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…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: North Quarter
- 11 min
Must Read
Following the Grand River north out of downtown, the historic North Quarter of Grand Rapids is hot…
Art
Grand Rapids Murals: Southtown
- 10 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…
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…
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
- 2 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids art doesn't just live in the museums, it's also part of the structure of the…
Recreation
Skiing
- 2 min
Must Read
Every season brings great outdoor recreation opportunities that are easily accessible from downtown…
Drinks
Where to Find Juice Bars in Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
Looking to add some fruits and veggies to your diet? Grand Rapids is home to a few local juice bars…
Beer City
Annual Beer City Brewers Festival Celebrates the Grand Rapids Beer Scene
- 5 min
Must Read
Oct. 4, 2025 at Calder Plaza One of the most surprising features of Grand Rapids…
Events
Fourth of July
- 5 min
Must Read
Fireworks, parades and live entertainment are just a few of the ways locals celebrate the birth of…
Experiences
Where to Watch the Sunset in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
Savoring the shifting hues that dance across the sky as day makes way to night is a near-universal…
Recreation
Visiting Blandford Nature Center
- 3 min
Must Read
Looking for a fun family adventure in Grand Rapids? Head to Blandford Nature Center! Tucked away off…
Experiences
Bridges
- 3 min
Must Read
The rivers that criss-cross Grand Rapids and West Michigan were integral to the region's…
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…
Experiences
Grand Rapids Cooking Classes
- 3 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is a great food city. Dozens of family farms and orchards grow the food that chefs…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Events
Juneteenth
- 3 min
Must Read
Juneteenth – short for June Nineteenth – commemorates the emancipation of enslaved…
Shopping
A Local's Guide to GR Comic Book Shops
- 10 min
Must Read
There are many different “scenes” in Grand Rapids — performing arts, craft…
Experiences
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is no ordinary town – in fact, it was singled out as one of…
Accessibility
Grand Rapids Earns Accessibility Seal of Approval
- 3 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has achieved “Destination Verified” status as an accessible city through…
Art
Community Legends Sculptures Tour
- 13 min
Must Read
Two of Grand Rapids’ favorite things – art and history – come together in a…
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…
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…
Experiences
Perfect Picnic Places in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Summer in Grand Rapids is a great time of the year to grab some good food and head outdoors to enjoy…
Food
A Local's Guide to Eating Out after 10PM in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
With so many nightlife options around Grand Rapids – everything from concerts and theater…
Experiences
Heritage Tours
- 16 min
Must Read
Indigenous peoples lived in what is now Grand Rapids for thousands of years before the first…
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…
Shopping
Greenhouses and Markets in the Grand Rapids Area
- 6 min
Must Read
Putting in a spring garden? Want to dress up a summer or fall occasion with live flowers and…
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…
Drinks
Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids Mimosas
- 4 min
Must Read
A fizzy, fruity mimosa is the true test of a good brunch, if you ask us. (No offense to Bloody Mary…
Food
Sunday and Monday Dining in Downtown Grand Rapids
- 68 min
Must Read
Finding places to dine out on Sundays and Mondays can be a challenge these days – but not in…
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…
Experiences
Reeds Lake Bike Route
- 4 min
Must Read
Looking for a (relatively) short, scenic and self-contained bike route in Grand Rapids? Consider the…
Drinks
Rooftop Bars in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
What’s better than enjoying an adult beverage with friends in Grand Rapids? Enjoying an adult…
Food
Local's Guide to Grand Rapids Donut Scene
- 11 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has a vibrant donut scene, with established local bakeries providing a fresh take on…
Drinks
Wine Bars
- 6 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids has a national reputation for beer, but that’s not the only beverage in town to…
Food
The Great Burger Round-Up: Grand Rapids’ Must-Try Burger Spots
- 13 min
Must Read
It should come as no surprise that Beer City USA – aka Grand Rapids, Michigan – also…
Accessibility
What to See, Do & Know in Grand Rapids for Hard-of-Hearing Visitors
- 8 min
Must Read
