Located on the Grand River, east of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan is a cozy city of about 200,000 people. The most populous city in West Michigan, Grand Rapids is a staple for its off-path attractions, outdoor activities, and its thriving art culture. Visiting Grand Rapids people a chance to experience the best of both worlds of a small-town feel with big city attractions.
Perfect for families, friends, and solo trips alike, Grand Rapids is a city filled with unexpected adventures and deep historic roots. Deemed “Craft Beverage Capital of the U.S.” by USA Today, Grand Rapids is well known for its craft beer and food tours. Visitors looking for a day trip or looking to stay for a few days will discover why Grand Rapids, Michigan is a great place to visit.
10 Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
This 158-acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids is a popular spot for family outings and picturesque views. In the grounds of the park, visitors can find a variety of lush gardens, nature trails, and over 500 sculptures. This is a great place for photos and simply taking a relaxing break from the all of the activities the city has to offer. The park is iconic for its iconic live butterfly exhibit and unique glass sculpture gallery.
9 Take A Brewery Tour
For beer enthusiasts, Grand Rapids is the place to be. Home to over 30 breweries, visitors can find a wide variety of craft beers unlike anywhere else in the United States. Take a brewery tour to experience some of the most popular microbreweries and sample a variety of beer flavors. One of the most popular in the city is Arvon Brewing Co., known for its award-winning beer and unique atmosphere.
8 Visit The John Ball Zoo
The John Ball Zoo is the perfect spot for families looking to explore nature and meet some furry friends. With over 2,000 animals, visitors can find exotic species from around the world. The zoo also hosts a variety of events, like Zoo Goes Boo, a Halloween event with trick-or-treating and animal encounters. For those visiting during the winter months, the zoo also hosts a holiday light show.
7 Explore Downtown Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids is the go-to spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a year-round indoor public market offering visitors a variety of local products, like artisan foods and handmade crafts. For music lovers, the city is home to some of the best live music venues in Michigan. Concerts and shows can be found in places like The Intersection and the Van Andel Arena.
6 Take A Hike At Mecosta County Parks
Mecosta County Parks are a series of parks composed of over 100 lakes, rivers and streams, which includes Muskegon River. Parks include Brower Park for those looking to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air, School Section Lake Veteran's Park for history buffs, the Paris Park and more. Visitors will find a variety of hiking trails across all parks with lush forests and tranquil lakes. After a long day of hiking, visitors can relax at the Tubbs Lake Campground or at Haymarsh Lake Campground.
5 Visit The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Located near downtown Grand Rapids, this museum offers visitors a historical look into the life of President Gerald Ford. The museum is home to the president’s library, which includes exhibits with documents and artifacts related to his presidency. For a deeper look into his life, the museum also offers a virtual experience with interactive displays and films.
4 Explore Grand Rapids Art Museum
Grand Rapids is home to an expansive and thriving art culture. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a great spot for visitors looking to appreciate the city’s vibrant art scene. The museum offers a variety of rotating exhibitions and artworks from local, national, and international artists.
3 Attend An Event At DeVos Place
DeVos Place is the city’s premier convention center and is a great spot for visitors seeking entertainment. The venue hosts everything from Broadway shows to music events. There are also a variety of art and cultural festivals held at the venue throughout the year, like the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Native American Festival and The Jazzin’ on the Grand event.
2 Take A Boat Cruise On The Grand River
For a unique experience, visitors can take a boat cruise on the Grand River. The river is home to some of the best wildlife viewing in the city and offers visitors a scenic view of the skyline. Boats can be rented from one of the many tour companies in town and can accommodate up to 25 people.
1 Visit The Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a great spot for history and science buffs alike. This museum offers visitors an educational exploration of artifacts, specimens, and interactive displays. The museum also features a live butterfly exhibit and unique glass sculpture gallery.