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.

Recreation
Recreation

West Michigan Winter Sports

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Aaron Peterson for Experience GR
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8 min

One of the distinct benefits of living in West Michigan is that we can enjoy the beauty of all four…

Shopping
Shopping

Unique Shopping in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Rashelle Whiteharris for Experience GR
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10 min

Grand Rapids is a great place to browse one-of-a-kind stores overflowing with items you won't…

Experiences
Experiences

Gardens & Agriculture Itinerary

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR
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2 min

Located in the middle of one of the world’s finest growing regions, influenced by the…

Experiences
Experiences

Beer Itinerary

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Pop Studio Kitchen for Experience GR
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2 min

Welcome to Beer City USA! Grand Rapids has held this title since 2012, along with such USA Today…

Experiences
Experiences

Hands-on Activities Itinerary

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Haley Chicoine for Experience GR
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2 min

“At its core, this city is one of crafters, designers, innovators and artists,” wrote…

Experiences
Experiences

Hit the Mountain Biking Trails

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Aaron Peterson for Experience GR
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8 min

Looking for a mountain biking destination that offers a variety of terrains, trails for every skill…

Shopping
Shopping

Antique Your Way Through Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Raelyn Nicole Photography for Experience GR
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7 min

While Grand Rapids is hailed as a city that successfully reinvented itself for the 21st century, it…

Events
Events

Celebrate Day of the Dead in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR. Artist: Arturo Morales Romero
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5 min

The Day of the Dead – Día de los Muertos in Spanish – is a traditional Mexican…

Shopping
Shopping

Shopping Malls and More in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Experience Grand Rapids
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8 min

Grand Rapids is filled with all sorts of great shopping options – but for convenience…

Experiences
Experiences

LGBTQIA+ Weekend Getaway in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Alyssa Zuiderveen Artwork: Massimals by Scroggin Studio
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11 min

No matter who you are or who you love, you’ll find a warm welcome in Grand Rapids. What was…

Events
Events

Halloween in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR
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16 min

Halloween isn’t just day in Grand Rapids – it’s several weeks’ worth of…

Shopping
Shopping

Gift Shops at Local Attractions

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Grand Rapids Public Museum
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7 min

The gift shops at Grand Rapids’ local attractions offer one-of-a-kind items perfect for…

Accessibility
Accessibility

Ideas for Accessible Parks and Trails in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR
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5 min

WalletHub named Grand Rapids, Michigan the #2 Best City in America for People with Disabilities in…

Experiences
Experiences

Arcades in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Courtesy of Rebounderz
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6 min

Polish your gaming skills, relive some of your childhood memories and/or introduce your young ones…

Drinks
Drinks

Distilleries

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Aly Zuiderveen for Experience GR
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2 min

Let the spirits move you to Grand Rapids, where excellent local distilleries play a vital role in…

Recreation
Recreation

Skiing

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Aaron Peterson for Experience GR
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4 min

Every season brings great outdoor recreation opportunities that are easily accessible from downtown…

Beer City
Beer City

Beer City Coming to a TV Near You

by Experience Grand Rapids
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3 min

Grand Rapids’ meteoric rise from a town without a brewery in 1996 to Beer City USA less than…

Experiences
Experiences

Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Courtesy of the Grand Rapids Griffins
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5 min

Calling all hockey fans! Gear up to cheer for the Grand Rapids Griffins, a development affiliate of…

Accessibility
Accessibility

Grand Rapids Restaurants That Focus on Accessibility

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Kelly for Experience GR
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6 min

When you go out to your favorite local restaurant, are you aware of how high the tables are? Before…

Art
Art

Grand Rapids Murals: North Quarter

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
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12 min

Following the Grand River north out of downtown, the historic North Quarter of Grand Rapids is hot…

Experiences

Things to do with Teens in Grand Rapids

by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Haley Chicoine for Experience GR
6 min

Traveling to Grand Rapids with a teenager? The city and region offer plenty of possibilities to satisfy even the hardest-to-please adolescents. Whether your teen prefers outdoor adventure or indoor…

No Ordinary Town

Feeling Good

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Save 50% with Our Attraction Pass

Receive admission into many attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our Attraction Pass now with adult, children and senior pricing.