Experiences
Why Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Visit
- 1 min
Must Read
Is Grand Rapids, Michigan worth visiting? CNN certainly thinks so – the news network named…
Experiences
Grand Rapids Cooking Classes
- 4 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is a great food city. Dozens of family farms and orchards grow the food that chefs…
Accessibility
Sensory-Friendly Experiences in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Several Grand Rapids attractions, including John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM)…
Experiences
Bridges
- 3 min
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The rivers that criss-cross Grand Rapids and West Michigan were integral to the region's…
Accessibility
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Offers Sensory-Friendly Play Environment
- 3 min
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For kids and families living with sensory challenges, outings can be hard. New places, unexpected…
Food
Locals’ Guide to Frozen Yogurt Shops in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
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Some say frozen yogurt – commonly referred to as “froyo” – is making a…
Accessibility
A Sensory-Friendly Guide to Visiting Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
Travel can be a challenge for kids and adults with heightened sensory sensitivities. New and…
Experiences
Grand Rapids is Michigan's Emerging Apple Capital
- 4 min
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Did you know that Michigan consistently ranks among the top three apple-producing states in the…
Experiences
Fun in the Water: Grand Rapids Pools, Splash Pads and Parks
- 7 min
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Ask locals about the best places to swim in Grand Rapids and they’re likely to talk about…
Food
Local’s Guide to Weekend Brunch in Grand Rapids
- 11 min
Must Read
Widely recognized for both its exceptional food and easy sociability, Grand Rapids is a great place…
Sports
Road, Trail and Bike Races in Grand Rapids
- 10 min
Must Read
You might not know it, but races are a big deal in Grand Rapids. There are several very large…
Experiences
Perfect Picnic Places in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
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Summer in Grand Rapids is a great time of the year to grab some good food and head outdoors to enjoy…
Experiences
La Grande Vitesse at Calder Plaza
- 3 min
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What’s bright red, weighs 42 tons and has been a popular Grand Rapids photo spot for five…
Experiences
Adventure Abounds in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
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Attention thrill seekers: you’ll find plenty of activities to get your adrenaline pumping in…
Family
A Parent's Guide to GR-Area Playgrounds
- 17 min
Must Read
More than 50 of the 160+ public parks in and around Grand Rapids have playgrounds. You can find them…
Recreation
Paddling Grand Rapids: So Much Water, So Many Choices
- 6 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has been named America’s Best River Town (Outside Magazine) and one of the…
Food
A Local's Guide to Eating Out after 10PM in Grand Rapids
- 10 min
Must Read
With so many nightlife options around Grand Rapids – everything from concerts and theater…
Sports
Grand Rapids’ Golf Scene Has Something for Everyone
- 10 min
Must Read
With more public golf courses than any other state – 748 at the start of 2026…
Shopping
A Local's Guide to GR Comic Book Shops
- 11 min
Must Read
There are many different “scenes” in Grand Rapids — performing arts, craft…
Experiences
Self-Guided Audio Tours
- 4 min
Must Read
You don’t have to spring for an organized tour to embark on a curated exploration of Grand…
Experiences
Reeds Lake Bike Route
- 6 min
Must Read
Looking for a (relatively) short, scenic and self-contained bike route in Grand Rapids? Consider the…
Food
Enjoying the Downtown Refreshment Area with Your Dog
- 4 min
Must Read
Hey, dog people – if you like to bring your furry friend(s) with you as you explore a…
Experiences
Budget-Friendly Date Night Ideas in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
The average cost of a date in the United States reached $189 in 2026, according to the BMO Real…
Experiences
Countryside Tours Near Grand Rapids: Scenic Towns, Farm Markets & Nature Spots
- 13 min
