When you hear someone mention “Michigan,” you might visualize a hand (it’s not weird, it *is* shaped like a mitten, after all), or immediately think of popular locations like Detroit, Mackinac Island or Grand Rapids (which is commonly known by the abbreviation “GR”). Planning an upcoming trip? We’ve got a list of the very best things to do in Grand Rapids so that you have the most incredible visit.
Located on the west side of Michigan (“best side,” we all proudly say), GR sits between Lake Michigan and Lansing. It’s on the Grand River (the rapids it used to have—which are going to be restored—is where this city got its name) and it’s a favorite destination for its museums, parks, breweries, seasonal events and more.
I was born in West Michigan and lived in the area until I was 12. After moving to the east side of the state and then to New York City, I returned to the Grand Rapids area in 2016, and have remained here with my family ever since.
I’ve gathered up my favorite recommendations—with help from three other locals who live and work in the area—to share the very best things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly or adult-only ideas, we’ve got them all. Here’s everything you need to know for a fun and memorable trip!
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What Is Grand Rapids Known For?
GR has a few nicknames, including “Furniture City,” “Beer City, USA” and the “River City.”
“Grand Rapids has definitely made its name as ‘Beer City USA,’ but what I love is that the cocktail scene has really stepped up too,” Norina Cadili, General Manager at the JW Marriot Grand Rapids, tells Parade. “There are so many incredible cocktail bars and lounges, each with its own vibe and some of the most thoughtfully curated drinks. Beyond that, Grand Rapids will always be the ‘BIG little city’ to me. We pack in so much—food and beverage, entertainment, arts, hotels, you name it—all within a small, walkable footprint. You get that big-city energy without it ever feeling overwhelming.”
Ross Bartlett, General Manager at Amway Grand Plaza, is quick to highlight the beer scene as well, but emphasizes that “we are also incredibly rich with arts and creativity, furniture manufacturing and design, as well as with our rapidly growing food and beverage scene featuring local farms, chef-driven restaurants, and a popular coffee, cocktail and N/A beverage scene.”
GR is known for being the second-largest city in Michigan (behind Detroit) as well.
And locals (along with Michiganders from other areas of the state!), are also looking forward to two huge downtown projects being completed in the next couple of years: an outdoor amphitheater (Acrisure Amphitheater) set to open in May 2026, and a stadium (Amway Stadium) that will be the home of professional soccer team AC Grand Rapids, which will begin its first season in MLS Next Pro in 2027.
Seasonal Events in Grand Rapids To Look Forward To
Besides year-round entertainment from local businesses and restaurants, there are some specific events throughout the year that draw large crowds. Here are a few that you might want to add to your calendar:
ArtPrize
An international art competition and cultural festival held in September. The 2025 ArtPrize dates are September 18-October 4, 2025, so this is the last weekend to visit.
Restaurant Week GR
If you’re a foodie, one of the best times to visit Grand Rapids is during “Restaurant Week.” This year, it takes place from November 7-15, 2025.
Christkindl Markt
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you *must* stop by the third annual Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market. It’ll be taking place November 19-December 23, 2025, and this Christmas village (inspired by European Christmas markets) is truly so fun.
International Wine, Food and Beer Festival
The 18th year of the International Wine, Food and Beer Festival takes place November 21-22, 2025.
World of Winter Festival
Starting on January 9, 2026, and running for two months, the World of Winter Festival is a free festival with tons of impressive art installations throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
What Is the Best Time of Year To Visit Grand Rapids?
Honestly, there are plenty of things to do in Grand Rapids in every season, which makes it hard to pinpoint just one time of year as the “best” to visit. That being said, in the summer and fall, you can experience either Lake Michigan beaches, or the beautiful changing leaves—two of my favorite things about this part of the state.
With how walkable so many areas are in GR, summer and fall weather can make the walks even more enjoyable, in my opinion.
And I’m not alone with this response.
“I love visiting Grand Rapids in the early fall when all of our sports teams are playing and the weather is perfect,” Jill Martir, Assistant Director of F&B at Amway Grand Plaza, tells Parade. “You also get to experience ArtPrize across a variety of amazing venues in Grand Rapids while looking at the incredible art. The leaves changing is an added bonus with the chance to visit many of our local apple orchards, distilleries and breweries—it is just the perfect time of the year.”
Bartlett agrees.
“In my opinion, early fall (September and October) is the best time to visit Grand Rapids,” he explains. “The weather is crisp and comfortable, trees are abundantly changing colors, and there are plenty of events taking place in the food and beverage and arts/culture scene before winter settles in.”
Cadili narrows it down to two months: August and September.
“The city is alive with weekly festivals downtown that celebrate different cultures through food, live music and pop-up shops,” she explains. “The weather is perfect for being outside, and I personally love hopping on a scooter and exploring every inch of downtown while the energy is at its peak.”
