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Online Visitor's Guide

2013 Visitor Guide Cover

Chock-full of information to help you plan your trip... more


Pay It Forward

Grand Rapids is a cool city with a warm heart - and not just because we're America's second most generous city in terms of charity giving. There's a true attitude of hospitality here, from everyone you meet.

You'll feel it when you visit. In fact, you might be the beneficiary of a "Pay It Forward" moment. When someone does a good deed for us, we turn around and give a boost to someone else. That someone might be you. All we ask is that you Pay It Forward in return-here or back in your hometown.

The Pay It Forward mentality is such an essential part of the Grand Rapids experience that we've devoted an entire website to it. We invite you to visit our Pay it Forward site often to:

• Get great PIF ideas to apply in your own life

• Share your PIF experiences, giving and getting

• Read the PIF Blog for community giving stories

Vote for a charity to receive Experience Grand Rapids support

Remember, kindness is contagious - pass it on!

Top 10 Reasons to Visit

Awesome Art

From the world’s largest art competition to one of the world’s most-visited art museums, Grand Rapids boasts an art scene to rival much bigger cities. Find art events that match your trip dates. More

Fantastic Food

Grand Rapids is renowned for farm-to-fork restaurants that transform the dawn’s harvest into the day’s specials. From breakfast haunts to burger joints, we’ve got every taste covered. Find a restaurant that tickles your palate. More

Magnificent Music

You’ll find music to suit every taste and temperament here, every day of the week. A chart-topping superstar at Van Andel Arena, an indie favorite at a downtown club, a Broadway warbler at a local theatre … see who’s appearing when you’re here. More

Great Beer

Grand Rapids earned the title Beer City USA in 2012 – and we were named one of the Top 10 Best Vacation Cities for Beer Lovers. A craft beer tour will show you why. Don’t miss the world’s 2nd best brewery and 3rd best beer bar! More

Grand Outdoors

Outdoor recreation is a four-season pursuit here, thanks to an abundance of natural resources. World-class golf courses, some of America’s best fishing, endless biking and hiking trails … Grand Rapids is a great place for an active vacation! More

Beach Bonanza

Sugar-sand beaches, towering sand dunes, crystal-clear waters, glorious sunsets … no wonder our Lake Michigan shoreline has been named among the world’s best. A sight to behold in any season, it’s just minutes from downtown GR. More

Signature Shopping

Massive shopping malls and unique neighborhood shopping districts offer anything and everything your heart desires – especially if your heart desires art, antiques, furniture or clothing. Start your shopping plan today! More

Culture Club

Visit our museums and historic sites for a look at those who shaped our culture, from the original Native American inhabitants to the Dutch immigrants that settled here in the 1800s to today’s rich blend of races and ethnic groups. More

Hospitality Plus

Grand Rapids offers big-city amenities without the big-city attitude. We cling tight to our small-town values – so expect friendly hellos, attentive service and pay-it-forward hospitality everywhere you go. More

Connecting Point

Location, affordability and all-ages appeal make Grand Rapids a great place to connect with your favorite people. Get together for a friend meetup, family reunion, girls’ getaway, or men’s weekend. More