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One of the coolest things about Grand Rapids is that all our big-city amenities – art…
Events
Free Music Events
- 3 min
Must Read
In the mood for a concert? You don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy great live music in Grand…
Events
Guide to the Holland Tulip Time Festival
- 3 min
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May 1 – 10, 2026 The Tulip Time Festival is an annual spring festival held in Holland…
Drinks
Wine Bars
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has a national reputation for beer, but that’s not the only beverage in town to…
Drinks
Rooftop Bars in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
What’s better than enjoying an adult beverage with friends in Grand Rapids? Enjoying an adult…
Experiences
Heritage Tours
- 19 min
Must Read
Indigenous peoples lived in what is now Grand Rapids for thousands of years before the first…
Experiences
Veen Observatory: A Hidden Gem in The Grand Rapids Area
- 4 min
Must Read
City lights aren’t the only wonders in the night sky over Grand Rapids. Just minutes from the…
Beer City
Grand Rapids Breweries with Interesting History and Historic Features
- 5 min
Must Read
One of the beautiful aspects about the rise of craft beer in the United States is the tendency for…
Community
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out
- 15 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses. The city is now a…
Food
Local's Guide to Grand Rapids Donut Scene
- 10 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has a vibrant donut scene, with established local bakeries providing a fresh take on…
Shopping
Greenhouses and Markets in the Grand Rapids Area
- 7 min
Must Read
Putting in a spring garden? Want to dress up a summer or fall occasion with live flowers and…
Beer City
Breweries That Built Beer City: Founders Brewing Co.
- 5 min
Must Read
With more than 50 breweries along the Ale Trail in the greater Grand Rapids area, it’s no…
Food
Grand Rapids Restaurants with a French Flair
- 8 min
Must Read
If you’re not going to Paris anytime soon, but you’re craving a French experience…
Experiences
Guide to Canoeing in and Around Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is a wonderful place to be year round, but summer is when the city really shines. There…
Experiences
West Michigan Lighthouses
- 3 min
Must Read
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state. Over 100 of them sit along the Great Lakes and…
Drinks
Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids Mimosas
- 5 min
Must Read
A fizzy, fruity mimosa is the true test of a good brunch, if you ask us. (No offense to Bloody Mary…
Shopping
Taste West Michigan with these Farmers Markets
- 8 min
Must Read
Farmers market season in West Michigan – a time of year when residents and guests alike can…
Experiences
Beaches that Make a Great Day Trip from Grand Rapids
- 10 min
Must Read
If you love the sand, sun and shore, West Michigan is the place for you. With 300 miles of gorgeous…
Events
Things to do for Mother's Day in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Treat Mom to a Grand Rapids getaway this Mother’s Day! From brunches and spa treatments to…
Sports
Grand Rapids Area Disc Golf Courses to Hone Your Throws
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is ranked the 14 th best disc golf destination in the United States and the 1 st in…
Accessibility
What to See, Do & Know in Grand Rapids for Hard-of-Hearing Visitors
- 9 min
Must Read
A Guide to Visiting Grand Rapids with Hearing Loss If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you know that…
Accessibility
Promoting Grand Rapids as an Accessible Destination
- 4 min
Must Read
Experience Grand Rapids wants every visitor to our region to feel welcome and accommodated. That…
Recreation
Steelhead Fishing in the Grand Rapids Area
- 5 min
Must Read
They hit hard, leap high and run like a freight train when hooked. It’s no wonder steelhead…
Experiences
Six Day Trip Destinations from Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
Summer is a great time to explore all the amazing things to do right here in West Michigan. Visitors…
Experiences
John Ball Zoo Offers Year-Round Learning Opportunities for the Whole Family
- 8 min
Must Read
Looking for some opportunities for fun, learning, and up-close experiences with animals? A whole…
Art
Community Legends Sculptures Tour
- 13 min
Must Read
Two of Grand Rapids’ favorite things – art and history – come together in a…
Beer City
