Grand Rapid Regions

The city of Grand Rapids is the hub of a diverse metro area that spans multiple communities and more than one million residents. From the upscale environs of Ada and East Grand Rapids to the rural settings of Cedar Springs and Sparta, from the small-town ambiance of Comstock Park and Grandville to the cosmopolitan energy of Kentwood and Wyoming, each community boasts its own distinct character along with the friendliness and hospitality that distinguishes Grand Rapids from other big cities. Click on the links below to check out the most popular things to see, do, eat, drink and shop for in each locale – all just minutes from downtown GR!

If you’re looking for big-city excitement – without the big-city hassle – look no further than Downtown Grand Rapids. It’s packed with 200+ restaurants and shops, 60+ nightlife venues, 12 parks, five museums and one Grand River. Theater, opera, ballet and symphony productions light up the nights, and public art – murals, sculptures, even painted parking lot booths and electrical boxes ­­­– is everywhere you look. Now for the no-hassle part: everything is within a 10-minute walk (or FREE bus ride) of each other!

Alpine

City meets country in the Alpine region about 10 minutes north of downtown GR. Alpine Avenue is lined with brand-name stores and restaurants, an 18-screen movie theater, lodging and more before it tracks into Alpine Township and “The Ridge.” One of the world’s top growing regions, The Ridge is dotted with family farms and fruit orchards offering a variety of agritourism experiences.

Comstock Park

Come for pro baseball games and community festivals in riverside LMCU Ballpark, stay for homegrown restaurants and shops, distinctive breweries and the longest rail-to-trail system in all of Michigan. Comstock Park may be small – less than four square miles in area – but it punches well above its class in terms of fun. It’s about seven miles from downtown GR.

Sparta

Looking for a quintessential small-town experience? Head to Sparta, 20 minutes from downtown GR. The walkable downtown is lined with family-owned shops and restaurants, the summer schedule is packed with family-friendly festivals, and family farms and fruit orchards are as abundant as the smiles on residents’ faces. 

Byron Center

Attention shoppers – Byron Center is the site of Tanger Outlet Mall, West Michigan’s favorite destination for designer merchandise at discount prices. But don’t shop ‘til you drop, save some energy to explore nearby restaurants, breweries, golf courses, parks and trails. Bryon Center is about 15 minutes from downtown GR, easily accessible from the US-131 expressway.

Grandville

Small-town charm, big-name shopping. Much of Grandville consists of quiet residential neighborhoods, community parks and miles of hiking and biking trails – but it’s also home to one of the city’s largest shopping and dining districts, featuring some of the nation’s most famous retail brands. The city is just 10 minutes from downtown GR.

Wyoming

The second most populous city in West Michigan, Wyoming offers a wide range of shopping, dining and lodging options. Many are located along a three-and-a-half-mile stretch of 28^th Street, one of the state’s busiest roadways. You’ll also encounter affordable golf courses, expansive greenspaces, excellent breweries and family-friendly attractions. Wyoming is less than 10 minutes southwest of downtown GR.

Cannonsburg

The Grand Outdoors beckons in Cannonsburg, about 20 minutes from downtown GR. Ski, snowboard, tube, and fat tire bike in the winter, tackle hiking and mountain biking trails the rest of the year. Cannonsburg Village is a (very) small business district offering excellent dining options and fun community events.  

Cedar Springs

Known as the Red Flannel Capital of the World – with the annual festival to prove it – Cedar Springs is well worth the 20-mile drive from downtown GR. Bring the kids to a family adventure park and drive-thru safari, see a movie in an 1880s-era opera house, enjoy delicious food and craft beverages at a Bavarian-style brewery, and explore numerous parks and trails.

Rockford

From a quaint downtown area filled with family-owned shops and restaurants to some of the region’s best outdoor experiences, Rockford is sure to delight. Sample locally made beers, ciders, spirits and wines, listen to live music, see a movie, hit the golf links and much more, all just 15 minutes north of downtown GR.

Ada

First established as a fur trading post in 1821, Ada cherishes its history and traditions while reinventing itself for the future. Its downtown area, Ada Village, has been transformed over the past 10 years into a bustling community hub with 40 restaurants and shops, a boutique hotel and frequent community events, just steps from a scenic river and historic covered bridge. Ada is 10 miles from downtown GR.

Caledonia

Kent County’s southernmost village, about 20 minutes from GR, Caledonia manages to maintain its small-town feel even as its growth outpaces much of the rest of the county. Visitors can enjoy farm markets, fruit orchards, parks and trails as well as first-class breweries, restaurants and golf courses.

Cascade

Home of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport – named the most enjoyable airport in North America – Cascade offers a mix of city amenities and rural serenity. Numerous shopping, dining and lodging options are close to six beautiful parks, two scenic rivers and about 17 miles of pedestrian pathways. It’s less than 20 minutes from downtown GR and is easily accessible from two major expressways.

East Grand Rapids

Boasting a charming shopping and dining district along with abundant parks, playgrounds and nature areas, East Grand Rapids is known for its community spirit and family-friendly atmosphere. Fish, kayak, waterski, hike and bike in around Reeds Lake just steps away from outstanding restaurants and boutique stores.

Kentwood

One of the city’s most diverse suburbs – with an astonishing array of shopping, dining and entertainment options to prove it – Kentwood is less than 15 minutes from downtown GR. Shop West Michigan’s largest mall, sample cuisines from across the globe, see movies, golf, hike, bike and much more.

Lowell

Located at the mouth of the Flat River, about 25 minutes from downtown GR, Lowell offers unique shopping, antiquing, arts and dining along its picturesque main street. Beautiful Fallasburg Park, the historic Fallasburg Covered Bridge and a trailhead to the 4,800-mile North Country Trail are close by. It’s a small town with a great community feel.