A Guide to Visiting Grand Rapids with Hearing Loss If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you know that…
Experiences
Countryside Tours
- 10 min
Must Read
One of the coolest things about Grand Rapids is that all our big-city amenities – art…
Events
Free Music Events
- 1 min
Must Read
In the mood for a concert? You don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy great live music in Grand…
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
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…
Experiences
Adventure Vacations
- 3 min
Must Read
Adrenaline junkies will find no end of exciting adventures in Grand Rapids. Get out on one of the…
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…
Community
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out
- 17 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses. The city is now a…
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…
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…
Events
Guide to the Holland Tulip Time Festival
- 2 min
Must Read
May 2 – 11, 2025 The Tulip Time Festival is an annual spring festival held in Holland…
Food
Locals’ Guide to Frozen Yogurt Shops in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Frozen yogurt - commonly referred to as “froyo” - is a foodie trend with staying…
Sports
Grand Rapids’ Golf Scene Has Something for Everyone
- 10 min
Must Read
With more than 650 public golf courses throughout the state, Michigan boasts some of the most…
Events
Things to do for Mother's Day in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
Treat Mom (or any nurturing member of your family) to a Grand Rapids getaway this Mother’s…
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
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…
Food
Eat Your Way Through the Alphabet in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
With more than 1,000 restaurants in the metro area, Grand Rapids, Michigan offers almost every…
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…
Experiences
Historic Homes Worth a Visit
- 4 min
Must Read
The lumber and furniture industries fueled great fortunes in Grand Rapids during the 19th and early…
Beer City
Grand Rapids Breweries with Interesting History and Historic Features
- 6 min
Must Read
One of the beautiful aspects about the rise of craft beer in the United States is the tendency for…
Food
Enjoying the Downtown Refreshment Area with Your Dog
- 3 min
Must Read
Enjoying the Downtown Refreshment Area with Your Dog Hey, dog people – if you like to bring…
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
Downtown Walking Tour
- 7 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids was named one of the 14 most walkable cities in the U.S. a few years back, largely…
Experiences
Family-Friendly Things to Do with Kids in Grand Rapids
- 7 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids is where kids and families come to Play Their Way, in every season and all year…
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
Things to Do a Half Mile or Less from Van Andel Arena
- 34 min
Must Read
A case can be made that Van Andel Arena is the metaphorical heart of Grand Rapids. Its opening in…
Experiences
Road Biking in Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Bicycling can be a great way to experience a travel destination – it’s healthy…
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…
Food
Grand Rapids Area Outdoor Dining Spaces
- 29 min
Must Read
Outdoor Dining in Any Season Grand Rapidians love the outdoors – so much so that local…
Events
Grand Rapids Pride Festival
- 4 min
Must Read
June 21-22, 2025 Saturday: 12 - 10 PM Sunday: 12 - 8 PM Calder Plaza Since 1988, the Grand Rapids…
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…
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 Children's Museum
- 1 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an…
Experiences
FAQ About GR African American Museum
- 1 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives promotes, preserves, displays, collects and…
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…
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
FAQ About Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
- 1 min
Must Read
America’s most entertaining presidential museum is both a loving tribute to the U.S…
Experiences
FAQ About John Ball Zoo
- 2 min
Must Read
John Ball Zoo has been delighting Grand Rapids residents and visitors since 1891, when a small…
Experiences
A Vegan & Sustainable Weekend Itinerary for Grand Rapids
- 11 min
Must Read
Vegan and vegetarian lifestyles often go hand in hand with a desire to live, work and even travel in…
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
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…
Experiences
FAQ About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- 2 min
Must Read
Michigan's second most popular tourist attraction ... the country's best sculpture park…
Family
A College Student's Guide to Hosting Friends and Family
- 6 min