How Grand Rapids Became Beer City USA
- 5 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has been known as Beer City USA since 2012, when the city tied Asheville, North…
Experiences
Gun Lake Casino Resort
- 5 min
Must Read
Add some gaming action to your Grand Rapids stay at Gun Lake Casino Resort, which is owned and…
Food
The Great Burger Round-Up: Grand Rapids’ Must-Try Burger Spots
- 12 min
Must Read
It should come as no surprise that Beer City USA – aka Grand Rapids, Michigan – also…
Experiences
Road Biking in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Bicycling can be a great way to experience a travel destination – it’s healthy…
Experiences
5 Bike Routes Through Riverside Park and Monroe North Area
- 9 min
Must Read
One of the best ways to explore Grand Rapids and all it has to offer is by biking it. Lucky for us…
Experiences
A Vegan & Sustainable Weekend Itinerary for Grand Rapids
- 12 min
Must Read
Vegan and vegetarian lifestyles often go hand in hand with a desire to live, work and even travel in…
Experiences
Hit the Mountain Biking Trails
- 8 min
Must Read
Looking for a mountain biking destination that offers a variety of terrains, trails for every skill…
Experiences
FAQ About Blandford Nature Center
- 1 min
Must Read
Blandford Nature Center invites people of all ages to enjoy, explore and learn in nature. Located…
Community
Exploring Cherry Street in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
While downtown Grand Rapids boasts the city’s largest concentration of shopping and dining…
Experiences
Take a Spa & Wellness Trip to Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city known for its vibrant food and drink culture – think Flights…
Experiences
FAQ About GR African American Museum
- 1 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives promotes, preserves, displays, collects and…
Experiences
Downtown Walking Tour
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids was named one of the 14 most walkable cities in the U.S. a few years back, largely…
Shopping
Where to Find Vinyl Records in GR
- 7 min
Must Read
No one could have predicted it 20 years ago, but vinyl LP record albums now outsell CDs by a healthy…
Experiences
Local’s Guide to Party Venues in Grand Rapids
- 12 min
Must Read
Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, a graduation celebration, holiday outings, corporate…
Food
Grand Rapids Area Outdoor Dining Spaces
- 28 min
Must Read
Outdoor Dining in Any Season Grand Rapidians love the outdoors – so much so that local…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: Arturo Morales Romero
- 5 min
Must Read
USA Today has hailed Grand Rapids as one of the 10 best cities in America where you can see amazing…
Experiences
Bike Grand Rapids: West Side to Uptown and Back Again
- 8 min
Must Read
Want to get to know Grand Rapids? Spend a day biking through it. “It is by riding a bicycle…
Experiences
20 Fun and FREE Things to do in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Whoever said nothing in life is free hasn't been to Kent County, Michigan. The greater Grand…
Drinks
Grand Rapids Establishments Taking the Gin & Tonic to the Next Level
- 6 min
Must Read
Several bars and distilleries in Grand Rapids have elevated the standard gin and tonic (G&T) by…
Sports
Grand Rapids is a Midwest Hub for Pickleball
- 8 min
Must Read
Stop by Belknap Park in downtown Grand Rapids any summer or fall evening and you’re liable to…
Sports
West Michigan Whitecaps: Your Summer Tradition
- 8 min
Must Read
With dozens of themed nights, special giveaways, new food/drink choices and a variety of…
Experiences
FAQ About Grand Rapids Children's Museum
- 1 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing a…
Beer City
Women Crafting the Beverage Industry in Grand Rapids
- 15 min
Must Read
USA Today has recognized Grand Rapids as the Craft Beverage Capital of America. We want to recognize…
Drinks
Grand Rapids Cocktail Bars
- 13 min
Must Read
Thanks to the availability of high-quality craft spirits from local and global sources, the cocktail…
Experiences
Nature Nearby: Parks, Trails, Woods, and Wildlife Within 10 Minutes Of Downtown Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
Though Grand Rapids' downtown is often bustling, nature is never far away: green havens can be…
Experiences
A Guide to Solo Travel in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or you’re just thinking of taking your first…
Experiences
FAQ About Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
