If you love observing public art, strolling through gardens, and drinking craft beer, you will want to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan. It’s known for all of those things and more. In this post, we will show you some of the best spots to check out during your time there.
Getting There
Fortunately, Grand Rapids has its very own airport (Gerald R. Ford International), so you can fly right into town without too much hassle. If you’re traveling by car, the city is easily accessible from major highways, including 96 and 196.
Things to Do
Millennium Park
While it spans multiple Michigan cities, including Wyoming, Walker, and Grandville, a significant portion of this park is right in Grand Rapids. At 1,500 hundred acres and expanding, the park will surpass Central Park in New York as the largest urban green space in the country once it’s finished.
Breweries
Perhaps more than anything else, Grand Rapids is known for its many breweries. That’s because it has one of the best brewery scenes in the nation! Are you ready to socialize and sip some suds? Hop on over to these spots: B.O.B.’s Brewery, Grand Rapids Brewing Co., Brewery Vivant, and The Mitten Brewing Company.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
This museum, located in a former flour mill in the heart of downtown, explores not only the history of the area but is also home to a planetarium and a classic carousel. Current exhibits highlight the region’s indigenous Anishinabek people, a recreation of grand rapids in the 1890s, and the 1928 Wurlitzer Pipe Organ.
John Ball Zoological Garden
If you’re feeling a little wild, look no further than the city’s zoo. It has exhibits to delight visitors of all ages. Primates, amphibians, and reptiles can be found in the Treasure of the Tropics habitat, while Crawford Tigers of the Realm brings you (almost) face-to-face with the stunning striped predators, and the Van Andel Living Shores Aquarium takes you deep under the sea.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
You don’t have to be a flower fan to appreciate the beautiful blooms at this majestic botanical garden. Between the walking trails, stunning sculptures, and numerous specialty gardens, you could easily spend all day here. Kids will love readings and puppet shows that take place in the Storytelling Garden and can make a splash in the Great Lakes Garden, an interactive mini-model of the Great Lakes.
Heritage Hill Historic District
If you’re a lover of old houses with tons of character, you won’t want to miss this charming neighborhood, which boasts more than 1,300 gorgeous 19th- and 20th-century homes in just about every architectural style. As a bonus, it’s a super-easy walk from downtown Grand Rapids.
Want More?
Stay a couple of extra days, and check out Michigan’s adventure waterpark too! Our sister site, HotelCoupons.com can help you find some of the most affordable hotel rates in the area!
