Grand Rapids Recognitions
We think Grand Rapids is a pretty spectacular place to live, visit and work. But we admit we may be a little biased. So anyone looking for reasons to relocate or travel to Grand Rapids should take a look at what others have to say about our destination.
In the last five years, national media have hailed us as a great place to raise a family, retire, buy a house, see art, drink craft beverages, explore Black history and start a tech career.
We’ve been called a top U.S. foodie city, BBQ city, biking city, green city, affordable city, outdoor-friendly city and neighborly city.
Keep reading to see what else people have said about Grand Rapids recently. We’ll update this page every summer with new recognitions.
Destination Accolades
America’s Best Beer City
USA Today, 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021
#6 U.S. Destination Set to Steal the Spotlight in 2026
Onlyinyourstate.com, 2026
Top 9 Best Midwest Cities to Visit in 2026
Midwest Living, 2026
#1 U.S. City on the Rise
LinkedIn, 2025
#4 U.S. Place for an Enriching Family Trip
British Broadcasting Corporation, 2025
1 of America’s 25 Best-Run Cities
WalletHub, 2025
2025 River Champion
American Rivers
Top 10 Best U.S. Towns to Visit
CNN, 2024
Top 14 Walkable U.S. City
Holidays.com, 2024
“Best right-size city in America.”
Forbes, 2024
Attraction Accolades
Butcher’s Union: #11 Top U.S. Restaurant
Yelp, 2026
Gerald R. Ford International Airport: Best Airport in North America, by size
Airport Service Quality Awards, 2025, 2024 & 2023
DeVos Performance Hall: #3 Top Global Venue, by size
Billboard, 2025
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: America’s #1 Sculpture Park
USA Today, 2025, 2024 & 2023
Grove: America’s #3 Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant
Newsweek, 2025
Grand Rapids Downtown Market: Top 13 Must-Visit U.S. Food Hall
Tasting Table, 2025
Stella’s Lounge: Top 10 U.S. Vegan Burger
PETA, 2025