- 1 min
Must Read
"America’s most entertaining presidential museum" is both a loving tribute to the…
Experiences
Family-Friendly Things to Do with Kids in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is where kids and families come to Play Their Way, in every season and all year…
Beer City
Breweries that Built Beer City: Schmohz Brewing Company
- 4 min
Must Read
Voted Beer City USA and America’s Best Beer City in multiple nationwide polls, Grand Rapids…
Drinks
Irish Pubs in Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
In Ireland, pubs are known for their casual and friendly atmosphere, free-flowing conversation…
Events
Women's History Month in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
The story of Grand Rapids cannot be told without acknowledging the tremendous contributions of women…
Events
St. Patrick's Day
- 3 min
Must Read
The luck o’ the Irish is with you if you’re spending St. Patrick’s Day in Grand…
Experiences
FAQ About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- 7 min
Must Read
Michigan's second most popular tourist attraction ... the country's best sculpture park…
Experiences
FAQ About John Ball Zoo
- 3 min
Must Read
John Ball Zoo has been delighting Grand Rapids residents and visitors since 1891, when a small…
Experiences
FAQ About Grand Rapids Public Museum
- 2 min
Must Read
Founded in 1845, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is the oldest museum in Michigan. It is a place of…
Experiences
FAQ About Grand Rapids Art Museum
- 2 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a beacon of art in an art-loving city, connecting people through art…
Recreation
Beginner’s Guide to Fishing in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Anglers of all experience levels will find excellent fishing opportunities in and around the Grand…
Music
Music Festivals in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids loves a good music festival, and we host a diverse range of single-day and multi-day…
Drinks
Local's Guide to the Best Espresso Martinis in Grand Rapids
- 10 min
Must Read
Said to have originated in London in the late 1980s, the espresso martini is currently riding a…
Experiences
8 Fun Facts About the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Spillman Carousel
- 7 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) welcomes more than 250,000 visitors every year for a wide…
Experiences
Biking Kent Trails Along Millennium Park
- 6 min
Must Read
Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet, scenic nature ride or you’re looking for an…
Experiences
Indoor Activities in Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
Whether it's a snow day, a rainy day or a day you just want to play inside, Grand Rapids offers…
Food
Check Out These Black-Owned Restaurants in Grand Rapids
- 10 min
Must Read
Celebrating Grand Rapids means lifting up the people, traditions, cultures and, of course, foods…
Accessibility
Grand Rapids Makes Performing Arts Accessible
- 7 min
Must Read
With professional ballet, opera and symphony companies, a presenter of touring Broadway shows, the…
Shopping
Where to Buy the Best Wine in Grand Rapids
- 11 min
Must Read
While we’ll always be fans of the excellent craft brew options we have in Beer City, USA…
Sports
Grand Rapids Rise Volleyball
- 3 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids Rise volleyball team made history when it debuted in January 2024 as the…
Experiences
Visit Grand Rapids Like a Cowboy
- 6 min
Must Read
The Wild West is having a cultural moment. From TV’s Yellowstone universe, to…
Drinks
Get your Margarita On in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
National Margarita Day is February 22 – and we’re celebrating with this list of the…
Experiences
Things to Do a Half Mile or Less from Van Andel Arena
- 33 min
Must Read
A case can be made that Van Andel Arena is the metaphorical heart of Grand Rapids. Its opening in…
Drinks
Local's Guide to Sports Bars in the Grand Rapids Area
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is home to a number of pro sports teams, including the West Michigan Whitecaps…
Events
Black History Month
- 7 min
Must Read
Essence Magazine once named Grand Rapids 1 of 6 Unexpected Destinations to Travel To That Are Full…
Experiences
Experience Non-stop Laughs With Grand Rapids' Comedy Scene
- 8 min
Must Read
Sometimes the weight of life calls for a healthy dose of the best medicine out there: laughter. If…
Food
Local’s Favorite Pizza Places in GR
- 12 min
