Favorite Places for Groups

Grand Rapids, Michigan is easy to get to, easy to get around in, easy to afford – and oh-so-easy-to love for group travel. We’ve hosted thousands of groups over the years and we’ve assembled below a list of the attractions and activities that most often get included in group itineraries.

Whatever your group’s interests, needs and budget, you’ll find endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Grand Rapids, which CNN called one of America’s 10 Best Towns to Visit. Dream Grand and Go!

Broadway Grand Rapids 

Broadway Grand Rapids  is the region’s major presenter of professional, national and New York Broadway touring productions, all performing in downtown GR’s DeVos Performance Hall. Groups of at least 10 patrons can enjoy priority group seating, discounts up to 20% off on tickets to select performances, backstage tours, and even a stage mention. 

Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm 

Located on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, Ed Dunneback & Girls  creates a personalized experience for groups. Part of the city’s thriving agritourism scene, the family farm has live music and events every week, a full food menu to choose from, and a tap room that serves craft beer, hard ciders, seltzers, and wine made with ingredients grown right there. 

Founders Brewing Co.

Founders Brewing Co. is the largest and most acclaimed brewery in Beer City USA (aka Grand Rapids). Groups of 10-20 can take a private guided tour of the facility, which includes production space, a taproom and gift store.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 

The Gardens is one of the world’s finest horticultural display gardens and sculpture parks, with 200+ captivating sculptures nestled amidst indoor and outdoor theme gardens. Enjoy self-guided and docent-led tours (for groups of 10 or more) all year-round, and narrated tram tours from May through October.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum 

“America’s most entertaining presidential museum” explores the life and times of our 38th President, Grand Rapids’ own Gerald Ford, and his wife Betty. (Both are buried on the Museum grounds.) Self-guided, docent-guided, and coach tours are available for groups. 

Grand Lady Riverboat 

Cruise the scenic Grand River aboard a reproduction sternwheel riverboat. The two-tier vessel accommodates up to 130 passengers and offers private charters for larger groups. 

Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives 

GRAAMA  showcases artifacts and artwork collections exploring the unique historical and cultural contributions local African Americans and other people of color have made to our community, our continent, and our world.

Grand Rapids Art Museum 

Head to the GRAM , the nation's first LEED-certified museum, for impressive collections of art. Both self-guided and docent-led tours are available. Groups of eight or more can add optional activities to their visit, such as art-making workshops.

Grand Rapids Downtown Market

This local-foods emporium houses 20 artisan gourmet shops and restaurants under one greenhouse-covered roof. It’s a public space for dining and entertaining located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Don’t miss the outdoor Christkindl Markt every November-December.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Spark your curiosity with a visit to the GRPM, featuring three floors of science, history and Grand Rapids culture. You can even travel to outer space via planetarium shows. Guided tours are available or groups of 10 or more.

Heritage Hill 

Head back in time to this historic neighborhood  of Grand Rapids, featuring Michigan’s largest concentration of 19^th and early 20^th century homes, including lavish mansions built by the city’s lumber barons. Take a self-guided walking tour or a guided tour with Tours Around Michigan.

John Ball Zoo 

With 2,000+ animals and the most animal-touching exhibits of any Michigan zoo, iconic John Ball Zoo  has been a popular attraction since its arrival to Grand Rapids in 1891. Choose from a variety of unique guided tours exploring different zoo animals and realms.

The Local Epicurean 

Have a fun team building experience with The Local Epicurean 's cooking classes for groups of six to 48. Offered day and night, seven days a week, all cooking classes are paired with an activity. It’s in the charming, walkable Uptown neighborhood.

Meyer May House 

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908, this Prairie-style house  was restored and opened to the public in 1987. Tours of the house are free to the public and can accommodate groups of eight. For groups larger than eight, contact the Meyer May House for advance planning.

Motherland Cooking Xperience 

Roll up your sleeves and learn something new! Motherland Cooking Xperience  combines cooking, storytelling, and music to create a unique team-building experience centered around African American culture.

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Gift Barn 

Grand Rapids’ Fruit Ridge is one of the world’s prime fruit-growing regions, and Robinette's has been working the land there since 1911. Activities at this fifth-generation family farm include a nature trail, corn maze, hayrides, wine tasting, apple picking, and more. Robinette’s is open year-round and offers group tours for 10 or more people.

Wax Poetic Candle Bar

Make your own custom candle at Uptown’s Wax Poetic, where you can blend your own signature scent from a choice of 60+ fragrances. The cozy environment creates an enjoyable time for any group – and everybody leaves with a personalized candle!

Want even more options? Explore our suggested itineraries for ideas for your next visit to Grand Rapids.