Explore Grand Rapids, Michigan, this holiday! Make the most of your vacation time in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we have compiled a list of our favorite things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Explore the top attractions and activities in the best places to go in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by scrolling down! Wondrous Drifter, a Web 3.0 travel startup, hopes to have a significant impact on the world.
Table Of Content
- Art Museum
- ArtPrize
- Blandford Nature Center
- Brewery Vivant
- Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens
- Children’s Museum
- Fish Ladder Park
- Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
- Fulton Street Farmers Market
- Great Lakes Pub Cruiser
- Heritage Hill Historic District
- La Grande Vitesse
- Meyer May House
- Public Museum
- Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
- Symphony
- The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe
- The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum
- The Kcymaerxthaere Plaques
- Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
- Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Art Museum
Looking for unique holiday destinations?
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is one of the top things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for art enthusiasts and artists.
Over 6,000 works of art are housed in its 125,000-square-foot museum and its 20,000-square-foot gallery area.
In the museum’s other galleries, both permanent and loaned collections cover a wide range of topics.
The LEED Gold-certified museum is stunning.
The museum is also starting a new series of shows focusing on Michigan contemporary artists.
It has collections of art from the Renaissance to the present day. Some collections focus on American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum has a large collection of art from many different periods, from the Renaissance to the present.
For those who are curious, visit the unique collection and comprehensive research library!
Address: Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA 101 Monroe Center St NW
ArtPrize
The ArtPrize is one of the top attractions in Michigan.
Did you know that Grand Rapids, Michigan hosts the world’s largest and most visited public art festival every fall?
Millions of visitors have visited ArtPrize since its debut in 2009 to witness thousands of artworks exhibited in downtown parks, museums, bars, restaurants, public squares, galleries, and anyplace else artists can get a location.
The well-known and praised art event is both an open platform and an independent art competition that values what is new, different, and radical.
ArtPrize is a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based autonomous international art competition.
The public gets to assist in determining the recipients of the prize money to help them continue their work, which is one of ArtPrize’s distinguishing features.
It honors artists working in many mediums from all over the world.
The festival lasts over 19 days and includes workplaces, museums, parks, cafés, universities, churches, restaurants, businesses, and even private houses.
ArtPrize is a must-visit if you’re in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Address: Grand Rapids, MN, 41 Sheldon Blvd SE
Blandford Nature Center
Hike more. Stop Stressing! This amazing piece of architecture was made by Frank Lloyd Wright and built-in 1909 for local businessman and clothing maker Meyer May.
The Blandford Nature Center is on a 143-acre piece of land with woods, fields, streams, and ponds.
The land and animals are used to deliver high-quality community programming and environmental education.
It was built in the Prairies style instead of the usual Victorian style, and its beauty has been brought back over the years.
There are several opportunities to interact with interpretive material at Heritage Buildings, the Wildlife Education Center, and other locations.
The nature center promotes stewardship by educating visitors about the environment and natural processes.
It is home to incredible flora and animals, including falcons, vultures, and hawks.
Pay a visit to Blandford Nature Center! The Center offers hundreds of participatory events encouraging children and adults to get filthy and reconnect with nature.
Address: 1715 Hillburn Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Looking forward to exploring Michigan? Check out our travel guides on Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. Visit the best things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the best things to do in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Brewery Vivant
Brewery Vivant welcomes you to partake in European beer culture!
Their beer is inspired by small farmhouse breweries in Wallonia, the French-speaking Belgian countryside.
The brewery is located in the city’s East Hill area, a historic neighborhood in and of itself, and the emphasis here is on European-inspired brews.
These include Belgian mixes, and you can tour both the brewery and the nearby bar, which is made to seem like a Belgian monastery.
Its functional area is based on French and Belgian chapels, but it is much brighter!
All the restaurant’s food is fresh and seasonal, and they collaborate with various local farms and craftsmen.
The Duck Confit Nachos are topped with caramelized onions, brie cream, citrus-sprinkled duck confit, and tomato concasse.
There are also tours of the bar and brewery available that you must try!
Address: Grand Rapids, MI 49506, United States, 925 Cherry Street SE
Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens
Come to Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens and explore the trails, take a lesson or educational event, or simply sit and rest.
100+ acres of native flora and natural ecosystems give infinite chances to explore nature.
The Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve saves, repairs, and explains native ecosystems so people can learn to love and protect nature’s wonders.
It started in 1985 on 35 acres of campus land that hadn’t been built yet. Its goal was to restore and protect an ecosystem typical of West Michigan.
Since then, it has expanded to 104 acres, including a wildlife sanctuary and teaching center.
The Bunker Interpretive Center is a must-see attraction with activities for all ages, seasonal displays, and environmental information.
Address: 1750 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, United States
Children’s Museum
Explore, learn, play, and have fun at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.
One of the most popular locations is “Little Grand Rapids,” where students can live as adults in their own city.
It is complete with a bank, a grocery shop, a car mechanic, and a doctor’s office where they can view x-rays and learn about health sciences.
Children and adults alike are enticed by the building’s mosaic-tiled front and rainbow-colored roadway.
It is housed in a 1916 structure that has been beautifully restored.
Even better, the front wall of the museum is made entirely of transparent glass, which was done on purpose.
It’s no surprise that a tour of the museum is one of the best things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for families with children!
The price of admission includes daily activities like painting, making costumes, telling stories, and other creative things.
Visit this museum to glance in and see the youngsters having a great time!
Address: Grand Rapids, MI – 11 Sheldon Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI
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Fish Ladder Park
The Fish Ladder Park is one of the best things to do in Michigan.
