Medical Mile

“Adulation: The Future of Science”

The Grand Rapids Community Legends Project donated this sculpture honoring researchers Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering and research assistant Loney Clinton Gordon, who together developed the pertussis vaccine in an under-resourced public health lab in Grand Rapids in the 1940s. The vaccine is credited with saving millions of lives worldwide. Adulation was created by Washington National Cathedral sculptor Jay Hall Carpenter and it stands outside the Michigan State University Grand Rapids Research Center. 400 Monroe Ave. NW.

Belknap Park

Named in honor of Civil War veteran Capt. Charles Belknap, Belknap Park features ball diamonds, tennis courts, pickleball courts, free public wifi and restrooms. It’s also home to Griff’s IceHouse, an indoor ice skating facility, and it hosts two huge music events each summer: the Upheaval Festival and Breakaway Music Festival. Just behind Griff’s IceHouse is a popular sledding hill. 30 Coldbrook NE.

Mary Waters Park

Just three-tenths of a mile from Belknap Park, Mary Waters Park offers a basketball court, playground, splash pad, pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms along with another great sledding hill – long and steep, with no trees to watch out for. 1042 Lafayette Ave NE.

Lookout Park

The Belknap neighborhood sits atop a hill overlooking downtown Grand Rapids and the Grand River. Lookout Park provides one of the best views of the city below, especially at sunset. The park is small but there are picnic tables, seating and walkways inviting you to linger and enjoy the view. 801 Fairview NE.

Grand Rapids Pickleball Club

The Grand Rapids Pickleball Club plays in Belknap Park, where the Club helped build the city’s premier pickleball venue – and one of the best in the Midwest. Belknap features 21 outdoor pickleball courts that offer daily open-play hours and lights for after-dark play. You do not have to be a Club member to play. Balls and paddles are not provided. The Club also hosts the annual Beer City Open Pickleball Championship at Belknap Park. 30 Coldbrook St NE.

Griff’s Icehouse

The official practice facility of the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team, Griff’s IceHouse hosts adult and youth hockey leagues, drop-in hockey and open skating with skate rental. 30 Coldbrook St NE.

Coit Park

A four-acre park in the Belknap neighborhood, Coit Park has a ball diamond, basketball court, playground, picnic tables and a sledding hill. 727 Coit Ave NE.

Fuller Park

Situated at the easternmost end of the Medical Mile neighborhood, Fuller Park houses a basketball court, playground, tennis courts, picnic tables and restrooms. It has a splash pad to keep kids cool during the summer. It’s also home to Hillcrest Dog Park. 300 Fuller Ave NE.

Hillcrest Dog Park

Located in Fuller Park, Hillcrest Dog Park offers separately fenced areas for small and large dogs. Additional amenities include benches, shaded areas, a seasonal water station and a wooded nature path. 250 Fuller Ave NE.

Highland Park

Just north of the Medical Mile between College Avenue and Eastern Avenue, Highland Park is home to a boulder park, 18-hole disc golf course, a soccer field, playground, picnic tables and restrooms. 700 College NE.

7 Monks Taproom

This cozy, woodsy beer tavern – an extension of a Traverse City brand – offers refined American pub grub, a kids’ menu, dozens of beers on tap plus wines, ciders, meads, seltzers and spirits. 7 Monks Taproom also hosts the Grand Rapids tasting room of Detroit-based Two James Spirits. 740 Michigan St NE.

Bagel Beanery

One of the area’s favorite spots for coffee, quick breakfasts and deli sandwiches since 1995, the Bagel Beanery offers 15+ bagel varieties. 455 Michigan St NE.

Birch Lodge

Down-to-earth neighborhood bar serves reasonably priced pub grub and some of the city’s best drinks – the Birch Lodge is included in our lists of the city’s favorite espresso martinis, Bloody Marys, mimosas and happy hours. Sunday “Church at the Birch” features a taco bar, Bloody Mary bar, cheap mimosas and the Detroit Lions on TV. 732 Michigan St NE.