23 Best Things To Do in Grand Rapids, Michigan
1. Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
This is one Grand Rapids gem (located at 1000 East Beltline NE) you won’t want to miss. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in April of 1995, and has been a staple in the community ever since. (Some of us grew up going there with our grandparents and now take our own kids!)
Meijer Gardens has a 158-acre main campus, which features:
- Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory
- Five indoor theme gardens
- Outdoor gardens
- Nature trails and boardwalk
- Sculpture galleries and permanent sculpture collection
- Library
- Café
- Gift shop
- Education center
- Meeting rooms
Upcoming events to know about:
- Mums at Meijer Gardens – October 1-31, 2025
- Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens – Tuesdays, 5-9 p.m. in October 2025
- Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism Sculpture Exhibition – October 24, 2025-March 15, 2026
- ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens – November 24, 2025-January 3, 2026
- CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens – May 1, 2026-November 1, 2026
2. Go to John Ball Zoo
One of my personal all-time favorite places in Grand Rapids, John Ball Zoo is another location I frequented as a kid, and now take my own family (I also regularly sport their merch). We have a yearly membership, which I highly recommend if you live in the area.
Right now, “The Power of Pollinators” is their ongoing event that goes through November 23, 2025, and the fan-favorite event “Zoo Goes Boo” is coming up, taking place during three weekends in October 2025.
If you can’t swing by because you’re on a shorter visit to GR, you at least need to check out their new Baby Hippo Cam—it’s adorable.
3. Check out Downtown Market
When you’re looking for a good food selection, the 19 indoor food merchants and restaurants at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market should have you covered. There’s plenty of seating upstairs inside and outside, and a pretty Greenhouse space up there that’s a popular wedding venue.
“I go every chance I get,” Cadili shares. “I love that you can walk into one space and have endless, outstanding food options. Going with friends or coworkers is the best because everyone can grab something different, and we can still enjoy it all together. Plus, no matter the season, there’s always something special happening.”
Speaking of, don’t forget Christkindl Markt, which is happening November 19-December 23, 2025.
“The Christkindl Market has so many great vendors, food and drink, but my favorite is the raclette sandwich,” Martir tells Parade. “I spent some time is Switzerland when I was growing up, and my family and I love to make raclette at home. It is one of our favorite Christmas traditions, so being able to go to the market and get a raclette sandwich is amazing!”
4. Visit Fulton Street Market
Open year-round, Fulton Street Market (located at 1145 Fulton Street East) was established in 1922 and is a favorite destination of locals. It features a mix of “fruits and veggies, dairy and meat, snacks and desserts, hot and prepared food, and handmade arts and crafts.”
5. Go to the Amway Grand Hotel
Construction on the hotel, originally known as the Pantlind Hotel, began in 1913. And when you visit the iconic space today, you’re surrounded by history as well as impressive additions.
No matter what else is on your itinerary, you’ve got to walk through the Pantlind Lobby to see the gorgeous gold details and chandeliers (during the holiday season, you’ll see their Christmas tree here as well).
(The chandeliers, imported from Czechoslovakia and fashioned from Austrian crystal, weigh around 4,000 pounds!)
Besides the guest rooms and event ballrooms, there are shops (including a gift shop for kids and a wine shop), restaurants and bars (the locals love Rendezvous across from the lobby!), pickle ball, Celeste Salon & Spa and more.
6. Spend time at Rosa Parks Circle
Rosa Parks Circle is truly the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. In the winter, it transforms into an ice rink, but in other seasons, it’s simply a great place to gather (or swing dance, like this past September!).
7. Walk across the Blue Bridge
The Blue Bridge was originally a railroad bridge (constructed in 1892), but it’s now a pedestrian walkway. The iconic Grand Rapids landmark is a popular spot for graduation photos, wedding photos and more.
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Fun Things To Do in Grand Rapids, Michigan
8. Explore Bridge Street
Some of the best restaurants, stores and bars are along Bridge Street, so you’ve got to head to this area on your visit. Make reservations at Butcher’s Union (my go-to order includes their Whiskey Sangria) or Gin-Gins (the atmosphere is perfect), find your next read at Cellar Bird Books, go bar-hopping, and have an amazing time.
9. Attend a show or game at Van Andel Arena
Home to the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team, the Van Andel also has a packed calendar of events that include concerts and larger comedy shows.
10. Walk through Cherry Street and Wealthy Street
Another super fun area to explore, Cherry Street and Wealthy Street run parallel to each other in/around the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids. From restaurants like Donkey Taqueria, The Winchester, Vivant Brewery & Spirits, Maru Sushi and The Electric Cheetah to coffee spots like Rowster, Le Bon Macaron, and Chartreuse Sisters, to shops like Stoffer Home, Adored Boutique and Books & Mortar, you could spend hours upon hours in this part of GR (trust me).
