Grand Rapids Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Grand Rapids showing a city
Grand Rapids which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a city
Grand Rapids featuring a city
Gerald R. Ford Museum which includes street scenes and a fountain as well as a small group of people
Grand Rapids showing 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 Heritage Hill Historic District.

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

Visitors to East Grand Rapids like its restaurants and lake views, and Canepa Tennis Center is a sight worth a stop.

East Grand Rapids
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John Ball Park

While visiting John Ball Park, you might make a stop by sights like John Ball Zoo and Public Museum of Grand Rapids.

John Ball Park
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Medical Mile

You'll enjoy the churches and shopping in Medical Mile. You might want to make time for a stop at Heritage Hill Historic District or La Grande Vitesse.

Medical Mile
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

3 out of 5
3333 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is ฿2,565 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
฿2,565
฿3,028 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,174 reviews)
"Clean and very nice"

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
310 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Fully refundable
The price is ฿4,365 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
฿4,365
฿5,151 total
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"Great staff at the bar and front desk."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

3 out of 5
270 Ann Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is ฿3,157 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿3,157
฿3,725 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
6.2/10 (1,059 reviews)
"Staff were friendly. The building is looking a little date but the room was clean."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
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 3-star aparthotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Popular attractions Frederik Meijer Gardens and ...
5.6/10 (87 reviews)
"Super contenta con todo excellent even servicio los staff super amables atentos todo limpio en orden ♥️♥️♥️♥️"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
The Grand Castle Apartments

The Grand Castle Apartments

4 out of 5
2655 Grand Castle Blvd, Grandville, MI
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly apartment in Grandville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Van Andel Arena and DeVos ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (83 reviews)
"What a great place for a quick weekend! We have kids in the area so it was nice to have the extra room to be able to have them visit and come for a meal! Great location, close to many venues and restaurants. We will be back!"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

The Grand Castle Apartments
HIstoric 4 BR Near Fulton St

HIstoric 4 BR Near Fulton St

3 out of 5
15 Straight Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions DeVos Performance Hall ...
HIstoric 4 BR Near Fulton St
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 67%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Grand Rapids