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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.

Recreation
Images of the landscape and wildlife experiences hosted at the Blandford Nature Center, 2023
Recreation

Visiting Blandford Nature Center

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  • 3 min

Looking for a fun family adventure in Grand Rapids? Head to Blandford Nature Center! Tucked away off…

Experiences
Blue Bridge at sunset
Experiences

Bridges

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  • 3 min

The rivers that criss-cross Grand Rapids and West Michigan were integral to the region's…

Experiences
Cooking class at the Local Epicurean
Experiences

Grand Rapids Cooking Classes

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  • 3 min

Grand Rapids is a great food city. Dozens of family farms and orchards grow the food that chefs…

Experiences
Friends taking a selfie.
Experiences

Favorite Places for Groups

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  • 5 min

Grand Rapids, Michigan is easy to get to, easy to get around in, easy to afford – and…

Family
Father observing son play on playground equipment on a sunny day
Family

A Parent's Guide to GR-Area Playgrounds

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  • 17 min

More than 50 of the 160+ public parks in and around Grand Rapids have playgrounds. You can find them…

Events
Juneteenth
Events

Juneteenth

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Juneteenth – short for June Nineteenth – commemorates the emancipation of enslaved…

Shopping
Vault of Midnight - Downtown
Shopping

A Local's Guide to GR Comic Book Shops

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  • 10 min

There are many different “scenes” in Grand Rapids — performing arts, craft…

Experiences
Downtown Skyline with Golden Hues and Moon, 2021
Experiences

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Grand Rapids

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  • 3 min

Grand Rapids, Michigan is no ordinary town – in fact, it was singled out as one of…

Experiences
Families and couples at Reeds Lake/ John Collins Park
Experiences

Perfect Picnic Places in Grand Rapids

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  • 7 min

Summer in Grand Rapids is a great time of the year to grab some good food and head outdoors to enjoy…

Experiences
GR Skyline for Winter Billboards
Experiences

Heritage Tours

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  • 16 min

Indigenous peoples lived in what is now Grand Rapids for thousands of years before the first…

Experiences
GR Grand Prix Go Kart Racing
Experiences

Adventure Abounds in Grand Rapids

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  • 9 min

Attention thrill seekers: you’ll find plenty of activities to get your adrenaline pumping in…

Shopping
Aperitivo in the Downtown Market
Shopping

Where to Buy the Best Wine in Grand Rapids

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  • 11 min

While we’ll always be fans of the excellent craft brew options we have in Beer City, USA…

Drinks
Girls Trip at Morning Belle
Drinks

Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids Mimosas

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  • 4 min

A fizzy, fruity mimosa is the true test of a good brunch, if you ask us. (No offense to Bloody Mary…

Experiences
Sailing at Reeds Lake / John Collins Park
Experiences

Reeds Lake Bike Route

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  • 4 min

Looking for a (relatively) short, scenic and self-contained bike route in Grand Rapids? Consider the…

Grand Rapids Events

No Ordinary Town

Feeling Good

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