Family
A College Student's Guide to Hosting Friends and Family
- 7 min
Must Read
If you couldn’t tell from its lively energy and abundance of young faces, Grand Rapids is a…
Experiences
Take a Tour of Grand Rapids’ Ghostly History
- 4 min
Must Read
As Halloween draws near, Grand Rapids comes alive (or is that undead?) with terrifying haunted…
Experiences
Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
There are a lot of great ways to explore Grand Rapids history. You can browse the exhibits at the…
Food
Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is known for its hospitality, and we’re just as welcoming to four-legged…
Food
Breakfast in Grand Rapids
- 14 min
Must Read
Breakfast lovers in Grand Rapids are a passionate bunch, as we’re reminded every time we ask…
Events
From Chicago to Grand Rapids: Pride and Juneteenth Celebrations
- 6 min
Must Read
Chicago residents Shay Collins and Je-Shawna Wholley visited Grand Rapids for Pride and Juneteenth…
Experiences
Visit John Ball Zoo's Red Pandas & More
- 7 min
Must Read
For more than 125 years, John Ball Zoo has given Grand Rapids locals and visitors of all ages the…
Beer City
Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food
- 8 min
Must Read
You don’t have to order a beer to have a great time at Grand Rapids breweries. Our breweries…
Experiences
Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids’ Dance Floors
- 9 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is home to more than 90 music venues, and many of them open up a dance floor on select…
Drinks
Craft Cider Scene: Crisp Hard Ciders
- 7 min
Must Read
Already internationally acclaimed for its craft beers, Grand Rapids is now earning recognition for…
Art
Grand Rapids Sculptures: Downtown West
- 13 min
Must Read
“Grand Rapids showcases sculptures and artwork throughout the city,” writes USA Today…
Drinks
Locally Crafted Hard Seltzer in Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
Hard seltzer, or spiked seltzer, is an adult beverage containing carbonated water, alcohol and…
Recreation
Grand River Coho Salmon Fishing
- 5 min
Must Read
As summer winds down and thoughts turn to fall, area sport anglers often turn their attention to the…
Drinks
Fall Cider in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Michigan is one of America’s top three apple-producing states – up to 75% of the…
Experiences
Ideas for Your Girlfriends’ Getaway in Grand Rapids
- 11 min
Must Read
Looking for a place to relax and have fun with your gal pals without breaking the budget? Look no…
Drinks
Must-Try Spots Featuring Nonalcoholic Beverages
- 11 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is Beer City USA, home to 35+ craft breweries offering an astonishing array of beer…
Events
Labor Day
- 7 min
Must Read
It’s the last big hurrah of summer – and Grand Rapids knows how to make it memorable…
Shopping
The Inside Scoop on Secondhand Shops & Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids
- 13 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is bursting with local shopping destinations that will help you maintain your personal…
Experiences
Dog-Friendly Spots in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is a great place for people who prioritize the happiness and well-being of their canine…
Experiences
Fall Color Tours in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
West Michigan's abundant forests helped fuel Grand Rapids' rise as "furniture capital…
Experiences
Family Farm Markets
- 5 min
Must Read
You can purchase fresh-picked produce - or pick your own - at many of the farms and farm markets…
Sports
Fun Places to Go Bowling
- 8 min
Must Read
Heading to the bowling center (or alley, as it's often called) is a great activity to enjoy…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: Rockford
- 7 min
Must Read
Downtown Rockford is a quaint, walkable business district filled with unique shops, restaurants and…
Experiences
Explore These 6 Totally Pawesome Dog-Friendly Trails in Kent County
- 7 min
Must Read
One of the most distinctive reasons for living in and visiting Kent County is the diverse mix of…
Drinks
10 Reasons Grand Rapids is America's Craft Beverage Capital
- 5 min
Must Read
These days, most everyone who enjoys good beer knows that Grand Rapids produces some of the…
Accessibility
A Guide to Visiting Grand Rapids with Vision Loss
- 7 min
Must Read
Travelers who are blind or visually impaired can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free trip to Grand…
Experiences
Step Back in Time with Historical Grand Rapids Buildings
- 9 min
Must Read
Downtown Grand Rapids has exploded in the last decade with the grand openings of breweries…
Experiences
Discover the Best Scenic Drives Near Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
Want to get a glimpse of the beauty the Grand Rapids region has to offer? Look no further than…
Experiences
Explore Greater Grand Rapids: Bike the White Pine Trail
- 7 min
Must Read
Biking the White Pine Trail provides a simultaneous exercise in solitude and solidarity. The trail…
Drinks
Local's Guide to Sports Bars in the Grand Rapids Area
- 9 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is home to a number of pro sports teams, including the West Michigan Whitecaps…
Experiences
Local’s Guide to U-Pick Apple Farms & Orchards
- 9 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is the Apple Capital of Michigan, the nation’s #2 apple producing state…
Experiences
Studio Park in Downtown Grand Rapids Has Something for Everyone to Enjoy
- 6 min
Must Read
It can be hard to please everyone when planning an outing. Some people want to go out to eat, while…
Food
Gluten-Free Dining in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Gluten, a natural protein found in many grains, is a key ingredient in bread, pasta, pizza, salad…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: West Side
- 5 min
Must Read
The near west side of Grand Rapids, just across the Grand River from downtown, has undergone a…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: Downtown - Center City
- 13 min
Must Read
Art doesn’t just live in the museums of Grand Rapids, it’s also part of the structure…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: Southtown
- 11 min
Must Read
Southtown is a large and diverse neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Many of the residents of Southtown…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: Uptown
- 8 min
Must Read
USA Today named Grand Rapids one of America’s 10 Best Cities Where You Can See Amazing Art…
Recreation
Plenty of Places to Launch in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Summer days and boating go hand-in-hand. When temperatures climb and days get longer the urge to hit…
