Grand Rapids Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Visit museums, explore beautiful gardens and enjoy outdoor activities in the River City where Midwestern charm meets a thriving Michigan metropolis.

Grand Rapids, located just east of Lake Michigan, is a vibrant city rich with culture and natural beauty. With plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and a variety of museums and galleries, Grand Rapids is the perfect destination for the whole family.

The city straddles the beautiful Grand River and is therefore known as the “River City.” Rent a bicycle and ride along the riverbank or play a round of golf at one of the courses nearby. Drive to Lake Michigan and go swimming, climb dunes or play beach volleyball.

During winter, visit Cannonsburg Ski Area for snowboarding and cross-country skiing or try outdoor ice skating at Richmond Park. Grand Rapids Park and Kent County Park offer miles of trails for skiing and snowshoeing. In summer, these areas are perfect for biking and hiking.

Visit the world-renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The park aims to blend man-made art with nature. Stroll through the tropical conservatory and marvel at Nina Akamu's massive sculpture, The American Horse.

Step back in time at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Explore American culture during the 1970s and discover interactive exhibits such as the mock Oval Office and Cabinet Room.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is home to more than 5,000 artworks. Browse the Renaissance section or marvel at modern masterpieces, such as Richard Diebenkorn’s Ingleside. The museum dates back to 1910 a 2007 redesign has elevated the building to a city icon.

Be sure to visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum, one of the oldest museums in the United States. Learn about the area's native peoples at the Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibition. Gaze at the stars in the planetarium and ride the vintage carousel outside.

Reach Grand Rapids by flying into the International Airport, which is a 20-minute drive from downtown, or catch the daily Amtrak service from Chicago to Grand Rapids. Whether you are seeking cultural enrichment or outdoor fun, Grand Rapids has much to offer.

Where to stay in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids showing a city

Downtown Grand Rapids

While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like DeVos Performance Hall and Heritage Hill Historic District.

Downtown Grand Rapids
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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
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East Grand Rapids

Visitors to East Grand Rapids like its restaurants and lake views, and Canepa Tennis Center is a sight worth a stop.

East Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Art Museum showing a city

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.

Heartside
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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
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Belknap Lookout

When in Belknap Lookout, you can plan a visit to Grand Rapids Art Museum and Broadway Grand Rapids, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Belknap Lookout
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

3 out of 5
3333 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is ₹7,426 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
₹7,426
₹8,763 total
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,804 reviews)
"Nice place to stay for a night. The room was spacious and comfortable."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

3 out of 5
40 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is ₹13,914 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹13,914
₹16,419 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
Great stay and very convenient
"Passing through while on a road trip, so our stay was short, and a place to rest our heads. Our only concern was that after driving for 12+ hours, all we wanted to do was check in, shower, and sleep. Unfortunately, we were delayed because the receptionist was locked out of her system. The receptionist ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

3 out of 5
270 Ann Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is ₹9,250 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹9,250
₹10,915 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
6/10 (1,007 reviews)
"Staff was great parking lot could use some cleaning and shower did not work properly but staff helped fix it right away"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids

Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids

3 out of 5
2701 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fireplace in reception. Popular attractions Frederik Meijer Gardens and ...
5.2/10 (71 reviews)
Amazing
"Felt like home!"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Affordable Suites of America Grand Rapids
The Grand Castle Apartments

The Grand Castle Apartments

4 out of 5
2655 Grand Castle Blvd, Grandville, MI
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly apartment in Grandville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions John Ball Zoo and Van Andel ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (76 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at the castle; it worked out very well for our family of nine. It was so nice to have the laundry there and the view was great with it being on the 11th floor. Sleeping arrangements worked well and having 2 bathrooms was so convenient. There was an issue with the lock/doorknob ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

The Grand Castle Apartments
The Reserve Flats

The Reserve Flats

4 out of 5
3751 Reserve Dr. SW, Grandville, MI
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly condo in Grandville. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and patios. Popular attractions RiverTown Crossings Mall and Frog Hollow ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Nice Property
"It was a wonderful property. Close enough to Holland to allow for easy day trips."

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

The Reserve Flats
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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