National Ski Patrol
September 6-8, 2024
Headquarter Hotel: Holiday Inn
The headquarter hotel, the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
Photo by Experience Grand Rapids
Dream Grand and Go to
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Looking for fun and easy things to do outside meeting hours? Check out some of Grand Rapids’ most popular recreation and entertainment options below. Everything is close and convenient to your hotel and meeting site, so you can experience it all while you’re here.
Downtown Dining
Dining Options a Half Mile or Less from the Convention Center
- 13 minute read
One of the best things about meeting in a new host city is the opportunity to get out and explore local flavors. One of the best things about meeting in Grand Rapids is the abundance of dining options within a casual stroll of our convention center. We’ve compiled a list of eateries located a…
Group Friendly Restaurants (Size of group accommdations may vary)
Real Seafood Company
- 141 Lyon St NW
The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
- 187 Monroe Ave. NW
Bistro Bella Vita
- 44 Cesar Chavez Avenue SW
The Atrium at Uccello's
- 122 Monroe Center St. NW
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
- 140 Ottawa Ave. NW
The B.O.B.
- 20 Monroe Ave. NW
Leo's
- 60 Ottawa Ave. NW
San Chez Bistro
- 38 W. Fulton St.
Peppino's Downtown Grille & Pizzeria Sports Lounge
- 130 Ionia Ave. SW
Max's South Seas Hideaway
- 58 Ionia Ave. SW
The Chop House
- 190 Monroe Ave. NW
Farm-to-Table Dining
Named one of America’s top 20 foodie cities, Grand Rapids is home to one of the world’s best growing regions and one of the nation’s top culinary schools – a delectable combination!
Award-Winning Beer & Craft Beverages
USA Today has saluted Grand Rapids as America’s Best Beer City and Craft Beverage Capitol, thanks to our 80+ breweries, distilleries, cideries, wineries, meaderies and coffee roasters.
GR Attendee Exclusives
Be sure to sign up for GR Attendee Exclusives before you visit. You’ll enjoy special attendee-only discounts at local restaurants and attractions, just by showing your smartphone!
Here's how it works:
- Get the FREE GR Attendee Exclusives digital pass by clicking "add to cart".
- Use the pass to receive attendee-only discounts to local businesses.
For participating restaurants and attractions, click Learn More and then get your pass today!
Things to Do for Attendees
There is so much to see and do in Grand Rapids that we encourage everyone to plan on coming in early (or staying late) to explore the city! Here are some of our recommendations for tours and attractions during your stay.
Tours & Attractions
Grand Rapids Public Museum
- 272 Pearl St. NW
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE
Meyer May House
- 450 Madison Ave. SE
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
- 303 Pearl St. NW
The Aroma Labs
- 76 Monroe Center St. NW
The Ruse Escape Rooms
- 25 Division Ave. S
Grand Rapids Art Museum
- 101 Monroe Center NW
Founders Brewing Company Facility Tour
- 235 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW
Tours Around Michigan
- Various Grand Rapids locations
Woodrows DuckPin Bowling
- 200 Lyon St NW
Heritage Hill Historic District
- 126 College Ave. SE
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
- 11 Sheldon Ave. NE
Fantastic Family Fun
Often hailed as one of the best places in America to raise a family, Grand Rapids is also a great place to bring the family along on a convention trip. Activities for every age and interest!
Check out these events happening in Grand Rapids!
Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit
Open Mic Night at Founders Brewing Co. with Big Jake Bootstrap
Getting to and Around Grand Rapids
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport was named the best in North America for its size a few years ago – and recent multimillion-dollar renovations have made it even better.
Nightlife
Our downtown convention neighborhood includes a dazzling array of after-dark diversions – live-music venues, comedy clubs, sports bars, outdoor concerts and movies, and more.