Did you know that Michigan consistently ranks among the top three apple-producing states in the nation? Did you know that up to 75% of Michigan’s apples come from right here in our area?

Experience Grand Rapids has been telling this story for years, inviting visitors to experience our fall apples and fall ciders, year-round hard ciders and even our gorgeous spring apple blossoms, the official state flower. Apples are a part of an even larger story about agritourism, which encompasses everything from farm markets and harvest festivals to u-pick adventures and farm-to-table dining – all of which are available in abundance here.

Driven by increasing traveler demand for authentic, sustainable and nature-based experiences, agritourism is booming. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects an annual growth rate of more than 11% through 2030, while some estimates say the domestic agritourism market could reach approximately $16 billion a year or more.

We believe we can leverage this trend to entice more travelers to the area and drive more business to Kent County agritourism providers. That’s why we’ve become more intentional about elevating our position as the Apple Capital of Michigan.

Children pick and bag apples on a sunny day among the orchard trees at Robinettes Apple Haus in Grand Rapids
Children stroll through the orchard on a sunny day at Robinettes Apple Haus in Grand Rapids

Visitors experience our fall apples and fall ciders, year-round hard ciders and even our gorgeous spring apple blossoms, the official state flower.

Photo by Ideology for Experience GR

Why Apples are King

We lead with apples because they’re the area’s most significant agricultural asset. Most of our apples are grown on The Fruit Ridge, a unique land formation formed by long-ago receding glaciers. The glaciers left behind fertile clay loam soils with excellent moisture-holding qualities and rolling hills with elevations up to 800 feet, which provides excellent air drainage.

“The Ridge” also benefits from its proximity to Lake Michigan, which moderates temperatures, helping prevent harsh winters from freezing trees and late spring frosts from killing blossoms. The unique Lake Michigan microclimate gives rise to warm, sunny days and moderate nights that are ideal for developing flavorful, high-color apples and other fruit.

Measuring roughly eight miles wide by 20 miles long, The Ridge covers seven townships and four counties – but two-thirds of it is in Kent County, as close as 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.

A smiling couple in the foreground raises glasses for a toast, with tents and people in the background at the Cider Fest in Rosa Parks Circle.
A bearded man in a black shirt and sunglasses stands behind a wooden counter with a "THORNAPPLE BREWING CO." banner, while tents and trees are visible in the background.

Cider Week GR which includes a variety of events and activities leading up to the final day’s Michigan Cider Fest, featuring ciders from across the state as well as local foods, live music and more takes place in downtown GR’s Rosa Park Circle.

Photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR

Only in Kent County

That’s another unique selling point of our agritourism scene – there are few other places where a traveler can pick apples (and blueberries, cherries, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries and more) within 10-15 minutes of big-city dining, shopping, culture and nightlife. Farm markets, crop festivals, petting zoos, hayrides, sleigh rides, corn mazes and other family-friendly activities add to the appeal. So does the fact that our agriculture is dominated by family farms and orchards, a number of them in operation for more than 100 years. That speaks to the authenticity of our agritourism experiences.  

Our year-round marketing of apples and agritourism begins with May’s Cider Week GR (May 8-16, 2026), which includes a variety of events and activities leading up to the final day’s Michigan Cider Fest, featuring ciders from across the state as well as local foods, live music and more in downtown GR’s Rosa Park Circle. Cider Week GR coincides with the annual Great Lakes International Cider & Perry Competition (GLINTCAP), when 1,400+ ciders from around the world compete for medals. Hosting the world’s largest cider competition further polishes our “Apple Capital” claim.

What Can You Do?

We showcased apples and agritourism at our 2026 Toast the Town luncheon, celebrating the area’s tourism and hospitality industry, underscoring our commitment to devote more attention to this rapidly expanding travel sector. You can help us by developing related activities, events and engagement opportunities.

Farms and orchards can partner with other community businesses to create unique, high-value experiences. Restaurants and craft beverage producers can call out local ingredients on their menus. Hotels can team up with farms to offer stay-and-tour packages. Caterers can collaborate with orchards to host dinner among the fruit trees. Be creative – we’d be happy to brainstorm with you – and be sure to add your happenings to the Experience Grand Rapids Events Calendar, where they can be seen by millions of web visitors each year.

Let’s work together to take a bigger, juicier bite out of agritourism!