Belknap Hill

Belknap Hill is a hill in Grand Rapids that rises noticeably above downtown and can be accessed by multiple staircases totaling around 400 steps. A large water reservoir at the summit stores emergency supplies for the city's water system.

The hill took its name from Charles E. Belknap, who served as Grand Rapids mayor in 1884 and was later elected to Congress. The area developed into a significant residential neighborhood as the city expanded around it.

The neighborhood features tree-lined streets and independent shops that create a distinctive character different from downtown. Today it serves as a gathering place for residents who value the quieter residential feel separated from the city center.

Climbing the hill via the staircases requires some physical effort, but the routes are well-maintained and straightforward to navigate. Wear comfortable shoes and allow enough time to ascend at your own pace without rushing.

Two streets with preserved 19th century cobblestone surfaces earned local historic landmark status in 1975. This original paving is rarely found intact in modern American cities.