Grand Rapids, MI

Travel Guide

Grand Rapids which includes a city
Grand Rapids showing a river or creek, a city and a bridge
Grand Rapids showing a city
Gerald R. Ford Museum featuring a fountain and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Grand Rapids showing 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

Grand Rapids featuring a city

Downtown Grand Rapids

4.5/5(214 area reviews)

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

Downtown Grand Rapids
Male Cardinal in Kentwood Backyard

Kentwood

Kentwood is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Woodland Mall or Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve.

Kentwood
Gotta love this little guy!

East Grand Rapids

Restaurants and lake views are just a few things travelers like about East Grand Rapids. A stop by Canepa Tennis Center is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

East Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Art Museum which includes a city

Heartside

4.5/5(229 area reviews)

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.

Heartside
The African savannah? No, the amazing Lion habitat at John Ball Park Zoo!
John Ball Zoological Garden is an urban park located on the west side of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. The John Ball Zoo is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the park.

The zoo houses a variety of animals from around the world and is a significant regional attraction. With the Zoo School and Wildlife Conservation Fund the zoo gives something back to the community and world as a whole.

The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

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.

John Ball Park
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Belknap Lookout

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Belknap Lookout and surrounding area, you can visit Grand Rapids Art Museum and Broadway Grand Rapids.

Belknap Lookout
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
3 out of 5
3333 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
$86 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$101 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,718 reviews)
"Yo"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
3 out of 5
270 Ann Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
$134 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$158 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
6.2/10 (1,004 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
4 out of 5
5700 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI
$110 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$130 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Grand Rapids. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (396 reviews)
"It appears to be an older property with some refurbishment. Some rooms have balconies, but they are small with no furniture."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
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 a fireplace in the lobby. Popular attractions Frederik Meijer Gardens and ...
5.2/10 (68 reviews)
"Was a quick trip. Property was nice. Room look update. Only negative was came with a kitchen but had nothing in it. No dishes no pots or pans or silverware. If you were going to use it you’d have to bring your own"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

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 family-friendly apartment in Grandville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions John Ball Zoo and Van Andel ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (75 reviews)
"This property was perfect for our visit. Two adults and two children. It was clean, and comfortable and had everything needed to feel like home away from home. The location was also accessible to everywhere we went. Thank you. We would definitely plan to stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Grand Castle Apartments
Cozy retreat ! Spacious family friendly 10 minutes away from downtown
Cozy retreat ! Spacious family friendly 10 minutes away from downtown
Grand Rapids
Stay at this apartment in Grand Rapids. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Van Andel Arena and DeVos Performance Hall are located nearby.
6.4/10 (19 reviews)
Wrestling weekend
"18 year olds stayed for a wrestling tournament"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Cozy retreat ! Spacious family friendly 10 minutes away from downtown
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

Things to do

Reviews of Grand Rapids

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
967
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
993
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
220
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
23
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Born and raised so I knew was to expect when I came

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Its fine

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The characters seemed sketchy, did not trust my belongings to be left in the hotel alone for too long.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I love it born and raised here

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots of restaurants, bars, and shopping in the downtown area. It’s clean, feels safe, and it’s walkable. 

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

I live here.

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