View of the skyline on the Grand River at dusk in downtown Grand Rapids

Things to do in  Grand Rapids

Michigan’s rising star

Once the world leader in fine furniture, Grand Rapids has blossomed to become one of Michigan’s coolest cities. It’s a rising star in the craft brewery and culinary scene, is home to the West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team, and is just 30 minutes from Lake Michigan. Between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market, the hip and happening Eastown neighborhood, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and the annual ArtPrize 2.0 art competition, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Grand Rapids.

Learn more

Explore Grand Rapids by interest

Top activities in Grand Rapids

Motherland Cooking Xperience

Motherland Cooking Xperience

star-5
1
From
$150.49
Gerald R. Ford Intl. Airport (GRR) to Grand Rapids - Arrival Private Transfer

Gerald R. Ford Intl. Airport (GRR) to Grand Rapids - Arrival Private Transfer

From
$56.78
Gerald R. Ford Airport (GRR) to Grand Rapids Round-Trip Transfer

Gerald R. Ford Airport (GRR) to Grand Rapids Round-Trip Transfer

From
$113.56
Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt: Grand Hunt Round River City

Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt: Grand Hunt Round River City

star-4.5
2
From
$12.31
Grand Rapids to Gerald R. Ford Intl. Airport (GRR) - Departure Private Transfer

Grand Rapids to Gerald R. Ford Intl. Airport (GRR) - Departure Private Transfer

From
$56.78
Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Holly Jolly Hunt

Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Holly Jolly Hunt

star-5
1
From
$20.00
per group
Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Wacky Walks

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Wacky Walks

From
$10.00
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Operation City Quest

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Operation City Quest

From
$10.00
Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt by 3Quest Challenge

Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt by 3Quest Challenge

star-4
2
From
$10.00
Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt in Grand Rapids by Zombie Scavengers

From
$20.00
per group
Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt

star-5
5
From
$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
Grand Rapids Ghosts Tour

Grand Rapids Ghosts Tour

star-5
12
From
$30.00
See all Grand Rapids tours

All about Grand Rapids

When to visit

For pleasant weather, picnics and barbecues, baseball games, and reasons to hit the beaches in nearby Grand Haven and Saugatuck, summer is one of the best times to visit Grand Rapids. The fall is another gorgeous time to visit—the oak and maple trees are in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red; football season is in full swing; and Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery serves delicious donuts and apple cider.

Getting around

To reach Grand Rapids, fly into the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). From there, you can rent a car or take The Rapid public bus system. While The Rapid doesn’t take you everywhere, it can get you near where you need to be; if necessary, you can use a ride-sharing service to complete your journey. Some parts of the city have rental scooters and e-bikes, both of which are fun and eco-friendly alternatives to driving.

Traveler tips

Grand Rapids is well known for its craft beer scene, and the original pints which put the city on the map are from Founders Brewing Co. Order one of the 4 Giants varieties or try brews you can only find at the taproom. For food, head to Yesterdog, located in the Eastown neighborhood. Opt for the Ultradog, topped with chili, onion, pickle, ketchup, and mustard.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
12
Reviews
23
EN
597e1f53-554b-4533-95b6-35b0a62180f5
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is Grand Rapids most known for?

Grand Rapids is well known for its annual ArtPrize competition, craft breweries, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and the LMCU Ballpark. Nicknamed the “Furniture City,” Grand Rapids used to be the world leader in fine furniture, though now it is better known for its office furniture.

...More
How should I spend one day in Grand Rapids?

If you have only one day in Grand Rapids, visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in the morning, then to Harmony Brewing Company for beer and pizza. After, visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. In the evening, head downtown to the Amway Grand Plaza for dinner with a view.

...More
Is Grand Rapids worth visiting?

Yes, Grand Rapids is worth visiting. With more than 40 craft breweries, a prestigious art competition, a 158-acre sculpture park, and a minor-league baseball stadium, anyone who considers themself an art enthusiast, beer connoisseur, or baseball fan should plan a trip.

...More
What are the top attractions to visit in Grand Rapids?

When visiting Grand Rapids, some of the top spots to see are the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo, Fish Ladder Park, and the Meyer May House. Some popular museums are the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

...More
How many days do I need in Grand Rapids?

Three to four days should be enough time to tick off all the top attractions in Grand Rapids. If it’s the right season, attend a baseball game at LMCU Ballpark, check out the ArtPrize competition, picnic at Reeds Lake, or sample cider and donuts at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery.

...More
What is the best time to visit GR?

Summer and fall are the best times to visit Grand Rapids. The weather is warmest in the summer, meaning you can get out and explore the outdoors comfortably. Fall’s changing colors make September and October beautiful months to see the city, and it’s the beginning of football season, too.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top activities in Grand Rapids?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Grand Rapids?
A:
Check out things to do near Grand Rapids:

More Tours in Grand Rapids