Things to Do in Grand Rapids

Best Attractions

Ask locals about the best places to go in Grand Rapids and you’re likely to hear “Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park” a lot. This breathtaking blend of art and nature is one of the world’s most visited art museums, and USA today has been honored it as America’s #1 sculpture park and #5 botanical gardens. It’s a delight for all the senses, all year-round.

John Ball Zoo is another must-visit destination. Home to 2,000+ animals and more animal-touching exhibits than any other Michigan zoo, it’s a treat for all ages. A quintet of downtown Grand Rapids museums – Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum – also draw big crowds. Get Attraction Pass GR for discount admission to these museums and other attractions.

Check out other popular Grand Rapids, Michigan attractions. 

Best Art Experiences

Sightseeing in Grand Rapids starts with the city’s incredible art scene. USA Today named Grand Rapids one of the 10 Best Cities Where You Can See Amazing Art, writing that the city “showcases sculptures and artwork throughout the city … including such notable museums as the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.” There’s also a plethora of outdoor public art you can explore through guided or self-guided tours, and the world’s largest public art event – ArtPrize – fills downtown GR with 1,000 or so diverse works of art from international artists each fall.

The performing arts are also well represented in Grand Rapids, courtesy of Michigan’s only professional ballet company, the state’s longest running professional opera company, a Grammy Award-nominated symphony, one of America’s oldest and largest community theatres and a presenter of touring Broadways shows.

Discover more art, culture and history experiences in Grand Rapids.

Best Outdoor Adventures

Named America’s #3 Most Outdoor-Friendly City by Cairn Consulting Group, the nation’s #6 Fishing City by Field & Stream, a Top 10 Waterfront Town by National Geographic Adventure and Michigan’s Most Bike-Friendly City by Reader’s Digest, Grand Rapids is a four-season paradise for outdoor lovers.

There are 100s of miles of hiking and biking trails, 120+ parks, 50+ lakes and rivers, 30+ golf courses, a winter ski resort and much more within 30 minutes of our bustling downtown. The sugar-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan are 30-45 minutes away. There are few other places where the splendors of nature are so close and convenient to big-city dining, entertainment, culture and nightlife.

Explore more of our Grand Outdoors.

Best Shopping

Shopping in Grand Rapids, MI is a highlight of any stay—leave room in your luggage for unique items from locally owned businesses! Start at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market , where 20 or so artisan food vendors have set up shop, selling everything from hot meals to specialty grocery items and more. It’s one of 100+ shopping destinations within a 10-minute walk in downtown GR. You’ll find more one-of-a-kind treasures in neighborhood shopping districts and famous brand name goods in two huge malls, a designer outlet mall and all sorts of big box stores.

Best Nightlife

Live music rules in Grand Rapids, with more than 100 listening venues around town. See the biggest names in music at Van Andel Arena and the new outdoor Acrisure Amphitheater, both offering 12,000+ seats and premium production values for an unforgettable concert experience. Both venues are just steps away from downtown comedy clubs, karaoke joints, sports bars, cocktail lounges, breweries and other entertainment options. Explore the nightlife scene in downtown GR and beyond.