Things to do in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI, packs a lot into a mid-sized city: a downtown food hall, a river with fish ladders, and a sculpture garden that doubles as a concert…
Grand Rapids, MI, packs a lot into a mid-sized city: a downtown food hall, a river with fish ladders, and a sculpture garden that doubles as a concert venue. Families can spend a day at the zoo or children's museum, while nightlife ranges from arcade bars to live music clubs.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a standout, with indoor art exhibits and summer concerts. The Grand Rapids Public Museum and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum cover history and science. For outdoor time, Riverside Park has hiking and disc golf, while Rosa Parks Circle turns into an ice rink in winter. Food options are broad: the Grand Rapids Downtown Market houses grocers and international stalls, and Yesterdog serves classic hot dogs. The B.O.B. fills a former warehouse with restaurants, a brewery, and a comedy club. Bowling alleys, escape rooms, and TreeRunner's obstacle courses round out family-friendly entertainment.
Frequently asked questions about Grand Rapids
What are the best outdoor activities in Grand Rapids?▾
Riverside Park has trails for hiking and biking, plus disc golf and kayaking. Fish Ladder Park is a unique spot to watch fish migrate up the river. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has 150 acres of gardens and sculptures, and Rosa Parks Circle hosts ice skating in winter.
What family-friendly attractions are there in Grand Rapids?▾
John Ball Zoo has over 2,000 animals, including penguins and a funicular ride. The Grand Rapids Children's Museum is hands-on for kids ages 2-10. TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park has obstacle courses with zip lines, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum features a carousel and planetarium.
Where can I get a good meal in Grand Rapids?▾
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a food hall with grocers, butchers, and international dining. For a local classic, Yesterdog serves hot dogs in a vintage setting. The B.O.B. houses multiple eateries and a brewery in a converted warehouse. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse has pub fare and house brews.
What museums should I visit in Grand Rapids?▾
The Grand Rapids Public Museum covers history and science with a 1928 carousel and planetarium. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum tells the 38th president's story with interactive exhibits and a replica Oval Office. The Grand Rapids Art Museum displays American and European art, and the Meyer May House is a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home with free tours on some days.
What is there to do at night in Grand Rapids?▾
The Intersection hosts live bands ranging from hip-hop to rock. Stella's Lounge combines an '80s arcade with 200 whiskeys. Grand Woods Lounge has a lodge-themed patio with live music, while Billy's Lounge offers candlelit tables and a dance floor. For a livelier scene, Rumors Nightclub features karaoke, DJs, and drag shows.
Things to do in Grand Rapids
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Founders Brewing Co
Overlooking the brewing facilities, this hangout with high ceilings serves craft beer & sandwiches.
via Google MapsBlue Water
Restaurant boasts Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, outdoor bar, lake views & a global menu.
Westside Social
Elevated comfort food & beer on tap featured in a trendy, laid-back space with a patio fireplace.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Museum tells Ford's life story using artifacts, interactive exhibits & a replica of the Oval Office.
Sundance Grill
Big breakfasts, Southwest fare, a margarita bar & other cocktails in a quiet atmosphere.
Z's Bar & Restaurant
American restaurant with a long wooden bar & booths also features pool & karaoke.
via Google MapsGreen Ridge Square
via Google MapsChick-fil-A
Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
via Google MapsBob's Discount Furniture and Mattress Store
Chain retailer with a large selection of discount furniture, home accents & mattresses.
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Hands-on learning space for kids ages 2-10 features a real beehive & workshops like robot building.
via Google MapsTupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.
via Google MapsCelebration Cinema
Multi-cinema theater offers comfy stadium seating for new & recent popular releases.
Brick and Porter
Local urban haunt with creative burgers & other pub grub, plus weekend brunch & lots of craft beers.
via Google MapsBridge Street Market
via Google MapsChick-fil-A
Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.
Leo's Seafood Restaurant & Bar
Seafood is artfully presented in a dining room that boasts soaring ceilings & romantic lighting.
Kitchen 67
Big, modern bistro with a long bar offering elevated pub fare, unique cocktails & local craft beer.
via Google MapsTommy Brann's Steakhouse & Grille
Casual eatery & sports-bar chain serving American fare, such as burgers, wings, steaks & flatbreads.
via Google MapsCulver’s
Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.
via Google MapsFuji Yama Asian Bistro
Spacious Japanese restaurant offering flaming hibachi grills & generous portions of sushi combos.