Plan Your Trip to Grand Rapids
Ready to plan your dream trip to Grand Rapids? Start by exploring all the fun Things to Do here. Search our Events page for entertainment and activities that coincide with your visit – or, if you haven’t set a date yet, consider scheduling your visit around one of our annual festivals and cultural celebrations.
Are you an art & culture buff? An outdoor enthusiast? A nightlife devotee? Are memorable food and drink experiences part of your travel wish list? How about shopping, sports and one-of-a-kind tours and experiences? Grand Rapids offers all of this and more, and they’re all great ways to get know our city and our people.
Will you be traveling with girlfriends? Are you part of the LGBTQ+ community? Is barrier-free access a must? Does your child have sensory issues? Is sustainability top of mind for you? What’s the weather going to be like when you visit? Do you prefer a hotel or a B&B? Will you be traveling with a pet? Click on the links for advice and info.
Build your itinerary
You can build a schedule of events and activities for your Grand Rapids visit as you browse this site. Just click “add to trip” whenever you find something you want to do. Click “My Trip” at the top right of any page to see all the items you’ve added to your schedule. Voilà – you’ve created your own custom itinerary!
Scroll down to our Trip Planning FAQ for even more helpful information. And be sure to check our Hotel Packages for value-added lodging offers.
Save on Attractions with Our Culture Pass
Receive admission into many cultural attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our $28.00 Culture Pass.
Friendly, accessible and cultured … aka Beer City USA, this place knows when it’s time to let loose.
- Expedia 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Visitor Information:
Where is Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is located in West Michigan, about 185 miles from Chicago and 157 miles from Detroit, by car. It’s just 30 miles or so from the clean, sugar-sand beaches of Lake Michigan.
What's the best resource for planning a trip?
Where can I find a current list of things to do?
What are the can't-miss events and attractions?
How can I get the best deal on lodging?
What about other deals?
Culture Pass GR offers reduced admission and other discounts at some of the area’s most popular attractions.
What's the best way to get to Grand Rapids?
Take your pick - Grand Rapids is easily accessible by air, car, bus, train and even ferry across Lake Michigan. If you're driving, you'll find Grand Rapids at the intersection of two major expressway systems: US-131 and I-96/I-196.
What's the airport like?
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport was named the #1 airport in North America in its size class for customer service. It is served by six airlines connecting to 30+ non-stop destinations and conducting more than 100 flights each day.
Does Grand Rapids have rideshare options?
Is downtown walkable?
Very – you can walk to 200+ downtown hotels, restaurants, breweries, shops, museums and entertainment venues within the space of 10 minutes. You can even walk with an alcoholic beverage in hand, as long as you stay within the very spacious boundaries of the Downtown Refreshment Area.
General Information:
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids enjoys all four seasons to the fullest. Visit our Weather page for average temperatures and seasonal packing tips.
What time is it in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is located in the Eastern Time zone and follows Daylight Saving Time from March through November. Check the current time.
What is Grand Rapids area sales tax?
Michigan sales tax is 6% on all “tangible” goods. The city of Grand Rapids does not impose an additional sales tax.
How big is Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, with a population of 196,908 residents as of the 2022 census. The metro area, which consists of four counties, is home to more than 1 million people.
Why is Grand Rapids called Beer City USA?
Grand Rapids was voted Beer City in nationwide polls in 2012 and 2013, and it has held the title ever since. It has also been named Best Beer City, Best Beer Town and Best Beer Scene by USA Today.
Celebrating 10 Years of Beer City
What else is Grand Rapids known for?
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?
Grand Rapids prioritizes sustainability and has received worldwide recognition for its efforts. With many LEED-certified buildings (often first of their kind), renewable energy sources, public transit and walkability, Grand Rapids has plenty to show for their commitment to being "green."
Who are the area's largest employers?
The area's largest employers include:
Legal Information:
What are the alcoholic laws?
You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in Michigan. The sale of alcohol is not allowed from 2am to 7am. Bars close at 2am. You can consume alcoholic beverages purchased from approved vendors while you walk around the region’s outdoor Refreshment Areas.
Can I use cannabis/marijuana in Grand Rapids?
Yes – cannabis is legal to buy and consume in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan.
Check out the details
What is the seatbelt law?
Michigan is one of 49 states requiring the use of seat belts. Law enforcement can stop and ticket motorists solely for not being buckled up. Drivers and front seat passengers must be buckled up, and all passengers aged 8-15 must be buckled up whether front or back. Children must be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall.
Where can I get a fishing license?
You need a fishing license if you’re 17 years of age or older. Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must have a boater education card (boating safety certificate). A base hunting license is required for anyone who hunts in Michigan and additional hunting licenses may be required for different game.
Visit the Michigan DNR website for more information, including how to purchase your license.
