Southwest Travel Guide
Grand Rapids
Popular places to visit
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 theatre scene and great live music.
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.
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
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.
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.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Lining the streets of this old residential area are more than 1,000 houses of 60 different designs. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece among these historic homes.
Top hotels in Southwest
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
I’ve stayed here a few times and for what my needs were it’s okay. It would be nice if they had a breakfast.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Great location, clean facilities and super friendly staff! Will be my go to place to stay in GR!
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
Very nice
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
Easy check-in, spacious clean room, convenient location, lots of breakfast options
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
WoodSpring Suites Grand Rapids Kentwood
Know that you have to pay for linens exchange. All cookware has to be paid for as well. Slightly sketchy but good if you need somewhere to sleep while on the road. The staff is not available after a certain time and aren’t available until late morning. Rooms are mostly clean, but bed and bedsheets/comforters ...
Reviewed on 6 May 2026
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Airport North by IHG
Everything was great except having to switch rooms when adding a night. Also really wished for a hot tub.
Reviewed on 8 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest
Roosevelt Park
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Roosevelt Park and surrounding area, you can visit Downtown Market and Van Andel Arena.
Heartside
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.
Black Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Black Hills and surrounding area, you can visit John Ball Zoo and Downtown Market.
Heritage Hill
While visiting Heritage Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Hill Historic District and Voigt House Victorian Museum.
Garfield Park
Garfield Park might not have many top sights, but Downtown Market and Grand Rapids Children's Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.
