We're excited for you to start planning your visit to Grand Rapids. Below are some common questions visitors have while planning their trip. Don't see an answer to your question? Contact us and we will help provide you with the information you need.
FAQs
Trip Planning Information
Visitor Information:
Where is Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is located in West Michigan, about 185 miles from Chicago and 157 miles from Detroit, by car. It’s just 30 miles or so from the clean, sugar-sand beaches of Lake Michigan.
Why visit Grand Rapids?
CNN named Grand Rapids 1 of the 10 Best American Towns to visit in 2014, recommending our “vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation.” USA Today has named us 1 of the 10 Best Cities Where You Can See Amazing Art, America’s Best Beer City and America’s Craft Beverage Capital. Thrillist says Grand Rapids is “rich in art, food, music and every other big-city amenity, only in a quieter package” and Travel Zoo says Grand Rapids “pairs big-city convenience with small-town charm.” It’s definitely worth a visit!
What's the best resource for planning a trip?
Where can I find a current list of things to do?
Check our Things to Do page for general recommendations and our Calendar of Events for a list that matches your visiting dates.
20 Fun and Free Things to Do in Grand Rapids
What are the can't-miss events and attractions?
Our Top 10 list covers the most popular visitor activities. Some of the biggest annual events include ArtPrize (Sept-Oct), the World of Winter Festival (Jan-Mar), LaughFest (March) and the Festival of the Arts (June).
Where should I eat in Grand Rapids?
What are you hungry for? Grand Rapids is home to 1,000+ restaurants offering every kind of cuisine. We’ve been named 1 of America’s Top 20 Foodie Cities and Michigan’s Best Food City, partly because our restaurants source fresh ingredients from dozens of family farms and orchards that circle the city.
How can I get the best deal on lodging?
Browse our hotel packages.
What about other deals?
Culture Pass GR offers reduced admission and other discounts at some of the area’s most popular attractions. You can get a free t-shirt when you use the Beer City Brewsader® app to check in to 8 local breweries, and additional free perks when you check in to 35+ breweries. Use the Flights of Flavor app to find local food and/or drink flights and earn points that can be redeemed for free merchandise.
How far is Grand Rapids from Lake Michigan?
Lake Michigan is about 30 miles due west of Grand Rapids. There are 20+ Lake Michigan beaches and five lakeshore communities (Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Saugatuck/Douglas and South Haven) within a 30-60 minute drive of downtown Grand Rapids.
What's the best way to get to Grand Rapids?
Take your pick - Grand Rapids is easily accessible by air, car, bus, train and even ferry across Lake Michigan. If you're driving, you'll find Grand Rapids at the intersection of two major expressway systems: US-131 and I-96/I-196.
What's the airport like?
Airports Council International named Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) the #1 airport in North America in its size class, and the easiest, most enjoyable and cleanest airport of any size. GRR is served by seven airlines connecting to 30+ non-stop destinations and conducting more than 140 flights each day.
Does Grand Rapids have rideshare options?
Yes, both Uber and Lyft operate here. Visitors can also take advantage of a FREE DASH shuttle to travel around downtown and use the Rapid Bus service to go beyond the city center. Electric scooters and bikes are also available to rent.
Is downtown walkable?
Very – you can walk to 200+ downtown hotels, restaurants, breweries, shops, museums and entertainment venues within the space of 10 minutes. You can even walk with an alcoholic beverage in hand, as long as you stay within the very spacious boundaries of the Downtown Refreshment Area.
General Information:
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids enjoys all four seasons to the fullest. Visit our Weather page for average temperatures and seasonal packing tips.
What time is it in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is located in the Eastern Time zone and follows Daylight Saving Time from March through November. Check the current time.
What is Grand Rapids area sales tax?
Michigan sales tax is 6% on all “tangible” goods. The city of Grand Rapids does not impose an additional sales tax.
How big is Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, with a population of 196,908 residents as of the 2022 census. The metro area, which consists of four counties, is home to more than 1 million people.
Why is Grand Rapids called Beer City USA?
Grand Rapids was voted Beer City in nationwide polls in 2012 and 2013, and it has held the title ever since. USA Today has also named us America’s Best Beer Town, America’s Best Beer Scene and America’s Best Beer City (4 years running!).
Celebrating 10 Years of Beer City
What else is Grand Rapids known for?
Grand Rapids is also recognized for its art, food, craft beverages, outdoor recreation, live music and family-friendly atmosphere.
What makes Grand Rapids one of America's Greenest Cities?
Grand Rapids prioritizes sustainability and has received worldwide recognition for its efforts. With many LEED-certified buildings (often first of their kind), renewable energy sources, public transit and walkability, Grand Rapids has plenty to show for their commitment to being "green."
Who are the area's largest employers?
The area's largest employers include:
Legal Information:
Can I use cannabis/marijuana in Grand Rapids?
Yes – cannabis is legal to buy and consume in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan.
Check out the details
What are the alcohol laws?
You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in Michigan. The sale of alcohol is not allowed from 2am to 7am. Bars close at 2am. You can consume alcoholic beverages purchased from approved vendors while you walk around the region’s outdoor Refreshment Areas.
What is the seatbelt law?
Michigan is one of 49 states requiring the use of seat belts. Law enforcement can stop and ticket motorists solely for not being buckled up. Drivers and front seat passengers must be buckled up, and all passengers aged 8-15 must be buckled up whether front or back. Children must be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall.
Where can I get fishing & hunting licenses?
You need a fishing license if you’re 17 years of age or older. Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must have a boater education card (boating safety certificate). A base hunting license is required for anyone who hunts in Michigan and additional hunting licenses may be required for different game.
Visit the Michigan DNR website for more information, including how to purchase your license.
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The use of recreational cannabis has been legalized in 24 states as of Summer 2024, and 38 states, plus Washington, D.C., have legalized the use of medical marijuana. Travelers who use it…