Must Read
If you couldn’t tell from its lively energy and abundance of young faces, Grand Rapids is a…
Sports
Road, Trail and Bike Races in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
You might not know it, but races are a big deal in Grand Rapids. There are several very large…
Community
Exploring Cherry Street in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
While downtown Grand Rapids boasts the city’s largest concentration of shopping and dining…
Events
Celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Grand Rapids
- 2 min
Must Read
Grand Rapids turns 175 years old in 2025 – and the City is inviting you to join in the…
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…
Shopping
Where to Find Vinyl Records in GR
- 6 min
Must Read
Vinyl is back! The Recording Industry Association of America reports that vinyl record sales beat…
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…
Experiences
Hit the Mountain Biking Trails
- 6 min
Must Read
The West Michigan Mountain Bike Association (WMMBA) is a group of individuals who help to maintain…
Experiences
Budget-Friendly Date Night Ideas in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Financial website MoneyGeek.com calculated the average date in America today…
Events
Women's History Month in Grand Rapids
- 8 min
Must Read
The story of Grand Rapids cannot be told without acknowledging the tremendous contributions of women…
Sports
Grand Rapids Rise Volleyball
- 4 min
Must Read
The Grand Rapids Rise volleyball team made history when it debuted in January 2024 as the…
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
Check Out These Black-Owned Restaurants in Grand Rapids
- 9 min
Must Read
Celebrating Grand Rapids means lifting up the people, traditions, cultures and, of course, foods…
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…
Accessibility
Sensory-Friendly Experiences in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
Several Grand Rapids attractions, including John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM)…
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…
Food
Grand Rapids Restaurants with a French Flair
- 9 min
Must Read
If you’re not going to Paris anytime soon, but you’re craving a French experience…
Beer City
Breweries that Built Beer City: Schmohz Brewing Company
- 4 min
Must Read
Voted Best Beer Town, Best Beer Scene, Best Beer City and Beer City, USA, the Grand Rapids area is…
Drinks
Irish Pubs in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
In Ireland, pubs are known for their casual and friendly atmosphere, free-flowing conversation…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Events
10 Seriously Funny Facts About LaughFest
- 7 min
Must Read
Gilda’s LaughFest debuted in 2011 in Grand Rapids as the first-ever community-wide comedy…
Experiences
Experience Non-stop Laughs With Grand Rapids' Comedy Scene
- 9 min
Must Read
Sometimes the weight of life calls for a healthy dose of the best medicine out there: laughter. If…
Beer City
Speciation Cellars: Where the Wild Things Are
- 5 min
Must Read
Proprietor and mastermind Mitch Ermatinger, along with wife and partner, Whitney, opened Speciation…
Experiences
Self-Guided Audio Tours
- 1 min
Must Read
GR Tag Tour - A smart phone tour of downtown Grand Rapids Scan the tag, take the tour Listen to…
Drinks
Grand Rapids Cocktail Bars
- 9 min
Must Read
Thanks to the availability of high-quality craft spirits from local and global sources, the cocktail…
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
Things to do with Teens in Grand Rapids
- 6 min
Must Read
Traveling to Grand Rapids with a teenager? The city and region offer plenty of possibilities to…
Experiences
Nature Nearby: Parks, Trails, Woods, and Wildlife Within 10 Minutes Of Downtown Grand Rapids
- 4 min
Must Read
Though Grand Rapids' downtown is often bustling, nature is never far away: green havens can be…
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
A Local’s Guide to Accessible Hotels in Grand Rapids
- 12 min
Must Read
Every year, thousands of visitors and locals enjoy the sights and sounds of Grand Rapids…
Experiences
Best Bookstores in Grand Rapids
- 5 min
Must Read
One of the pleasures of travel for book lovers is discovering independent bookstores. Just as…
Food
Local’s Favorite Pizza Places in GR
- 9 min
Must Read
National Pizza Day is February 9 – and to celebrate, we asked our social media followers to…
Experiences
Take a Soft Trip to Grand Rapids
- 3 min
Must Read
Get more out of your getaway by doing less. That’s the idea behind “soft…
Events
Black History Month
- 5 min
Must Read
Essence Magazine once named Grand Rapids 1 of 6 Unexpected Destinations to Travel To That Are Full…
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…
Events
Valentine's Day
- 11 min
Must Read
This Valentine’s Day, all you need is love – Grand Rapids restaurants, attractions and…
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…
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…