Experience GR, One Day Itinerary

Does your group have only a single day to get a feel and flavor of Grand Rapids? No problem – we’ve assembled this easy-to-manage itinerary of group-friendly attractions and activities that highlights some of the city’s key assets. (Spoiler alert: it will leave your group wanting more … which is why we’ve also created a three day itinerary for a return trip.)

Morning Activities

Choose your cultural adventure for the morning:

• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for an entertaining look at the life and times of our 38^th president
• Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives to explore Black culture and community
• Grand Rapids Art Museum to wander galleries filled with a wide variety of art
• Grand Rapids Public Museum for fascinating history, science and culture exhibits

Plan to spend at least 2 hours at your destination. All the venues are within a 10-minute walk if you want to squeeze in more than one museum.

Next stop is Heritage Hill , a nationally recognized historic district embracing over 60 architectural styles from early Victorian to Greek Revival. Step-on guides are available to enrich your experience (1½ hours). Visit on a Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday for a free tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House, a meticulous restoration of a 1908 home built for a prominent local clothier. You may also contact Meyer May House to schedule a tour outside normal hours (90 minutes).

Every member of your group will find something to enjoy at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, which is home to 19 diverse food merchants and restaurants. After lunch, group members can shop the Market for gourmet foods and gifts (2 hours). Visit mid-November through just before Christmas to experience the Christkindl Markt, an outdoor European-style holiday village featuring 60+ vendors, holiday food favorites and festive fun.

Afternoon Activities

Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, named America’s Best Sculpture Park by USA Today and a 2024 “Best of the Best” culture destination for group travel by the American Bus Destination. This 158-acre oasis in the city features breathtaking botanic gardens and more than 200 works of art by world-renowned sculptors. A tram takes visitors on nature trails through meadows and woods as guides provide information on sited sculptures – such as the magnificent 24-foot-tall American Horse inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci. Interior spaces include Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, arid and Victorian gardens, art galleries, a café and gift shop (1½ - 2 hours).

You might want to time your visit around one of the Gardens’ signature events:

• Butterflies are Blooming, March - April
• Bonsai Show (May & Oct), Daylily Show (July), Dahlia Show (August)
• Mums at Meijer Gardens (Oct)
• Christmas & Holiday Traditions celebration and ENLIGHTEN outdoor holiday light spectacle, late Nov - early Jan.

Follow up the Gardens with a stop at nearby Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery. This family-owned and operated fruit farm offers a market, cider mill, winery and bakery with delicious homemade baked goods. Its century-old gift barn is also stocked with fine collectibles. (1 hour)

Dinner

End your day in Grand Rapids with a meal worthy of the city’s status as a Top 20 U.S. Foodie City, America’s Best Beer City and the nation’s Craft Beverage Capital. These restaurants reflect the incredible range of our culinary offerings – and they can all seat groups of 45 or more!