Grand Rapids, MI

Travel Guide

A street with historic buildings, a pedestrian crossing, and a traffic light.
A riverside walkway with a blue bridge, a modern building with outdoor seating, and a brick building with arched windows.
A street lined with tall brick buildings, parked cars, and trees.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Center with an American flag, a statue, and a fountain.
A city street with buildings, trees, benches, and people.

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

Find the best Grand Rapids areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Grand Rapids
Learn more about Grand Rapids
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Downtown Grand Rapids

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

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East Hills

If you're spending some time in East Hills, Heritage Hill Historic District and LaFontsee Galleries are top sights worth seeing.

A Victorian-style house with a stone foundation, a large tree in the foreground, and a sign indicating it is the Voigt House Victorian Museum.

Heritage Hill

If you're spending some time in Heritage Hill, Heritage Hill Historic District and Voigt House Victorian Museum are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape with a river, bridges, and various buildings.

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.

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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.

The Center Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

The Center Hotel Grand Rapids Airport

3 out of 5
3333 28th St SE Grand Rapids MI
$72 nightly
The price is $85 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$85 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
The Center Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI

3 out of 5
3251 Deposit Dr Grand Rapids MI
$118 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$139 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
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
$229 nightly
The price is $270 total per night from Oct 30 to Oct 31
$270 total
Oct 30 - Oct 31
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,043 reviews)
"Stayed two nights and room was never cleaned. Had to call for toilet paper and more towels. When I complained at check out, parking fee was waived."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
See all 725 properties in Grand Rapids
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.
Birch Hill Grand Rapids

Birch Hill Grand Rapids

3 out of 5
2701 E Beltline Ave SE Grand Rapids MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fireplace in the lobby. Popular attractions Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture ...
5.6/10 (141 reviews)
"This place is a great place to stay i have a loft and its very comfortable and its very close to the woodland mall and a lot of dinners"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Birch Hill Grand Rapids
Delightfully quiet & cozy, middle of everywhere

Delightfully quiet & cozy, middle of everywhere

Grand Rapids MI
Stay at this vacation home in Grand Rapids. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Van Andel Arena ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"Jay was very helpful when the a c went out, but it took a couple emails to let him know that a repairman was needed. He was gracious to refund some of our payment because of that. I was not aware that the upstairs does not get the A. C. so it was pretty hot up there where the two smaller beds are ..."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2026

Delightfully quiet & cozy, middle of everywhere
Charming 3-bedroom apartment in lovely Grand Rapids walk to downtown.

Charming 3-bedroom apartment in lovely Grand Rapids walk to downtown.

Grand Rapids MI
Stay at this apartment in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Van Andel Arena and Frederik Meijer Gardens ...
9/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"Could have been cleaner, but great location. Very quiet."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026

Charming 3-bedroom apartment in lovely Grand Rapids walk to downtown.
See all properties in Grand Rapids
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.

Stay near popular Grand Rapids attractions

A modern glass building with a curved facade and a large overhang.

Van Andel Arena

8.8/10 (1,283 reviews)
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
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Things to do

Discover the restless spirits that refuse to fade into oblivion on our Grand Rapids' haunted tour.

Grand Rapids Wraiths and Witches Ghost Tours

$32
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Grand Rapids Wraiths and Witches Ghost Tours
See all activities in Grand Rapids

Frequently asked questions

Is Grand Rapids worth visiting?
Grand Rapids is worth visiting for its standout attractions like Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and Van Andel Arena. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining options, including Italian and North American cuisine, and explore distinct neighborhoods such as Heartside and Downtown Grand Rapids.
When is the best time to visit Grand Rapids?
The best time to visit Grand Rapids is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering a different experience with cooler temperatures.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Grand Rapids?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Grand Rapids depend on what you want to see:

  • Heartside offers cultural attractions like Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum.
  • Downtown Grand Rapids is home to entertainment venues such as Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall, plus the public art of La Grande Vitesse.
  • John Ball Park features educational sites including Grand Valley State University - City Campus, Van Andel Museum Center, and Gerald R. Ford Museum.
  • East Beltline provides shopping at Centerpointe Mall and academic interest with Calvin University, alongside the Orbit Room.
  • Heritage Hill is known for its historical architecture and museums, including the Voigt House Victorian Museum, Meyer May House, and the Heritage Hill Historic District.

What is Grand Rapids known for?
Grand Rapids is known for Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Van Andel Arena, and the Downtown Market. Travelers can also enjoy a strong Italian food culture, especially in neighborhoods like Heartside and Downtown Grand Rapids.
What is a good itinerary length for Grand Rapids?
A good itinerary length for Grand Rapids is two to three days to explore key highlights like Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Downtown Market, and Downtown Grand Rapids. An extended stay of four to five days allows more time to enjoy areas like Heartside, visit John Ball Park, or participate in a Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt. See Grand Rapids Activities.
How do you get around Grand Rapids?
For getting around Grand Rapids, rental cars are available in neighborhoods like Belknap Lookout, Alpine Center, and Garfield Park, offering flexibility to explore. Grand Rapids Station provides train service for travelers. Rideshare services are also a convenient option for local travel within the city.
What are the top things to do in and around Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids offers a mix of nature, cultural venues, and unique urban experiences:


How do I plan a trip to Grand Rapids?
Plan your Grand Rapids trip by searching for places to stay on Expedia, perhaps in Heartside or Downtown Grand Rapids. Book flights and activities, like the Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt, in advance. Consider a rental car for exploring. When planning, pair outdoor activities with indoor options for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Grand Rapids?
In Grand Rapids, you can find Mexican cuisine, with popular dishes like tacos and burritos. Travelers also have options for Italian, various North American styles such as New American and Southern Soul Food, and diverse Asian flavors like Chinese, Japanese, and Thai. European choices like Mediterranean and French are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Grand Rapids?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Grand Rapids by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Grand Rapids with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Grand Rapids trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Grand Rapids?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Grand Rapids can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Grand Rapids trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Grand Rapids trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Grand Rapids trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Grand Rapids trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Grand Rapids?
If it's your first trip to Grand Rapids, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Grand Rapids hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Grand Rapids hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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