11. Go to the Grand Rapids Public Museum
Founded in 1854, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is Michigan’s oldest museum. It boasts over 250k artifacts and specimens focused on history, science and culture. Right away, you’ll see the eye-catching finback whale skeleton, Finny, which the museum has had since 1905.
12. Shop at Breton Village
Located at 1830 Breton Road SE in East Grand Rapids, Breton Village is a shopping center that includes trendy stores like lululemon, Anthropologie, Madewell, Free People and Warby Parker.
13. Visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) has featured an “array of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft that highlight centuries of human creativity.”
During Art Prize (now through Saturday, October 4), GRAM offers only $5 admission for guests.
14. Go to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
History buffs, this is for you! The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the presidential museum and burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, and his wife, First Lady Betty Ford.
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Things To Do in Grand Rapids With Kids
15. Visit the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
If you’re in the city with kids, you absolutely have to stop in at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. There are two floors of fun for kiddos of all ages, and a gift shop too! Personally, I’m a big fan of the bubble tables upstairs.
16. Stroll through the Blandford Nature Center
Located at 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, the Blandford Nature Center offers trails to hike, rescued animals (flying squirrels, turtles, goats, owls and more) to visit, and old buildings to check out in Heritage Village.
17. Spend time at Millennium Park
On 1,400 acres, Millennium Park is “one of the nation’s largest urban parks,” connecting Grand Rapids with three surrounding cities: Wyoming, Grandville and Walker. Its trails total around 18 miles, and in the warmer weather, you can enjoy the beach, splash pad and boat rentals. It’s the perfect location for a picnic, play date or family reunion.
“I love it because it has so much to offer including beautiful trails, fishing, parks, kayaking and paddleboarding,” Cadili tells Parade. “Sometimes I take my kids, and sometimes I go by myself. There’s nothing like walking the trail and then ending with a peaceful paddleboard—just me, the water and the board.”
Looking for more green spaces?
“I enjoy long runs around the city along the beautiful White Pine Trail or around Reeds Lake,” Bartlett shares. “They are always bustling with people enjoying the great outdoors in our city.”
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Things To Do in Grand Rapids, MI for Adults
18. Try to find the secret speakeasy IDC
If you’re a fan of spaces that feel exclusive and very “in the know,” you’ve got to try and find IDC, a speakeasy bar in Grand Rapids. Not only do you need to figure out where it’s located, but there’s also a secret code to get in that changes every month. Happy hunting!
19. Grab drinks downtown
Before or after your IDC hunt, there are some other spots downtown that are great for mocktails, cocktails or beers. Looking for a cozy vibe? Head into Lumber Baron Bar at the Amway Grand Plaza. Want to watch the sun go down in a trendy spot nearby? Visit the 27th floor at MDRD.
Also, Max’s South Seas Hideaway is an amazing tiki bar, Stella’s Lounge has a punk rock vibe and arcade games (not to mention, delicious burgers) and the dark and cozy Sidebar *feels* like a secret speakeasy to some of us who had trouble figuring out it was actually down a ramp, across the hall from a pizza place.
But other areas of Grand Rapids have just as much to offer.
“I personally love hopping between neighborhoods for the variety of food and cocktails,” Bartlett tells Parade. “Every neighborhood—whether it is Cherry Hill, Wealthy Street, Downtown or the West Side—has its own vibe and character.”
20. Get a massage or facial at Seraphina Spa at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids
If you need some relaxation (who doesn’t?), stop in at Seraphina Spa on the third floor of the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids. Whether you’re looking for a massage or facial (I cannot recommend Brendalee enough!), this will be a bright spot during your GR visit.
21. See a show at Devos Performance Hall
Whether you take your whole family to The Nutcracker ballet in December (highly-recommend!), or want an adults-only date night to see a play or symphony, it’s worth checking up the lineup of events at Devos Performance Hall while you’re here.
22. Play pickleball on a rooftop
That’s right—Rooftop Pickleball is (thankfully) a thing! Found on the 4th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza, you don’t have to be a hotel guest to rent a court. I went for the first time and was brand new to the sport, but found the atmosphere and activity so much fun. Definitely worth checking out!
23. Check out the Beer City Ale Trail
The Beer City Ale Trail is made up of 40+ Grand Rapids craft breweries. You can even become a “Beer City Brewsader” on the app, get a free t-shirt and see firsthand why GR is known as “Beer City, USA.”
Up Next:
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Sources:
- Ross Bartlett, General Manager at Amway Grand Plaza
- Norina Cadili, General Manager at the JW Marriot Grand Rapids
- Jill Martir, Assistant Director of F&B at Amway Grand Plaza
