Southwest Travel Guide
Grand Rapids
Popular places to visit
John Ball Zoo
Visit the native and exotic animals who live at John Ball Zoo during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Let your kids run wild at the sand pits and tree house while you inspect the sculptures and floral displays in this park’s various gardens.
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Take a holographic tour of Ford’s White House and see a piece of the Berlin Wall in this tribute to the 38th president in the town where he was raised.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The sleek design of the modernist building reflects the gorgeous contemporary artworks within. Learn how to make art fun in the workshops and camps.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Lining the streets of this old residential area are more than 1,000 houses of 60 different designs. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece among these historic homes.
Things to do
Fun Gnocchi Making Class With local Chef in Grand Rapids
Top hotels in Southwest
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Unfortunately nothing was open due to renovation was unable to enjoy any amenities
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
The staff were all friendly and it was a nice atmosphere. Just a decent amount of traffic noise due to the freeway and possibly from the main road. Also conveniently located close to downtown.
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
The property was convenient for our purposes and the room was very good. Downsides are the $18/day parking fee and the odoriferous parking lot stairwells.
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
Easy Check-in, staff was friendly, and the breakfast was outstanding!
Reviewed on 11 May 2026
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Airport North by IHG
Front desk people was great. Room was clean, breakfast was ok, not the bestest but it was breakfast. A/C controller on wall was messed up and unit was loud. All in all I would probably stay here again. Thank you!
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
It was so difficult to find a drinking fountain to refill my water bottle. Multiple workers sent me on a bit of a wild goose hunt trying to find one.
Reviewed on 12 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest
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.
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.
Black Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Black Hills and surrounding area, you can visit John Ball Zoo and Downtown Market.
Heritage Hill
While visiting Heritage Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Hill Historic District and Voigt House Victorian Museum.
Garfield Park
Garfield Park might not have many top sights, but Downtown Market and Grand Rapids Children's Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.
