10 Best Things To Do in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan and lies next to the Grand River. The city is a haven for many things, but if art and culture are your passion, you’ll fall in love as soon as you visit.
Just you and your significant other visiting? Spending time with family? Don’t worry, there’s fun to be had by everyone in Grand Rapids, Michigan! We’ve put together a nice list of fun things to do while you’re in town. Check it out!
Here Are Ten of Our Favorite Things To Do In Grand Rapids:
1. Grand Rapids Public Museum – The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s goal is to capture the spirit of West Michigan through immersive experiences that provide entertainment and education to its guests. The Museum has three floors of exhibits that provide information on science, history, and culture. The Museum also showcases several special exhibits throughout the year. The Museum has more than 250,000 artifacts in categories such as zoology, automobiles, and fossils on display. The Museum also contains a planetarium, the Cook Carousel Pavilion, a café, the Meijer Theater, and a gift shop.
*Location: 272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Phone: 616-929-1700.
2. Grand Rapids Art Museum – The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a 125,000 square feet building featuring 20,000 sq. ft. of exhibitions and gallery space. The museum collections contain 5,000 pieces of art, including more than 3,400 photographs, and drawings.
*Location: 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Phone: 616-831-1000.
3. John Ball Zoo – John Ball Zoo offers habitats for over 1,100 animals from all over the world. Some of the guest favorites are the Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Exhibit, Treasures of the Tropics, Budgie Aviary, Red’s Hobby Farm, and so many more. The zoo also offers many fun activities for kids and adults such as zip lining over the zoo, camel rides, tram rides, and swan paddleboats.
*Location: 1300 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Phone: 616-336-4300.
4. Meyer May House – The Meyer May House is considered one of the most faithfully restored of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style houses in the United States.
*Location: 450 Madison Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Phone: 616-246-4821.
5. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum – The Children’s Museum is designed for children between the ages of 2 – 12 years of age but all ages including parents can enojoy this fun destination. There are eighteen permanent exhibits, including a farm, a puppet stage, a treehouse and so much more available for a day of fun.
*Location: 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Phone: 616-235-4726.
6. Fulton Street Farmers Market – Saturdays are the days when everyone goes to the market! The Fulton Street Farmers Market is the oldest and largest in Grand Rapids. Close to 240 Michigan farmers offer their products. The market is open four days a week from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Sundays, local artisans sell their good too! Shoppers can purchase all kinds of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, honey, maple syrup, and lots of delicious breads and pastries. Many food trucks offer food as well so guests can enjoy a good luch and taste local brews.
*Location: 1145 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-454-4118.
7. Golf Club at Thorn Appple Pointe – Along the banks of the breathtaking Thornapple River, lies the 18-hole Thornapple Pointe golf course. Thornapple Pointe has multiple tees for an enjoyable golf day. The club also offers a state-of-the-art GPS system and live leaderboards for charitable outings and golf tournaments. The Club is also a popluar spot for special occasions and weddings.
*Location: 7211 48th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, Phone: 616-554-4747.
8. Gerald R. Ford Museum – The Gerald R. Ford Museum opened in 1981. The Museum offers the highlights of President and Mrs. Ford’s lives and features an interactive video and holographic presentation that allows visitors to experience the illusion they are travelling with President Ford. There is also a holographic tour of the White House and a Watergate gallery.
*Location: 303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Phone: 616-254-0400.
9. Calvin College Eco System Preserve – The Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve is a local facility that is designed for Calvin College students. The emphasis here is on the preservation of the environment. The preserve is also open to the general public for peaceful walks around Mother Nature’s gorgeous greenery.
*Location: 1750 East Beltline Ave, SE, Grand Rapids, Mi. (616) 526-7600.
10. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park – The campus of the sculpture park spans over 158 acres where guests will find waterfalls, a rock garden, and gorgeous plants and flowers. There are indoor gardens and four outdoor gardens including wetlands and forest lands. As for the sculpture gallery, you will find over 300 art pieces to enjoy.
*Location: 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Mi, (616) 957-1580.
Grand Rapids also has a long list of fantastic restaurants and diners that are perfect for family dinner night or date night. The city has so much culture to offer, you’ll never experience a dull moment.
Have you been to Grand Rapids, Michigan? What do you like to do while you’re in town?
