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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.

Experiences
Experiencing art at the World of Winter festival in downtown Grand Rapids
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
Couple in a cozy Dome in a winter setting.
Events

Valentine's Day

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  • 12 min

This Valentine’s Day, all you need is love – Grand Rapids restaurants, attractions and…

Experiences
X-Golf Grandville X-Golf Grandville
Experiences

Indoor Places Where Adults Can Play Like Kids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR
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  • 8 min

Tired of kids having all the fun? We have solutions for you! There are a growing number of…

Experiences
Girl putting skates on
Experiences

Go Roller Skating in Grand Rapids

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  • 7 min

Roller skating is cool again. Not since the disco era of the 1970s and ‘80s has the sport…

Experiences
Grand Rapids African American Art Museum (GRAAMA)
Experiences

FAQ About GR African American Museum

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  • 1 min

The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives promotes, preserves, displays, collects and…

Accessibility
DASH bus 2024
Accessibility

Accessible Transportation: The Rapid

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  • 10 min

There’s so much to see and experience in Grand Rapids that determining how to travel from…

Shopping
The Curiosity Shop at the GRPM
Shopping

Gift Shops at Local Attractions

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  • 7 min

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

Experiences
Group at The Great Escape Room
Experiences

Escape Rooms: Can Your Group Solve It in Time?

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Addison Causley for Experience GR
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  • 5 min

An escape room is an immersive, real-life adventure game that players solve (or not) via…

Experiences
Books & Mortar display of books and shelves of books.
Experiences

Best Bookstores in Grand Rapids

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  • 7 min

One of the pleasures of travel for book lovers is discovering independent bookstores. Just as…

Experiences
05102025_Amway_Riverbank_Run_Drone_018
Experiences

Running Events

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  • 2 min

It's no coincidence that America's largest 25K road race – the Amway River Bank Run…

Experiences
Veronica Gordon 5
Experiences

Veronica The Explorer Explores Grand Rapids

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Courtesy of Veronica Gordon (@veronicagordonofficial)
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  • 8 min

Veronica Gordon – also known as @VeronicaGordonOfficial on Instagram – is an…

Experiences
Turnstiles 2024
Experiences

Where to Find Great Karaoke in Grand Rapids

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  • 4 min

Whether you’re a seasoned karaoke pro or a nervous novice, you’ll find plenty of…

Experiences
People at Rosa Parks Circle
Experiences

Top Things to Do

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  • 8 min

Looking for fun things to do on your Grand Rapids getaway (or staycation)? Ask 10 people for…

Events
Participants of the Summer Meijer State Games.
Events

Meijer State Games of Michigan

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by West Michigan Sports Commission
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  • 1 min

Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event that welcomes state residents…

Events
Group at Third Nature enjoying the outdoor space including fire-pits and igloos in the winter.
Events

New Year's Celebrations

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Kelly for Experience GR
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  • 8 min

Say goodbye to 2025 and ring in 2026 in Grand Rapids, which celebrates the new year with everything…

Recreation
Cross-country skiing trail at Palmer Park
Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing in Grand Rapids

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  • 7 min

One of the great thing about Grand Rapids is the city’s close proximity to wildlife, nature…

Beer City
Speciation Artisan Ales' intimate space allows for customers to enjoy work or play while sipping on their favorite craft beer or wine.
Beer City

Speciation Cellars: Where the Wild Things Are

  • by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Wes Kitten
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  • 5 min

Proprietor and mastermind Mitch Ermatinger, along with wife and partner, Whitney, opened Speciation…

Grand Rapids Events

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