Visit Grand Rapids
Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the 38th president at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. There are memorabilia from important points in Ford’s life as well as highlights from key cultural movements. To dive into some local history, check out the Grand Rapids Public Museum, which also happens to be the city’s oldest. You can enjoy interactive exhibits such as walking the streets of Grand Rapids in the 1840’s or riding a carousel from 1928. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to visit the Grand Rapid’s Children’s Museum where the little ones can burn off energy with hands-on activities. Two floors of exhibits span age ranges from one to twelve. The world’s first LEED Gold Certified Art Museum is the Grand Rapids Art Museum. When you visit, it’s easy to see why. There are over 6,000 art pieces ranging from photographs to sculptures from artists such as Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
The urban John Ball Zoo can be found just outside of downtown Grand Rapids. You can see over 230 species of animals from around the world. The zoo offers a variety of habitats for you to explore like an aquarium, hobby farm, forest, and aviary. While you’re there, check out the camel rides and zip line!
As one of the most walkable cities in America, taking a walking tour of Grand Rapids is a must. There are several self-guided tours you can go on, whether you like sculptures and historic buildings, or want to see all the painted ticket booths. You can also go on a semi-guided walking tour with the GR Walks app. You can listen to audio narrations and view historic photos of the city while you explore it. One of the best places to explore on foot is Heritage Hill, a historic neighborhood made up of grand 19th and 20th century homes.
Millennium Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. Spanning 1,400 acres, it includes wildlife areas, a six-acre beach, 18 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a boat rental dock. You could spend several days exploring this park and still not see it all!
Grand Rapids is also known as Beer City USA, making it a haven for brew enthusiasts. To thoroughly take advantage of the breweries in this city, download the Brewsader app to find over 35 breweries, earn badges, and complete challenges. Some of the best breweries include City Built Brewing Co., The Mitten Brewing Company, and Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits just to name a few.
Things to do after your nonstop flight to Grand Rapids (GRR)
Come to Grand Rapids for an unexpected vacation destination. The food and beverage scene is to die for if you’re a foodie, and there are activities for the whole family.
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Meander through the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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Visit the museums
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Explore the John Ball Zoo
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Go on a walking tour
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Hit the trails in Millennium Park
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Enjoy the breweries
When is the best time to visit Grand Rapids?
The best time to book your flight to Grand Rapids, Michigan is summer and fall. Summer stays comfortably warm, perfect for outdoor activities. The same can be said for the fall when the leaves change color.
There are lots of flowers to see in the spring, and you can enjoy a gorgeous snowy landscape and holiday lights in the winter. Both spring and winter see great deals on flights and hotels.
