Places Rated Almanac ranked Grand Rapids as the #3 city in the nation for fun and recreation. Probably because we combine the cultural diversions of a cosmopolitan city with the spectacular recreation of an outdoor paradise.
Click on the links below to check out some of the most popular attractions in Grand Rapids. Or use the search engine to find attractions that suit your specific interests.
A roaster and distributor of specialty coffees and gourmet nuts since 1924. Tours available upon request. This 62,000 square-foot facility includes production, retail shop and training center. Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. MORE >>
Built along the Grand River in 1974 by artist Joseph Kinnebrew, the Fish Ladder was created to aid spawning fish in their struggle to swim upstream. MORE >>
This 132-acre attraction features the most comprehensive outdoor sculpture collection in the Midwest, indoor and outdoor gardens, largest tropical conservatory in the state, nature trails, guided tram and 5 acre Children’s Garden. Admission charged. MORE >>
Shop and explore country at its best! The Ridge is just 10 minutes northwest of Grand Rapids, visit over 40 locations; farm markets, greenhouses and historical sites. Map on website. MORE >>
Experience America's most entertaining presidential museum. Attend a White House State Dinner, step inside the Oval Office and see the original Watergate burglar tools. Also, Smithsonian-caliber changing exhibitions. MORE >>
The Grand Lady Riverboat, built 20 years ago, has moved to a new location in Jenison along the river at a historic landing where steamboats in the mid 1800s would dock for transporting passengers up and down the Grand River. The Grand Lady is 102 feet long, holds up to 144 passengers, weighs 70 tons, and is unique with its bright red paddlewheels. Regular two-hour weekly cruises, Thurs evenings with music, and Sunday afternoons from May 1 through October 31. MORE >>
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This museum offers world-class exhibits on history, nature, cultural heritage and more. Ride a 1928 carousel, catch a show in the planetarium or eat in the cafe overlooking the Grand River. General Admission charged. MORE >>
A national historic district with over 60 different architectural styles and 1300 houses dating from 1844-1920's. Self-guided walking tour brochure is available at the HHA office or website. Annual home tour is the first weekend of October. MORE >>
Offering the finest in vertical entertainment, Higher Ground offers a 23-foot high artificial rock-climbing wall and a special bouldering room for your "above it all" experience. MORE >>
The Holiday Inn Express South in Grand Rapids features a 10,000 sq ft, indoor water park with a three story water slide, 0 depth entry toddler play area with tipping buckets, and vortex pool. Contact hotel for admission pricing. All room rates include our delicious hot breakfast buffet and come with a specified number of water park passes based on room type occupancy. Hours of operation changes seasonally. Call for pricing and hours of availability. MORE >>
Over 2,000 animals and more animal touching exhibits than any other zoo in Michigan; stingrays & sharks, 2 petting corrals, wallabies, camels and budgies. Chimpanzees - lions - grizzly bear - otters - snow leopards - Komodo dragon - and many large and small primates. Indoor and outdoor viewing. Full concessions and gift shop. Featuring 300-foot ZIPline, 4-story Ropes Adventure Course, Swan Boats. New 2012: Funicular (tram). MORE >>
La Grande Vitesse means the great swiftness, or the grand rapids. Internationally known sculptor, Alexander Calder, designed this piece specifically for this site. It was installed in 1969. MORE >>