Searching for an exhilarating journey in Grand Rapids? Stop here! Our guide will show the best activities. From discovering culture and history to outdoor experiences, we got you covered. So buckle down your hat and get ready for a sensational journey! Let’s explore the finest of Grand Rapids!
Five Facts About Best Things To Do in Grand Rapids [Ultimate Guide]:
- ✅ Grand Rapids is home to the world-renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, boasting a permanent collection of over 300 works of art. (Source: Experience Grand Rapids)
- ✅ The city offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from the iconic West Michigan whitefish to globally inspired cuisine. (Source: Beer City Eats)
- ✅ Grand Rapids is a beer lover’s paradise, with over 80 breweries and taprooms offering a variety of craft beer styles. (Source: Grand Rapids Beer City)
- ✅ The city is home to several museums, including the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. (Source: Pure Michigan)
- ✅ Grand Rapids has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with events such as ArtPrize, the world’s largest art competition, drawing visitors from around the globe. (Source: ArtPrize)
Top Historical Attractions
Head over to Grand Rapids! ‘Top Historical Attractions‘ is the title for you. It’ll help you plan your visit. Explore the city’s heritage with these highlighted landmarks. Must-see locations. Don’t miss out!
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Discover the unique history of Grand Rapids at the Grand Rapids Public Museum! It’s one of the top attractions and the best things to do in the city. Explore the cultural, scientific, and historical heritage of West Michigan. See artifacts like an 1890s business district, a working furniture factory, and an exhibit about the Anishinabek people.
Check out the Lyceum of Natural History and learn about zoology, fossils, and automobile history. Get a glimpse of space at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. Plus, ride the 1928 Spillman Carousel and visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Also, take a stroll through a rock garden and waterfall. Admire famous sculptures by Edgar Degas, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and the Leonardo Da Vinci Horse.
The Blandford Nature Center is a non-profit and independent organization. It teaches about flora, fauna, and environmental tools.
Lastly, don’t miss the LEED Gold-certified Grand Rapids Art Museum featuring Renaissance, modern, and contemporary art.
Pro tip: Perfect for tourists interested in culture, history, and science!
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a unique attraction in Michigan and a must-visit spot in Grand Rapids. It has a mix of art, nature, and architecture. Attractions include Leonardo Da Vinci’s Horse and the 1928 Spillman Carousel. There are 4 miles of trails, heritage buildings, and the Wildlife Education Center.
Pro tip: Spend a full day there to experience it all.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a must for anyone wanting to take in museums and history in the area. It has an awesome collection of art and artifacts from the Renaissance to contemporary works, focusing on 19th and 20th-century European and American art. Plus, it’s a LEED Gold-certified museum! It has exhibits like the “Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.” It has interactive video and holographic presentations, too, to show his political career. There’s also the “White House Taping System” and “Watergate Gallery” to explore the events that led to Nixon’s resignation.
Other historical attractions in Grand Rapids worth seeing include:
- John Ball Zoo
- Blandford Farm
- Calvin Ecosystem Preserve
- Meyer May House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright!
- Plenty of other historic buildings to explore, like the former headquarters of Steelcase Company.
Whether you’re looking for art or fun things to do in Grand Rapids, these historical attractions won’t disappoint.
Pro tip: Plan ahead and check the hours for each attraction, as they can vary depending on the season.
The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum
If you’re exploring Grand Rapids, The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum is a must-visit spot! Gerald Ford is an important figure in US history, and the museum offers visitors the chance to submerge themselves in his legacy.
It also has indoor and outdoor gardens, the 1928 Spillman Carousel, and habitats for vultures, hawks, and falcons. There are behind-the-scenes tours and exhibits like Treasures of the Tropics and the Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Exhibit.
The sustainable agriculture and community gardens are environmental tools, plus public art, Prairie-style houses, and Victorian-style furniture production too. For art fans, the Grand Rapids Symphony, opera, and ballet companies offer performances.
At the Fulton Street Farmers Market, you can sample homemade food and produce. And Aunt Daisy’s Farm is great for families, with interactive exhibits, storytelling events, and a treehouse.
Pro Tip: Allow at least half a day to explore The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum and all the other historical and cultural attractions in Grand Rapids.
Family-Friendly Activities
Fun For All The Family!
Are you looking for something special to do in Grand Rapids with your family? Our “Family-Friendly Activities” heading is perfect! It’s tailored to your search needs, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by too many options.
We’ve got the ultimate guide for you! Here’s a list of the best family activities in Grand Rapids – suitable for all ages and interests.