Bob’s Sports Bar

Bob’s is a casual sports venue with TV screens and bar seats along with a Chicago-style food menu – including hot dogs, burgers and other pub grub – plus 14 beers on tap, wine and cocktails. 725 Michigan St. NE.

The Cone Shoppe

Serving sweet treats to Grand Rapids residents for 50 years or so, The Cone Shoppe has cultivated generations of fans for its soft- and hard-serve ice cream, frozen yogurt, flurries, slushes, shakes and more. Open April-September. 1225 Michigan St. NE.

Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital Food Court

Food court inside the hospital includes Qdoba, Z!Eats (formerly Zoup!), Starbucks and Damascus Middle Eastern Grill. 25 Michigan St NE Suite 1100.

Duke’s Bar

A classic neighborhood dive bar, Duke’s is a great spot to meet for happy hour or a night out later in the evening on weekends. The bar has floor-to-ceiling windows along the front, many beers on tap, and lots of munchies that can be ordered from their small but mighty kitchen. 700 Michigan St NE.

Elbow Room Bar & Grill

With a legacy dating back to the 1940s, the Elbow Room offers reasonably priced pub meals in a casual and inviting atmosphere with TVs, sports memorabilia and great drinks. 501 Fuller Ave NE.

The Friesian Gastro Pub

Casual neighborhood gastro pub provides and eclectic twist on comfort food for dinner and weekend brunch. Named for a horse breed originating from the Friesland province of the Netherlands, a nod to the city’s Dutch heritage. The Friesian made our lists of the city’s favorite mimosas, nonalcoholic beverages, vegan options, gluten-free dishes and rooftop bars – its rooftop deck accommodates 50 diners in warm weather. 720 Michigan St NE.

Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar

Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar specializes in modern, fresh and healthy Asian cuisine made with the finest ingredients possible. The extensive menu includes sushi poke bowls, dinner bento boxes, hibachi dinners, sushi rolls and more. 1015 Michigan St NE.

Glass House Bar

This friendly neighborhood joint on Michigan Street serves us satisfying bar food as well as a full selection of drinks – perfect accompaniments to the games on TV. The Glass House Bar is featured in our lists of popular local karaoke spots, sports bars and late-night food destinations.

best late night food. 710 Michigan St NE.

Grand Coney Diner

This All-American diner is famous for its namesake Coney Dogs as well as its traditional breakfast items and mouth-watering comfort foods. The Grand Coney Diner is open 24 hours a day. 809 Michigan St NW.

Kaffeine Place

Kaffeine Place is a bar and restaurant bringing the flavors of South Korea to Grand Rapids for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also serve a variety of unique drinks – jasmine matcha lattes, boba teas, brown sugar lattes and more. 637 Michigan St NE Suite A.

Logan’s Alley

A friendly neighborhood pub renowned for its 200+ microbrews, Logan’s Alley dishes up New American fare, including burgers, handhelds and all-day brunch items. Its Grand Mimosa made with cider earned a mention in our Local’s Guide to Mimosas list, and it’s also one of our favorite dive bars and breakfast joints. 916 Michigan St NE.

Maggie’s Bar

Maggie’s Bar  is an LGBTQIA+-owned hotspot for the queer community and anyone else who loves good drinks, good food and good times. The food menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and more, often made with locally sourced meat from Grand Butchers right next door. There’s a full selection of spirits, beer, wine, seltzers and more, plus regular karaoke nights and special events. 855 Michigan St NE.

Mai’s Thai

Mai’s Thai is a quick-service restaurant offering all your favorite Thai dishes made fresh and delicious. Lots of vegetarian and vegan options, as you’d expect, plus a variety of boba teas. Order at the counter and the food will be delivered to your table. 820 Michigan St NE.

The Omelette Shoppe

Known for its skillets, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes and yes, omelettes, The Omelette Shoppe is a folksy local breakfast chain open through late afternoon seven days a week. 545 Michigan St NE.

