Plan Your Trip to Grand Rapids
We make it easy to plan your Grand Rapids trip. Browse our website for attractions, events and other fun things to do during your stay. Consult our blog and social channels for all the latest buzz. And head on over to our hotel listings for a great deal on an extended stay!
My Trip builds a schedule of events and activities for your Grand Rapids visit. Browse this site and click “Add to Trip Builder” whenever you find something you want to do. Click “View Trip” on any of the items you’ve added to see your complete schedule!
Receive admission into many cultural attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our $20.00 Culture Pass.
Friendly, accessible and cultured … aka Beer City USA, this place knows when it’s time to let loose.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Visitor Information:
Where can I get a visitor's guide?
Online, by mail, in hotel rooms throughout the area, and at the Visitor Information Desk (in the baggage claim area) of Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
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Where can I find a current list of things to do?
What are the can't-miss events and attractions?
Our Top 10 list is a great place to start!
Other good sources of visitor information?
How can I get the best deal on lodging?
Check our hotel packages.
What's the best way to get to Grand Rapids?
Take your pick - Grand Rapids is easily accessible by air, ferry, car, bus and train. If you're driving, you'll find Grand Rapids at the intersection of two major expressway systems: US-131 and I-96/I-196. Check our online map to customize your route and locate popular destinations.
General Information:
Why is Grand Rapids called "The Furniture City?"
Grand Rapids became both a major lumbering center and the premier furniture manufacturing city of the United States during the latter half of the 19th century. In 1876, an international exhibition in Philadelphia led Grand Rapids to worldwide recognition as a leader in fine furniture production. National home furnishing markets were held in Grand Rapids for about 75 years, concluding in the 1960s. Today, Grand Rapids is considered a world leader in the production of office furniture.
What makes Grand Rapids one of America's Greenest Cities?
The Grand Rapids metro area has more LEED-certified buildings per capita than any other city in the U.S. (LEED is a system that evaluates the "green" performance of new and refurbished construction.) Our most recent achievement is the world's first newly-built LEED-certified art museum.
What time is it in Grand Rapids?
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids enjoys all four seasons to the fullest.
What is Grand Rapids area sales tax?
Michigan sales tax is 6% on all tangible products.
What is the Grand Rapids' population?
As of 2012, the total population of Grand Rapids was 190,411. Kent County population was 614,462. Total population in the seven-county service area (CSA) was 1,323,287.
Who are the area's largest employers?
The area's largest employers include:
Legal Information:
What is the seatbelt law?
Michigan's safety belt law allows police officers to stop a motorist solely for not wearing a safety belt in the front seat of a vehicle or if a child is not properly restrained, no matter where they are riding in a vehicle. The child passenger safety law covers children up through age fifteen (15). Children from birth through age three (3) must be in a child safety seat in the front and rear seats. As of July 1, 2008, children must be in a booster seat. until they are eight (8) years old or 4'9" tall no matter where they are riding in a vehicle. Children who are eight (8) years old but less than sixteen (16) years old riding in either the front or rear seat must use a safety belt.
What are the alcoholic beverage laws?
Michigan state law prohibits anyone younger than 21 years of age from purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages. Some cities and townships in the Grand Rapids area prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sunday before 12:00 noon. Bars close at 2 am.
Where can I get a fishing license?
For fishing and boating licenses (and a list of public access sites), contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at (269) 685-6851 or www.michigan.gov/dnr.