John Ball Zoo
The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a great spot for families! It’s LEED Gold-certified and has plenty of activities. Explore indoor gardens and view art from the 19th and 20th centuries. Take a tour of the White House. Walk around the Reds Hobby Farm and Budgie Aviary. Check out the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Puppet Stage, and Aunt Daisy’s Farm. Little ones can make costumes and learn at interactive exhibits. Listen to local musicians perform. Surrounding the zoo are Native Gardens, produce farmers, and vendors with fresh food.
There’s so much to see and do – plan to spend several hours here! Some of the activities include:
- Exploring indoor gardens and viewing art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Taking a tour of the White House.
- Walking around the Reds Hobby Farm and Budgie Aviary.
- Visiting the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Puppet Stage, and Aunt Daisy’s Farm.
- Making costumes and learning at interactive exhibits.
- Listening to local musicians perform.
- Exploring Native Gardens, produce farmers and vendors with fresh food.
Grand Rapids Childrens Museum
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is one of the top places to visit! It has family-friendly activities for all ages. Check out Aunt Daisy’s Farm, Lincoln Logs and Lego building stations, and art programs. There are also historic architecture and Victorian style. Get close to environmental tools like the fish ladder. Learn about local fish such as carp, salmon, trout, and steelhead.
Events like the Bach Festival, Symphony Youth Choruses, and more are held at the museum. For a special experience, visit one of the Farmers Market events. Sample and buy some of the best homemade items! Those include baked goods, fresh veggies, fruits, honey, maple syrup, meats, condiments, jams, dairy, pastries, and food trucks.
Blandford Nature Center
Blandford Nature Center is a great family-friendly activity in Grand Rapids. Explore the local flora and fauna! It’s located in Kent County on the site of an old Native American trading post founded by Louis Campau in 1826. You can also view Joseph Kinnebrew’s sculpture, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Horse.
The center has a LEED Gold-certified museum with exhibits from the Renaissance period and other eras. You can use it to make environmentally responsible decisions. Aunt Daisy’s Farm offers fun activities like Legos, clothing making, and costume-making. There are also performances from the Youth Symphony, Classical Orchestra, Symphony Chorus, opera group, and ballet company. Blandford Nature Center is one of a kind. Remember to wear comfy shoes and bring water when you visit!
Blueberry Picking Farms
Blueberry picking farms are plentiful in the Grand Rapids area, and they are a great family activity. Check out our Best U-Pick Blueberry Farms in Michigan Directory for locations around Grand Rapids. Many of these farms offer U-Pick opportunities that can be fun for the whole family. These farms typically have a wide variety of blueberry varieties, as well as other fruits and vegetables available for harvest. Visiting a local farm can be an enjoyable way to learn about where our food comes from and develop an appreciation for sustainable farming practices.
Unique and Unusual Points of Interest
A brand-new experience awaits in Grand Rapids! ‘Unique and Unusual Points of Interest‘ gives you a peek into the city’s hidden gems. Instead of the usual tourist attractions, venture off the beaten track and explore the unknown. Get ready to add some excitement and adventure to your visit. Discover unique and unusual points of interest!
Fish Ladder Park
Fish Ladder Park is an exciting place to visit! Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the park is home to a fish ladder – a tool made to help fish swim upstream. Visitors can watch different fish species as they climb the ladder. Plus, it’s a great spot for a picnic with lots of green space and seating.
Grand Rapids is full of fun things to do. Opera groups, youth symphonies, costume-making workshops – there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit to Fish Ladder during spring or fall. That’s when the fish migration is at its peak. Get a chance to observe the fish up close and learn about their journey.
Meyer May House
Meyer May House is a must for those who want something different in Grand Rapids. Frank Lloyd Wright designed this architectural masterpiece in 1909. It features furniture and decor from 19th and 20th-century Europe, plus contemporary pieces. The house is surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Visitors can relax in the conservatory with a refreshing drink.
If you’re into cars, Aunt Daisy’s Farm is a short drive away. You can make costumes and use environmental tools there. Grand Rapids boasts Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse sculpture, a tour of the White House, and more. Don’t forget to put Meyer May House on your itinerary when you plan your trip. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
Entertainment and Music
“Entertainment and Music” is the title! It covers a wide selection of activities for everyone’s enjoyment. The goal? To give readers in Grand Rapids many chances to have fun and be fulfilled. Concerts, festivals, nightclubs – whatever your preference, this guide will assist you in finding the entertainment that suits you best.
Founders Brewing Co.
At Founders Brewing Co., visitors will find a mix of country, rock, alternative, and bluegrass music. In addition to local bands, the venue also hosts touring acts from around the world. The music at Founders often features up-and-coming singer-songwriters and indie artists. Other popular live acts include folk, funk, soul, and jazz bands. Many live acts are at the best outdoor concert venues located in Michigan. For those looking for something more low-key, Founders also hosts acoustic sets and weekly open mic nights.
Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grand Rapids Symphony offers some of the best entertainment around! With its Youth Symphony, Classical Orchestra, local opera group, and the local ballet company, there is something to please every taste. It’s also a great way to appreciate the city’s historical architecture, as the concerts are often held at iconic venues like DeVos Performance Hall and St. Cecilia Music Center.
If you’re an art admirer, the Grand Rapids Symphony should be on your to-do list!
Pro Tip: Check out the Symphony’s calendar when planning your visit. You don’t want to miss out on special events and performances!
Local Food and Farmers Market
Support local businesses and try organic produce by visiting the local food and farmers markets! It’s a great way to learn more about where your food comes from.
This Ultimate Guide to Grand Rapids will tell you all about the best food markets in the area. Plus, it’ll explain how they benefit the community!
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is another local farmer’s market in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is a year-round indoor market that features a variety of local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, slices of bread, baked goods, and more. In addition to the vendors, the Downtown Market also has a teaching kitchen, rooftop greenhouse, and event space. The market is committed to supporting and promoting local food systems and sustainable agriculture and offers a number of classes and events throughout the year to educate the community about the importance of these initiatives. Whether you’re a foodie looking for quality ingredients or simply want to support local businesses, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a must-visit destination.
Brewery Vivant
Brewery Vivant is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The brewery is known for producing Belgian-style beers and using sustainable practices in its production process. The brewery also operates a restaurant, serving food inspired by Belgian and French cuisine. Brewery Vivant is committed to reducing its environmental impact by utilizing solar panels, composting, and recycling. They have received several awards for their commitment to sustainability, including being named the Most Sustainable Business by the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.
Fulton Street Farmers Market
The Fulton Street Farmers Market is great for locals and tourists alike! It has a huge variety of fresh and organic produce, handcrafted items, yummy drinks, and snacks. Plus, you can buy locally sourced goods and learn about the area’s history and culture. Examples are Aunt Daisy’s Farm, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Horse, and 19th and 20th-century European exhibits. There are also contemporary creations, practical environmental tools, and clothing manufacturers.
Take a White House tour, make costumes, listen to live music from the Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra, and more! It’s definitely one of Grand Rapids’ best attractions.
Pro Tip: Taste the local produce and snacks and support the Grand Rapids community!
Nature and Parks
‘Nature and Parks’ is the title for readers to find the top outdoor activities in Grand Rapids. Exploring natural trails and bird watching – something for everyone! Traveling solo or with friends, this guide will give a complete list of the best stuff to do in this gorgeous city’s nature and parks.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park has over 1,400 acres and expands through 4 different cities, including Grand Rapids. Millennium Park offers many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. The park also includes several picnic areas, playgrounds, and sporting fields for visitors to enjoy. One of the park’s main attractions is the beach section which features a spacious sandy area for sunbathing and swimming in the lake. Additionally, the park is home to several events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations. With its diverse range of activities and events, Millennium Park is a popular destination for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Belknap Hill Park
Belknap Hill Park is a 60-acre park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors, such as walking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, grills, pavilions, and more. The park also has educational kiosks along the trails, which teach visitors about the history of the park and provide information on wildlife management. Visitors can also participate in organized events such as birding classes or nature walks. Other amenities at the park include a volleyball court, a kid’s fishing pond, and horseshoe pits for those looking for a slower pace.
Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens
Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens is a great spot for nature lovers and park-goers in Grand Rapids. It has trails, gardens, and interpretive centers that feature local flora and fauna. You can either take a guided tour or explore alone. Learn about the preserve’s work to bring back native plant species and protect endangered critters.
If you are into nature or just need a break from life, it’s a must-visit!
Pro tip: Don’t forget your camera and comfy shoes!
FAQs about Best Things To Do In Grand Rapids [Ultimate Guide]
What Are Some Unique Things to do in Grand Rapids?
What Are Some of the Best Outdoor Activities in Grand Rapids?
What Are The Top Attractions to Visit in Grand Rapids?
What Are Some Fun Places to go in Grand Rapids With Friends?
What Are The Best Indoor Activities in Grand Rapids for Adults?
What is There to do in Grand Rapids This Weekend?
Related Articles
30+ Fun Things To Do in Detroit (Detailed Guide)
31+ Fun Things To Do in Traverse City
47+ Best Thrift Stores in Michigan for Amazing Value
35+ Best Romantic Places to Stay in Michigan for a Getaway
