Grand Rapids Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Grand Rapids which includes a river or creek, a bridge and 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

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,907 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
₹11,907
per night
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (370 reviews)
"Great place! Convenient location and big rooms."

Reviewed on 24 Sep 2023

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
187 Monroe Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is ₹19,462 per night from 30 Sep to 1 Oct
₹19,462
per night
30 Sep - 1 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Centrally located historical building."

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2023

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, Ascend Hotel Collection
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
83 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
The price is ₹13,358 per night from 15 Oct to 16 Oct
₹13,358
per night
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Stay at this 3-star boutique hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"We found the property to not be as negative as some of the reviews we had read before staying there. In fact, it was really quite pleasant. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars overall is mainly to do with something the property probably doesn't have much control over: the cost of parking - ..."

Reviewed on 22 Sep 2023

CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, Ascend Hotel Collection
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 WiFi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Woodland Mall and Centerpointe Mall are located ...
6.6/10 (1,019 reviews)
"Happy"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2023

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 business-friendly apartment in Grandville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Vander Veen's Dutch Store ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (22 reviews)
"This property is fun and quirky. My kids thought it was like Hogwarts and loved the library and game room the most. We had the Presidential Penthouse and the view of GR was awesome. It is huge and more than a family of 4 needed but so much fun."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2023

The Grand Castle Apartments
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Grand Rapids

3.7
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
0
" "5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 66.66666666666667%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 33.333333333333336%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Jan 2020

There's plenty to do and discover in Grand Rapids if you take the time.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
30 Apr 2019

We went to visit our son and see him graduate. Have no reason to be back

Cities near Grand Rapids