Must Read
National Pizza Day is February 9 – and to celebrate, we asked our social media followers to…
Experiences
Grand Rapids Gold Basketball
- 4 min
Must Read
Want to enjoy a game of elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun…
Food
Sunday and Monday Dining in Downtown Grand Rapids
- 63 min
Must Read
Finding places to dine out on Sundays and Mondays can be a challenge these days – but not in…
Events
10 Seriously Funny Facts About LaughFest
- 7 min
Must Read
Gilda’s LaughFest debuted in 2011 in Grand Rapids as America’s first-ever…
Experiences
Your Romantic Getaway Weekend Itinerary in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has been named 1 of 16 Incredibly Romantic Midwest Getaways by TripAdvisor and 1 of the…
Music
Visit Midtown for Live Music and Comedy
- 4 min
Must Read
There are more than 100 live-music venues in Grand Rapids, ranging from the 12,000-seat Van Andel…
Events
Mark Your Calendars for these Grand Rapids Cultural Festivals & Celebrations
- 12 min
Must Read
You don’t have to travel the world to experience global cultures. West Michigan hosts a…
Experiences
LGBTQIA+ Weekend Getaway in Grand Rapids
- 11 min
Must Read
No matter who you are or who you love, you’ll find a warm welcome in Grand Rapids. What was…
Events
Valentine's Day
- 12 min
Must Read
This Valentine’s Day, all you need is love – Grand Rapids restaurants, attractions and…
Beer City
Enjoy Historic-Style Beers at Archival Brewing
- 5 min
Must Read
A tour of the Beer City Ale Trail will take you across the world via the different global beer…
Experiences
Indoor Places Where Adults Can Play Like Kids
- 8 min
Must Read
Tired of kids having all the fun? We have solutions for you! There are a growing number of…
Experiences
Go Roller Skating in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Roller skating is cool again. Not since the disco era of the 1970s and ‘80s has the sport…
Accessibility
Accessible Transportation: The Rapid
- 10 min
Must Read
There’s so much to see and experience in Grand Rapids that determining how to travel from…
Shopping
Gift Shops at Local Attractions
- 7 min
Must Read
The gift shops in Grand Rapids’ local attractions offer one-of-a-kind items perfect for…
Accessibility
A Local’s Guide to Accessible Hotels in Grand Rapids
- 13 min
Must Read
Every year, visitors and locals alike enjoy the sights and sounds of Grand Rapids’ vibrant…
Experiences
Escape Rooms: Can Your Group Solve It in Time?
- 5 min
Must Read
An escape room is an immersive, real-life adventure game that players solve (or not) via…
Events
Resolutions to Keep During Your Next Trip to Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
Want a New Year’s resolution you can stick to? Resolve to have more fun in 2026. Make time…
Experiences
Best Bookstores in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
One of the pleasures of travel for book lovers is discovering independent bookstores. Just as…
Experiences
Running Events
- 1 min
Must Read
It's no coincidence that America's largest 25K road race – the Amway River Bank Run…
Experiences
Veronica The Explorer Explores Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Veronica Gordon – also known as @VeronicaGordonOfficial on Instagram – is an…
Experiences
Fun and Educational Winter Break Activities for All Ages
- 9 min
Must Read
Holiday school breaks are a great time to explore Grand Rapids with family and friends. In addition…
Experiences
Where to Find Great Karaoke in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Whether you’re a seasoned karaoke pro or a nervous novice, you’ll find plenty of…
Sports
Cannonsburg Ski Area: Ski Lessons, Snowboarding, Tubing, & More
- 6 min
Must Read
If you like to get out and get active in winter, we’ve got the perfect destination for you…
Experiences
Top Things to Do
- 8 min
Must Read
Looking for fun things to do on your Grand Rapids getaway (or staycation)? Ask 10 people for…
Categories
Things To Do
Grand Rapids, Michigan offers fun things to do for everyone, including attractions…
Restaurants
Explore the many dining options of Grand Rapids restaurants, including steakhouses…
Events
There are tons of fun events happening in Grand Rapids throughout the year. View the…
Hotels
Find the perfect hotel in Grand Rapids, MI for your next vacation. Book a hotel room…
Beer City
Grand Rapids has been voted Beer City, USA and for good reason! It's the perfect…
Outdoors & Sports
Find outdoor recreation and things to do in Grand Rapids, including hiking through…