Grand Rapids Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Grand Rapids which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a city
Visit museums, explore beautiful gardens and enjoy outdoor activities in the River City where Midwestern charm meets a thriving Michigan metropolis.

Grand Rapids, located just east of Lake Michigan, is a vibrant city rich with culture and natural beauty. With plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and a variety of museums and galleries, Grand Rapids is the perfect destination for the whole family.

The city straddles the beautiful Grand River and is therefore known as the “River City.” Rent a bicycle and ride along the riverbank or play a round of golf at one of the courses nearby. Drive to Lake Michigan and go swimming, climb dunes or play beach volleyball.

During winter, visit Cannonsburg Ski Area for snowboarding and cross-country skiing or try outdoor ice skating at Richmond Park. Grand Rapids Park and Kent County Park offer miles of trails for skiing and snowshoeing. In summer, these areas are perfect for biking and hiking.

Visit the world-renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The park aims to blend man-made art with nature. Stroll through the tropical conservatory and marvel at Nina Akamu's massive sculpture, The American Horse.

Step back in time at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Explore American culture during the 1970s and discover interactive exhibits such as the mock Oval Office and Cabinet Room.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is home to more than 5,000 artworks. Browse the Renaissance section or marvel at modern masterpieces, such as Richard Diebenkorn’s Ingleside. The museum dates back to 1910 a 2007 redesign has elevated the building to a city icon.

Be sure to visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum, one of the oldest museums in the United States. Learn about the area's native peoples at the Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibition. Gaze at the stars in the planetarium and ride the vintage carousel outside.

Reach Grand Rapids by flying into the International Airport, which is a 20-minute drive from downtown, or catch the daily Amtrak service from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Whether you are seeking cultural enrichment or outdoor fun, Grand Rapids has much to offer.

Where to stay in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids showing a city

Downtown Grand Rapids

While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like DeVos Performance Hall and Broadway Grand Rapids.

Downtown Grand Rapids
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Kentwood

Kentwood is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Woodland Mall or Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve.

Kentwood
Grand Rapids Art Museum showing a city

Heartside

Heartside is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Van Andel Arena and Grand Rapids Children's Museum while in the area.

Heartside
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East Grand Rapids

The restaurants and lake views are a few reasons travellers visit East Grand Rapids. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Woodland Mall and Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, a few notable attractions nearby.

East Grand Rapids
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Creston

Creston might not have many top sights, but LMCU Ballpark and Grand Rapids Art Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Creston
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Roosevelt Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Roosevelt Park and surrounding area, you can visit Downtown Market and Van Andel Arena.

Roosevelt Park
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
3 out of 5
3251 Deposit Dr, Grand Rapids, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £109 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£109
per night
26 May - 27 May
Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Great Again.
"Did not spend a lot of time at the hotel except to sleep but it was very comfortable and quiet. Room was nicely kept up and staff was very friendly."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
187 Monroe Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is £215 per night from 24 May to 25 May
£215
per night
24 May - 25 May
Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Cleaning staff knocking at 9am, I told them we were still in the room… 5 minutes later, she knocked again! We felt like we were being pushed out!"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
3 out of 5
40 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £152 per night from 26 May to 27 May
£152
per night
26 May - 27 May
Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (608 reviews)
"The hotel was in an area where you could walk to many museums, restaurants, or parks. The downside is that means it is loud at night. We were on the 4th floor and could hear people talking on the street and the traffic noise late into the night. There were many events going on at the center across ..."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
3 out of 5
2701 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and Downtown ...
6.6/10 (1,039 reviews)
"Nice people"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2024

Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
The Grand Castle Apartments
The Grand Castle Apartments
4 out of 5
2655 Grand Castle Blvd, Grandville, MI
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool.
8.6/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
Tow bedroom apartment
"We stayed at a two bedroom apartment with balcony. Assigned parking space in the garage was conveniently located close to the entrance of the building and elevator. Apartment very nice and clean, kitchen well equipped, two spacious bathrooms. Bedrooms are a good size with an extra small room for ..."

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

The Grand Castle Apartments
3BR Luxury Suite with Parking at The Grand Castle
3BR Luxury Suite with Parking at The Grand Castle
Grandville, MI
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Grandville. Enjoy a fitness centre, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions John Ball Zoo ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
A Fun Place for a College Visit
"I picked this spot because I wanted to take my son to visit Grand Valley State, and I also wanted something "fun" for my younger daughter. The Grand Castle was a hoot! And the unit was spotless, huge, and perfect for the three of us!"

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2024

3BR Luxury Suite with Parking at The Grand Castle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Grand Rapids

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
" "5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 66.66666666666667%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 33.333333333333336%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Jan 2020

There's plenty to do and discover in Grand Rapids if you take the time.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
30 Apr 2019

We went to visit our son and see him graduate. Have no reason to be back