Palio Ristorante

Enjoy Tuscan pizzas, authentic Italian entrées and a variety of pasta dishes at Palio Ristorante, which also offers full bar service and a dog-friendly patio. Named for the famous horse race that runs annually through Siena, Italy. 545 Michigan St NE #102.

Taco Borracho

Taco Borracho offers a menu filled with authentic Mexican and Latin cuisine: bacalaitos, tostones, Puerto Rican steak sandwich, a Boricua burger, an assortment of tacos and so much more. Great mojitos and other south-of-the-border drinks, too.  755 Michigan St NE.

Also on the Medical Mile: Checkers, Jimmy John’s, KFC, McDonald’s, Subway and Taco Bell.

Upheaval Festival

“Welcome to the Uprising” is the invitation at this raucous rock festival held annually in Belknap Park. The Upheaval Festival typically features 20+ music acts over the course of two days in July.

Breakaway Music Festival

Wiz Khalifa, Big Gigantic, Illenium, DJ Snake and The Chainsmokers are just a few of the performers who have appeared in years past at this two-day Belknap Park event. The Breakaway Music Festival has called itself the “leading college-focused touring festival in the U.S.” – but it’s fun for all ages and customized for the GR market. August.

Grand Rapids Boulder Park

Two 12-ft. high wooden climbing structures that look vaguely like outdoor boulders provide access to rock climbing for everyone and create a lively adventure culture in Grand Rapids. Each boulder has unique climbing features and is outfitted with removable climbing holds that allow for creative routes for various ability levels. Routes change frequently to encourage repeated use. Located in Highland Park. 700 College Ave NE.

Highland Park Disc Golf

An 18-hole urban course with a mix of wooded and open holes, Highland Park is great for beginners and experienced players alike. Download the UDisc app for a course map. 700 College Ave NE.

Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown

The stylish Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown is along the Medical Mile and conveniently located just off the I-196 expressway. Amenities include free hot breakfast, an indoor pool, fitness center, business center and pet-friendly rooms. 433 Dudley Place NE.

The Cheese Lady

Located on Fuller Avenue, just around the corner from Michigan Street, The Cheese Lady stocks more than 200 varieties of cheese from around the world, plus cheese tools and boards, handcrafted pottery, art and woodwork from local artists. You’ll discover a curated selection of wines perfect for pairing with your cheeses, as well. 315 Fuller NE.

Meijer Pharmacy

Full-service retail pharmacy in Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital offers comprehensive services and over-the-counter products typically requested by hospital staff, patients and their families. The hospital also has a gift shop. 100 Michigan St NE.

Grand Butchers

Grand Butchers is a full-service butcher shop offering all-natural beef, pork, chicken, lamb and veal, with an emphasis on raised-in-Michigan products . In addition to custom cuts and a full display case, the shop has a fully stocked deli and many grocery items. 855 Michigan St NE #102.

Great Lakes Ace Hardware

Shop Great Lakes Ace Hardware for all your grill, hardware, home improvement, lawn, garden and tool needs. 1234 Michigan St NE.

Gordon Food Service Store

The Gordon Food Service Store is a food service and grocery store operated by Grand Rapids-based Gordon Food Service, the largest family-operated broad-line food distribution company in North America. It includes fresh produce, meat and seafood, a deli, rotisserie, ready-to-eat meals and more. 1003 Michigan St NE.

Also on the Medical Mile: Family Dollar, Goodwill Store and Walgreens.

Beer City Open

Hosted annually by the Grand Rapids Pickleball Club, the Beer City Open welcomes roughly 1,200 competitors from the U.S. and abroad, including top professional and amateur players. The action takes place on the pickleball courts at Belknap Park. Admission is free to spectators. The Beer City Open typically takes place over six days in July.

Poutine Week

Each September, Poutine Week – which actually lasts a little more than two weeks – invites visitors to indulge in the classic Quebecois dish of French fries and cheese curds smothered in gravy. Participating restaurants along Michigan Street serve up their own variations of poutine and diners vote for their favorite.