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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.

Drinks
The Cider Festival is your chance to try the winning hard ciders from GLINTCAP.
Drinks

Craft Cider Scene: Crisp Hard Ciders

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Experience Grand Rapids
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  • 7 min

Already internationally acclaimed for its craft beers, Grand Rapids is now earning recognition for…

Recreation
A man in waders casts a fishing line into a river in the foreground, with a stone bridge and city buildings in the background.
Recreation

Grand River Coho Salmon Fishing

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR
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  • 5 min

As summer winds down and thoughts turn to fall, area sport anglers often turn their attention to the…

Art
Bronze statue of boxer Stanley Ketchel outside Arktos Meadery in downtown Grand Rapids
Art

Grand Rapids Sculptures: Downtown West

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Alina Albin for Experience GR
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  • 13 min

“Grand Rapids showcases sculptures and artwork throughout the city,” writes USA Today…

Drinks
06112022_New_Holland_Seltzers_002Courtesy of New Holland
Drinks

Locally Crafted Hard Seltzer in Grand Rapids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Courtesy of New Holland
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  • 5 min

Hard seltzer, or spiked seltzer, is an adult beverage containing carbonated water, alcohol and…

Drinks
Visitors browsing apples, cider and seasonal goods inside Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Drinks

Fall Cider in Grand Rapids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Ideology for Experience GR
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  • 9 min

Michigan is one of America’s top three apple-producing states – up to 75% of the…

Drinks
Mocktails at Chartreuse Sisters
Drinks

Must-Try Spots Featuring Nonalcoholic Beverages

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Rachel Greiner for Experience GR.
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  • 11 min

Grand Rapids is Beer City USA, home to 35+ craft breweries offering an astonishing array of beer…

Events
07202025_Summer_Skyline_Nick_Irwin_005Nick Irwin for Experience GR
Events

Labor Day

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR
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  • 7 min

It’s the last big hurrah of summer – and Grand Rapids knows how to make it memorable…

Experiences
Dog Friendly Grand Rapids
Experiences

Dog-Friendly Spots in Grand Rapids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Rachel Greiner for Experience GR
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  • 8 min

Grand Rapids is a great place for people who prioritize the happiness and well-being of their canine…

Experiences
Fallasburg Covered Bridge crossing the Flat River amid colorful autumn foliage near Lowell
Experiences

Fall Color Tours in Grand Rapids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR
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  • 6 min

West Michigan's abundant forests helped fuel Grand Rapids' rise as "furniture capital…

Experiences
A variety of vibrant fruit and vegetables line the tables at Fulton Street Farmers Market while shoppers browse
Experiences

Family Farm Markets

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  • 5 min

You can purchase fresh-picked produce - or pick your own - at many of the farms and farm markets…

Sports
Family Bowling at Spectrum Lanes
Sports

Fun Places to Go Bowling

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  • 8 min

Heading to the bowling center (or alley, as it's often called) is a great activity to enjoy…

Art
Mural art by Dania Grevengoed at the Era Boutique
Art

Grand Rapids Murals: Rockford

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR Artwork: Dania Grevengoed
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  • 7 min

Downtown Rockford is a quaint, walkable business district filled with unique shops, restaurants and…

Food
Aerial view of delicious dishes at Little Bird.
Food

Gluten-Free Dining in Grand Rapids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Craig for Experience GR
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  • 9 min

Gluten, a natural protein found in many grains, is a key ingredient in bread, pasta, pizza, salad…

Art
10292025_Graydons_Crossing_Mural_004
Art

Grand Rapids Murals: West Side

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR Art Credit Kyle DeGroff
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  • 5 min

The near west side of Grand Rapids, just across the Grand River from downtown, has undergone a…

Grand Rapids Events

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