Events
Fourth of July
- 1 min
Must Read
Fireworks, parades and live entertainment are just a few of the ways locals celebrate the birth of…
Food
Locals’ Guide to Grand Rapids Ice Cream Shops
- 9 min
Must Read
Has there ever been a more perfect pair than summer and ice cream? Ice cream in all its many forms…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals
- 1 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids art doesn't just live in the museums, it's also part of the structure of the…
Food
Locals’ Guide to Hot Dogs in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized as a Top 20 U.S. Foodie City – but you…
Experiences
Education Experiences
- 6 min
Must Read
If your family is homeschooling or loves taking educational vacations, you may want to take…
Beer City
Grand Rapids Craft Breweries
- 2 min
Must Read
If you love beer, you owe yourself a trip to Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids has been known as Beer City…
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…
Art
Five Facts About Maya Lin, the Artist of Ecliptic
- 4 min
Must Read
What do Grand Rapids and Washington D.C. have in common? They are both home to award-winning outdoor…
Experiences
Maritime History
- 3 min
Must Read
Its proximity to Lake Michigan means that a trip to Grand Rapids provides you not only with a city…
Events
Mark Your Calendars for these Grand Rapids Cultural Festivals & Celebrations
- 13 min
Must Read
You don’t have to travel the world to experience global cultures. West Michigan hosts 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
Sample Exclusive Wines & More With GR-Area Wine Tours
- 5 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids’ status as the Craft Beverage Capital of the U.S. may be grounded in our…
Experiences
Adventure Vacations
- 9 min
Must Read
Adrenaline junkies will find no end of exciting adventures in Grand Rapids. Get out on one of the…
Drinks
Where to Find Juice Bars in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Looking for a convenient way to add more healthy fruits and vegetables to your diet? Head to a Grand…
Groups
Get to Know Downtown Grand Rapids on a Scavenger Hunt
- 5 min
Must Read
One of the best ways to get to know a city is by visiting its most iconic landmarks. Exploring sites…
Experiences
Exploring West Leonard Street in Grand Rapids
- 10 min
Must Read
West Leonard is one of three main commercial districts on Grand Rapids’ historic West Side…
Drinks
Wine Bars in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has a national reputation for beer, but that’s not the only beverage in town to…
Accessibility
Accessible Transportation: The Rapid
- 11 min
Must Read
There’s so much to see and experience in Grand Rapids that determining how to travel from…
Experiences
Explore West Fulton Street
- 10 min
Must Read
Anchored on one end by the burgeoning downtown campus of Grand Valley State University and on the…
Events
Grand Rapids Pride Festival
- 6 min
Must Read
June 20-21, 2026 Saturday: Noon - 10 PM Sunday: Noon - 8 PM Calder Plaza Since 1988, the Grand…
Drinks
Coffee in Grand Rapids
- 15 min
Must Read
Beer isn’t the only brew Grand Rapids does exceptionally well – local coffee roasters…
Shopping
Crafting Candles at Wax Poetic Candle Bar
- 4 min
Must Read
Tap into your sense of smell and flex your creativity by making a hand-poured, scented candle at Wax…
Experiences
Favorite Places for Groups
- 5 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids, Michigan is easy to get to, easy to get around in, easy to afford – and…
Recreation
Visiting Blandford Nature Center
- 4 min
Must Read
Looking for a fun family adventure in Grand Rapids? Head to Blandford Nature Center! Tucked away off…
Events
Juneteenth in Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
Juneteenth – short for June Nineteenth – commemorates the emancipation of enslaved…
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)…
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…
Accessibility
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Offers Sensory-Friendly Play Environment
- 3 min
Must Read
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
Must Read
Some say frozen yogurt – commonly referred to as “froyo” – is making a…
Experiences
Bridges
- 3 min
Must Read
The rivers that criss-cross Grand Rapids and West Michigan were integral to the region's…
Experiences
Grand Rapids is Michigan's Emerging Apple Capital
- 4 min
Must Read
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
Must Read
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
Must Read
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
Must Read
What’s bright red, weighs 42 tons and has been a popular Grand Rapids photo spot for five…
Family
A Parent's Guide to GR-Area Playgrounds
- 16 min
Must Read
More than 50 of the 160+ public parks in and around Grand Rapids have playgrounds. You can find them…
Experiences
Adventure Abounds in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Attention thrill seekers: you’ll find plenty of activities to get your adrenaline pumping in…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
Must Read
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…
Experiences
Reeds Lake Bike Route
- 5 min
Must Read
Looking for a (relatively) short, scenic and self-contained bike route in Grand Rapids? Consider the…
Events
Guide to the Holland Tulip Time Festival
- 3 min
Must Read
May 1 – 10, 2026 The Tulip Time Festival is an annual spring festival held in Holland…
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
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…
Experiences
Heritage Tours
- 19 min
Must Read
Indigenous peoples lived in what is now Grand Rapids for thousands of years before the first…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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
Road Biking in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Bicycling can be a great way to experience a travel destination – it’s healthy…
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…
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…
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
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
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…
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
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…
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
FAQ About GR African American Museum
- 1 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives promotes, preserves, displays, collects and…
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
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…
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…