yet to be placed. Fairways could use wider and more regular mowing.

very friendly locals. very little waiting. Local volunteers have been working on this course non-stop for the last 4 years and show little sign of stopping anytime soon. For those that don't play Northend more than once a year, each trip will come with changes and upgrades.

Aesthetic-- plays through areas largely disc golf exclusive. This course plays near and across the river trail and the rail trail. #6 and #13-16 specifically play near pedestrian areas

Baskets-- DisCatchers, nice and bright in some thick woods on this course. Brand new (except for recycled holes).

Teepads-- No comment on these. I'm sure concrete is coming. Marked with little orange flags at the moment.

Teesigns-- again no comment. I'm sure signage will be added

Routing and nav-- easy, just follow the trails. where there was question, there was "next tee" signage. #7--after #6, walk past the flags for #13 down the trail to where the two trails meet, cross the trail and enter the woods. The next tee is near.

Challenge-- the challenge on the new 3-6 is the sheer distance involved. There are no posted distances but #3 has to be 800-1000 feet long. Straight as an arrow but trees dot the edges of the fairway. Ferns are the "rough" but I'm sure these will reduce as traffic increases and mowing commences. #4-6 play in and out of the woods. #7 crossed the trails and into a whole new realm of disc golf. Hills and ditches as well as ancient trees make this a super interesting stretch of golf. #13-16 play longer again and cross many of the same fields on the way back from near #3's pin.

Variety-- strong here, almost every kind of hole. Keep your game on point or it will be a very long day.

Landing zones-- on many of the longer holes, landing zones have been cut out of the ferns. These are at about 300-400ft out and intervalled.

This course is in it's infantcy. I can't really fault what I know will be there eventually.
Keep an eye on this course, this and east could turn Big Rapids and Ferris into destinations for disc golf.