10+ Fun Things to Do in Grand Rapids (Perfect for 1st-time visitors!)

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Essential Grand Rapids Travel Tips: What to Know Before you Go

Getting Around Grand Rapids

Like most cities of this size in the United States, getting around by car is definitely the most convenient means of getting around, with convenient free parking available in most places outside of the downtown area. Parking downtown is easy to find, however, it can get costly.

Walking within the immediate downtown area is convenient, with most major attractions in the downtown area within walking distance of each other. It’s also a nice walk during good weather, and generally quite safe.

There are also interwoven bicycle paths and trails that make it easy to get around the city of Grand Rapids by bike – if you check online, you’ll find bike route maps to make finding your way around easy.

The public transportation service in Grand Rapids is called “The Rapid” and has a terminal downtown and routes throughout the city and its suburbs. The bus service has a reputation for being clean, safe, and quite reliable, so if you’re not in need of renting a car, you can easily get around on the bus.

Bus stops are clearly marked throughout the city, with each stop providing the route numbers and operating times for all buses serving that particular stop. You can also check online for routes and schedules throughout the city.

Lastly, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are available for hailing at your convenience. Taxis are usually not hailed on the street, so make sure you head to a designated location or call their dispatcher.

Where to Eat in Grand Rapids

Although Grand Rapids enjoys the title of being “Beer City,” the city also promises some great dining options too, from cozy local spots to five-star fine dining. The options are endless whether you’re looking for budget-friendly restaurants or somewhere to splurge. It’s time to work up an appetite while exploring the city, and then head to some of these hot spots:

• Slows Bar BQ – this slow-cooked barbecue restaurant offers favorites including beef brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, paired with 40 craft beers on tap. You need to visit here for some award-winning barbecue.
• Taqueria San Jose – this no-frills taco joint will give you the best taco experience in town, with a variety of authentic street tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and more. They have unique specials including pork cracklings, tongue, tripe, and even goat. Make sure you get their horchata.
• Forty Acres – located in the Eastown neighborhood, this spot is owned by Darel Ross and Lewis Williams and provides the community with authentic soul food. Try their seafood gumbo and hush puppies, all while grooving to some 90s’ R&B tracks.
• Bistro Bella Vita – a family-friendly spot offering farm-to-table homestyle Mediterranean dishes, with excellent patio seating.

Where to Stay in Grand Rapids

If you’re a first-time visitor to Grand Rapids, you may prefer a more touristy area where you can get around to major attractions by walking, and so Downtown Grand Rapids is the best location to stay. While it may be more pricey than the outskirts, hotels in Grand Rapids are more affordable than in other cities. Here are some of our picks:

• Luxury ($$$) – JW Marriott Grand Rapids: connected to the convention center and located in a lively area nearby to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, offering refined and minimalistic rooms with an indoor pool.
• Mid-Range ($$) – Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton: located in a convenient spot in the heart of the lively downtown, offering traditional rooms with great views.
• Budget ($) – Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown: located in the city center, offering free breakfast and free WiFi in public areas, as well as coffee and tea in the common area.

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10+ Fun Things to do in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (know as ‘GRAM’) has a range of collections that include pieces stretching from the Renaissance period all the way through to contemporary art.

There are over 5,000 items on show here, and as well as paintings you will also find other mediums of art such as pencil sketches, photographs, and print work. There are also other events such as musical concerts held here periodically, so check the schedule online and you may get lucky.

Fulton Street Farmers Market

On a Saturday morning, the Fulton Street Farmers Market opens up, attracting over 200 vendors every week. It was first founded in 1922 and is the oldest in the Grand Rapids area – most of the vendors are farmers from the local area, and the market is mainly outdoors.

You can expect to find delicious home-baked goods, bread, pastries, and also fresh produce. On Sundays, the market is dedicated to those who sell locally-made crafts.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

The campus of the park is 158 acres, and inside you’ll find waterfalls, a rock garden, and both tropical and indigenous plants. There are also themed indoor gardens, outdoor wetlands, and forest lands.

It’s definitely a different experience—make sure you take the trails that will take you through the forests as well as a boardwalk over the wetlands.

In the sculpture gallery, you’ll see over 300 pieces from some of the most famous sculptures in the world (such as Rodin and Degas); not to mention the 24-foot tall sculpture of Leonardo Da Vincis horse – commissioned by the Duke of Milan back in 1482 and which took 500 years to become a reality.

Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum

Exhibiting a permanent exhibit on the highlights of President and Mrs. Ford’s lives, the Gerald R Ford Museum focuses on democratic citizenship and quiet reflection. In addition to the permanent exhibits, changing temporary exhibits draw artifacts from Museums all over the country.

And if you’d like to continue exploring the life of President Ford, be sure to head over to Ann Arbor MI where you’ll find the Ford Presidential Library.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum started out in 1854 and has been going strong ever since, spanning three floors. There are over 25,000 pieces in the museum ranging from fossils to classic cars, and the galleries change quite frequently so you will always have something new to see.

There is also a planetarium at the museum called the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.

Blandford Nature Center

The Blandford Nature Center is an educational center that has an emphasis on teaching all visitors about the natural world. There are hiking trails all over the 143-acre park as well as interactive exhibits and wildlife that younger visitors are sure to enjoy.

Meyer May House

Image (C) https://franklloydwright.org/site/meyer-may-house/

This architectural feat was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was built in 1909 for local businessman and clothing maker Meyer May. It is in a Prairies style as opposed to a traditional Victorian style and has been restored over the years to its former glory.

Inside, you’ll see collections of antiques that feature original furniture pieces that belonged to the Meyer family. Lovers of architecture will love visiting and exploring the Meyer May House.

Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens

If you are looking for a great outdoor activity, be sure to head to the Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve where you’ll find over 100+ acres of native plants and natural habitats. Along with classes, educational programs, and 44 acres of walking trails, there are boundless opportunities to explore and connect with nature.

Art Prize

Fingers crossed during your visit you’ll be around during Art Prize, an annual contest in the downtown area of Grand Rapids. For 19 days every year, the center of the city is transformed into an open-air art gallery where pieces of artwork are submitted and put on display to the public. Anyone can submit a piece, and the outdoor gallery sprawls over three blocks.

The competition is usually held during September or October every year.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts

A modern feat, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is where you will find a range of innovative contemporary pieces from a variety of genres. If you love art, here’s where you’ll need to go. Some of these include film, dance, live performance, painting, drawing, and music—and you can see works of locals, regional, and international artists.

Beer City Ale Trail

You have to visit several breweries during your visit, but if you’re confused about where to start you can check out the Beer City Ale Trail, a map of the area that lists out all your best options.

You can either take a guided tour or tackle it yourself – while you may not be able to visit all in one day, make sure you drop by at least a few. Some breweries are conveniently located within walking distance of each other in the downtown area, making it easy to walk from place to place.

Blue Bridge

If you’re looking for the most picture-perfect opportunity in Grand Rapids, Blue Bridge is one of them. The quiet walkway connecting the Swan neighborhood to downtown is iconic to Grand Rapids and was originally built in 1892 as a railroad.

Its central location makes it easy to view the city’s key landmarks by walking across, and at night, it is lit up in its iconic blue lights (see the header image at the top of this post!) You can see why it’s one of the top tourist attractions and why wandering across is a great way to experience Grand Rapids.

John Ball Zoo

If you’re traveling with kids, visiting the zoo can be a great way to pass a few hours and educate them about exotic animals. But it’s not just for kids – with John Ball Zoo introducing their Adult Night Out Program in 2020. If you’re 21 or over, you can enjoy up to three hours of child-free exploration on various nights in summer.

3 Day Trips from Grand Rapids

Traverse City

Located just two hours north of Grand Rapids, Traverse City is where you’ll see miles of shoreline including the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Here you’ll find romantic lighthouses and coastal villages, the perfect spot to wander and explore. During the summer months, you can swim, sail, paddle, hike, and fish around the area, but when the weather gets cold you can start skiing and snowboarding.

Shelby

This spot is famous for Cherry Point Farm & Market’s massive lavender field, which is a picturesque spot that is perfect for photo opportunities. Spend the afternoon wandering the rows and rows of fragrant lavender, for an experience you’ve never seen before.

Pentwater

Pentwater is a quaint village that is located along the lakeshore and is filled with local spots like shops, restaurants, and events. You can visit the seasonal farmers market, craft fair, or head out on a winery tour, but either way, it is a relaxing way to spend the day near Grand Rapids. Make sure you also visit the Sable Point Lighthouse during your day in Pentwater.

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Now that you have heard about everything that Grand Rapids has to offer, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your trip to Grand Rapids Michigan, because this small town is just waiting for you to explore it!

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10+ Fun Things to Do in Grand Rapids Story

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