Dream Grand and Go to

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Don’t just dream big for your next getaway … DREAM GRAND! Plan a trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second largest city, and see why CNN called it one of America’s Top 10 Best Towns to Visit. Grand Rapids is the hometown of Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the U.S., and his namesake airport has been named the easiest and most enjoyable airport in North America. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is just 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, where 300+ restaurants, bars, breweries, entertainment venues and cultural attractions – including the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum – are within a 10-minute walk of 13 excellent hotels.

Summer is the perfect time to vacation in Grand Rapids, thanks to the unique climate of nearby Lake Michigan. Take advantage of temperate weather and long hours of daylight to enjoy outdoor dining, festivals, concerts and all manner of outdoor recreation, including  the world-class beaches of Lake Michigan, just 30-45 minutes from downtown GR.

Things to Do in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, named America’s #1 Sculpture Park by USA Today, and dozens of other fascinating attractions. Treat yourself to some of the nation’s finest food and dining experiences, courtesy of local family farms and expertly trained chefs. Learn why Grand Rapids is known as Beer City USA and America’s Craft Beverage Capital at 75+ breweries, distilleries, cideries, meaderies and coffee roasters. Discover endless opportunities for family fun, including the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, John Ball Zoo, Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park and so much more.

Check our Events Calendar to find events and activities that coincide with your travel dates and browse our Hotels page to find the perfect combination of location, budget and amenities for you – there are 90+ hotels to choose from!

Getting to Grand Rapids, Michigan

Fly into the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, which offers daily nonstop flights on seven airlines to 30+ U.S. destinations, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit and Houston. Drive to Grand Rapids in fours or less from Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Toledo and other Midwest destinations. Grand Rapids is also served by Amtrak and Greyhound Bus.

Community
Community

Exploring Cherry Street in Grand Rapids

  • photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
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  • 8 min

While downtown Grand Rapids boasts the city’s largest concentration of shopping and dining…

Experiences
Experiences

FAQ About Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

  • photo by Courtesy of Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
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  • 1 min

America’s most entertaining presidential museum is both a loving tribute to the U.S…

Experiences
Experiences

Biking Kent Trails Along Millennium Park

  • photo by Experience Grand Rapids
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  • 6 min

Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet, scenic nature ride or you’re looking for an…

Shopping
Shopping

Where to Find Vinyl Records in GR

  • photo by Paul Jendrasiak for Experience GR
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  • 6 min

Vinyl is back! The Recording Industry Association of America reports that vinyl record sales beat…

Experiences
Experiences

Hit the Mountain Biking Trails

  • photo by Aaron Peterson for Experience GR
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  • 6 min

The West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance (WMMBA) is a group of individuals who help to maintain…

Events
Events

Grand Rapids Pride Festival

  • photo by Pride Festival. Performer: Batty Davis, 2018. Photographer: Eric Zuniga
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June 21, 2025 Calder Plaza Since 1988, the Grand Rapids Pride Festival has celebrated local LGBTQIA+…

Events
Events

Women's History Month in Grand Rapids

  • photo by Jasmine Bruce
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  • 8 min

The story of Grand Rapids cannot be told without acknowledging the tremendous contributions of women…

Sports
Sports

Grand Rapids Rise Volleyball

  • photo by Courtesy of Grand Rapids Rise
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  • 4 min

The Grand Rapids Rise volleyball team made history when it debuted in January 2024 as the…

Experiences
Experiences

Grand Rapids Gold Basketball

  • photo by Courtesy of the Grand Rapids Gold
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  • 4 min

Want to enjoy a game of elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun…

Experiences
Experiences

Visit Grand Rapids Like a Cowboy

  • photo by Alina Albin for Experience GR.
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  • 6 min

The Wild West is having a cultural moment. From TV’s Yellowstone universe, to…

Accessibility
Accessibility

Sensory-Friendly Experiences in Grand Rapids

  • photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
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  • 6 min

Several Grand Rapids attractions, including John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM)…

Shopping
Shopping

Crafting Candles at Wax Poetic Candle Bar

  • photo by Experience GR
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  • 4 min

Tap into your sense of smell and flex your creativity by making a hand-poured, scented candle at Wax…

Drinks
Drinks

Irish Pubs in Grand Rapids

  • photo by Bree Girard for Experience GR
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  • 6 min

In Ireland, pubs are known for their casual and friendly atmosphere, free-flowing conversation…

Music
Music

Music Festivals in Grand Rapids

  • photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR.
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  • 9 min

Grand Rapids loves a good music festival, and we host a diverse range of single-day and multi-day…

Events
Events

St. Patrick's Day

  • photo by Experience Grand Rapids
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  • 3 min

The luck o’ the Irish is with you if you’re spending St. Patrick’s Day in Grand…

Events
Events

10 Seriously Funny Facts About LaughFest

  • photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR
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  • 7 min

Gilda’s LaughFest debuted in 2011 in Grand Rapids as the first-ever community-wide comedy…

No Ordinary Town

Feeling Good

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Save on Attractions with Our Culture Pass

Receive admission into many cultural attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our $28.00 Culture Pass.