Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Grand Rapids
The City of Grand Rapids turns 175 years old on April 2, 2025, and it’s gearing up for a year-long celebration of all things GR.
You’re invited to commemorate and share in the city’s storied history, vibrant present and inspired future through a series of events and activities designed to involve the entire community, including:
- A June 7th birthday party in Rosa Parks Circle, presented by Consumers Energy. Details are still being finalized, but be sure to save the date for what will be the community event of the year.
- A mobile museum exhibit – 175 pictures for 175 years – is on the way. A partnership between the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the City of Grand Rapids, the exhibit will travel throughout the city and be a focal point at many events.
- Digital collaborations and contests are in the works for everyone to participate in. Follow the City of Grand Rapids on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know when these launch.
There will be more exciting updates to come as summer approaches – and they’ll all be included in the Events Calendar below. Bookmark this page and check back often!
Share the Fun
Use hashtag #175GR when posting pix and video of anniversary events – or any posting that shows your community pride.
Get Involved
Community members, businesses, organizations and community leaders are encouraged to participate in the anniversary celebration by hosting their own events, creating custom merchandise, and celebrating in their own way. Learn how you can get involved and use the 175th anniversary logo!
The official 175th Anniversary logo was designed by local Grand Rapids artist Derek Mohr at the Grand Rapids Branding Co.
A Team Effort
The City of Grand Rapids has partnered with a variety of community organizations to make 175GR the best and most inclusive it can be. The planning committee includes representatives from ArtPrize, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI), Experience Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Public Museum and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as well as City staff. Thanks to everyone involved!
Did You Know?
A 175th anniversary is known as a dodransbicentennial. Say that three times fast!
A Grand History
The City of Grand Rapids was incorporated on April 2, 1850, and then officially established on May 2 of that year. It’s been a long and eventful journey from then to now – and you can explore some of the most significant aspects of the past on our History of Grand Rapids page and the City’s Facts and History page.
This dodransbicentennial year is also a great time to take the self-guided Community Legends Sculpture Tour and “meet” 13 local figures who made significant contributions to the city, the country and the world.