Things to do in Grand Rapids

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Grand Rapids which includes a city
Grand Rapids showing a river or creek, a city and a bridge
Grand Rapids showing a city
Gerald R. Ford Museum featuring a fountain and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Grand Rapids showing a city
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What to do in Grand Rapids

Discover the most popular places to visit in Grand Rapids

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park featuring wildflowers and outdoor art

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Let your kids run wild at the sand pits and tree house while you inspect the sculptures and floral displays in this park’s various gardens.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
The African savannah? No, the amazing Lion habitat at John Ball Park Zoo! John Ball Zoological Garden is an urban park located on the west side of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. The John Ball Zoo is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the park. The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world and is a significant regional attraction. With the Zoo School and Wildlife Conservation Fund the zoo gives something back to the community and world as a whole. The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

John Ball Zoo

Visit the native and exotic animals who live at John Ball Zoo during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

John Ball Zoo
When visiting the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids, be sure to stop by the Grand Traverse Distillery shop for delicious $5 cocktails and some excellent hospitality. Read more about it here: http://bit.ly/1Sl2oNV

Downtown Market

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Downtown Market during your stay in Grand Rapids. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Downtown Market
Gerald R. Ford Museum featuring a fountain and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Gerald R. Ford Museum

Take a holographic tour of Ford’s White House and see a piece of the Berlin Wall in this tribute to the 38th president in the town where he was raised.

Gerald R. Ford Museum
Grand Rapids Art Museum featuring art and interior views

Grand Rapids Art Museum

The sleek design of the modernist building reflects the gorgeous contemporary artworks within. Learn how to make art fun in the workshops and camps.

Grand Rapids Art Museum
Hometown, beer city, art prize, Lake Michigan...

Grand Rapids Children's Museum

You can take time to visit Grand Rapids Children's Museum during your travels to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Van Andel Arena

Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Van Andel Arena

DeVos Performance Hall

You can enjoy a show at DeVos Performance Hall during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

DeVos Performance Hall

DeVos Place Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at DeVos Place Convention Center during your trip to Grand Rapids.

DeVos Place Convention Center

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids featuring a city

Downtown Grand Rapids

4.5/5(214 area reviews)

While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.

Downtown Grand Rapids
Male Cardinal in Kentwood Backyard

Kentwood

Kentwood is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Woodland Mall or Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve.

Kentwood
Grand Rapids Art Museum which includes a city

Heartside

4.5/5(229 area reviews)

Heartside is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Van Andel Arena and Grand Rapids Children's Museum while in the area.

Heartside
Gotta love this little guy!

East Grand Rapids

Restaurants and lake views are just a few things travelers like about East Grand Rapids. A stop by Canepa Tennis Center is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

East Grand Rapids
The African savannah? No, the amazing Lion habitat at John Ball Park Zoo! John Ball Zoological Garden is an urban park located on the west side of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. The John Ball Zoo is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the park. The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world and is a significant regional attraction. With the Zoo School and Wildlife Conservation Fund the zoo gives something back to the community and world as a whole. The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

John Ball Park

While visiting John Ball Park, you might make a stop by sights like John Ball Zoo and Public Museum of Grand Rapids.

John Ball Park
Iconic in GR.

Medical Mile

You'll enjoy the churches and shopping in Medical Mile. You might want to make time for a stop at Heritage Hill Historic District or La Grande Vitesse.

Medical Mile

Popular day trips from Grand Rapids

Grandville

Grandville

Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Rapids worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Grand Rapids is explore DeVos Performance Hall. Tick this leading attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's history and culture.
How do I spend a day in Grand Rapids?
John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Children's Museum are two good places to begin your vacation adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Grand Rapids while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Grand Rapids?
The top tourist attraction in Grand Rapids is DeVos Performance Hall, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Grand Rapids?
Three days will be plenty of time to check out some popular city highlights, including DeVos Performance Hall, John Ball Zoo and Grand Rapids Children's Museum. The average stay in Grand Rapids is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your break, Holland isn't far away.
Is Grand Rapids a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Grand Rapids. Several top sights, like DeVos Performance Hall and John Ball Zoo, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Grand Rapids's neighborhoods, Downtown Grand Rapids is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Heartside is 0.64 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Grand Rapids with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, have a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Grand Rapids with kids.

What to do in Grand Rapids for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Grand Rapids, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Gerald R. Ford Museum or Vander Veen's Dutch Store.
Are there free things to do in Grand Rapids?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Grand Rapids is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Downtown Market is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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