Take a look at this Joseph Kinnebrew-designed work of art that serves a purpose while still being aesthetically appealing!
It is a practical architectural artwork developed in 1975 by artist Joseph Kinnebrew.
Depending on the time of year, you’ll see a variety of species.
The dam is six feet high, and Fish Ladder Park has been established as a viewing area for the strange phenomena.
Its practical use is to assist migrating fish in finding a path around the Grand River’s tremendous water flow at the Sixth Street Dam.
At this popular spot, tourists can watch migrating fish climb up the “ladder” in the spring and late summer. This helps the fish avoid the huge flow of water at the man-made rapids in the Grand River.
The sound of the river is very soothing, making for an ideal peaceful day out.
Indeed, you’ll get so much fun while you observe the school of fishes as they swim through this amazing park!
Address: 606 Front Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, USA
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
One of the most enjoyable sites to visit in this section of Michigan is the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park!
It opened its doors in 1995 as a cultural, recreational, and educational facility for the Midwest.
It has 158 acres of iconic sculptures and is particularly popular with art enthusiasts.
At Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, you can choose to be inside or outside.
The outdoor gardens highlight flowers and tranquil green spaces through a range of garden types.
The outdoor sculptures are in beautiful natural settings with winding paths through forests and streams.
More sculptures by prominent contemporary and modern artists at Meijer Gardens are now than ever.
Over 300 works by some of the world’s most famous sculptures are displayed at the sculpture gallery.
It’s a unique experience—make sure to explore the trails into the woodlands and the boardwalk over the marshes!
Address: Grand Rapids, MI 49525, United States, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE
Fulton Street Farmers Market
If you want to go out and don’t know where to go, make your way to the Fulton Street Farmers Market, which was started in 1922.
The market is the oldest in the Grand Rapids area and draws more than 200 sellers weekly.
Most of them are local farmers. Local craftsmen sell a wide range of goods that they make themselves.
This city has also witnessed a lot of redevelopment in recent decades.
The money was put into urban parks, commissioned street art projects, and restaurants owned by local people that serve creative food.
It is a covered outdoor market with a modest interior shopping area.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and dairy, honey, sauces, maple syrup, baked goods, and a variety of tasty loaves of bread and pastries are available at the market.
Food trucks frequently appear, allowing you to eat and drink while exploring.
The Fulton Street Farmers’ Market is a must-visit if you’re in Michigan!
Address: 1145 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA
Great Lakes Pub Cruiser
The Great Lakes Pub Cruiser is a one-of-a-kind tour that includes drinking, dining, and riding!
A 15-person bike allows you to cycle between several gourmet attractions in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
It takes about 20 minutes to get from one pub to the next, and some tours are more difficult than others.
At the same time, the Great Lakes Pub Cruiser allows you to sightsee.
This one-of-a-kind and exciting trip begins and concludes at the Cottage Bar on LaGrave.
There are numerous tours to choose from. However, not all routes have the same difficulty level. Therefore, decide carefully if you do not feel prepared to bike uphill.
It is always a welcome diversion from the delicious pub meal!
Some of the facilities provided are family gatherings, business conferences, pub crawls, and tours.
Experience an enjoyable and memorable event outside with your colleagues and friends while enjoying the wonders of nature.
Address: 514 Bond Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Heritage Hill Historic District
The Heritage Hill Historic District is close to downtown and has plenty to see.
It is a historic area with the distinction of being Grand Rapids, Michigan’s oldest residential sector.
You’ll be able to wander around the lovely community and see 37 of the finest homes it has to offer, out of a total of 4,000!
A five-minute walk from central Grand Rapids lies one of the country’s greatest old-house districts.
Among the styles are Tudor, Georgian Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Federal, Queen Anne, and Chateauesque, as well as many structures by Frank Lloyd Wright.
A self-guided walking tour around the area, which has homes in practically every type of American architecture, is the finest way to experience this section of town.
The 1,300 structures dating back to 1844 span nearly every type of American architecture, from the Greek Revival to Prairie.
Visit Heritage Hill, which has the largest and most beautiful group of 19th- and early-20th-century homes in Michigan.
Address: 126 College Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
La Grande Vitesse
The La Grande Vitesse is one of the best places to visit in Michigan.
The Grande Vitesse generated interest in various creative activities as a symbol of the city’s artistic spirit!
In French, La Grande Vitesse directly means “the great swiftness.”
It was designed by Alexander Calder and is located in Calder Plaza.
Commissioned as the first National Endowment for the Arts-funded public artwork in 1969 and is made of painted steel.
It was involved in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, revitalization program.
This eye-catching steel sculpture, which serves as a symbol of Grand Rapids, is 54 feet long, 43 feet high, and 30 feet broad and is painted in the artist’s signature, “Calder Red.”
La Grande Vitesse is intended to represent the city’s artistic spirit.
Calder Plaza has a lot of cultural events, like the city’s Hispanic Festival and Pride Festival, and food truck food courts all summer long.
This is why Calder Plaza is one of the best spots to visit for art lovers solely to see this artwork!
Address: 525 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
Meyer May House
Visit this stunning architectural property with historical treasures that include unique furnishings!
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed and built the Meyer May House in 1908 for a rich clothier.
A small Prairie-style house was built at first, but it has changed and grown a lot since then.
After looking into it for two years, the house was bought and carefully put back together.
Fans of Wright’s work will recognize his unique style in today’s home.
Its wall of windows, low-pitched roofline, smooth transition from inside to outside, and deep overhangs are hallmarks of Wright’s design!
Wright designed the Meyer May House for its namesake, Meyer May, a clothes maker.
The building is now open to the public and free to use. It has both original and new furniture.
Visitors may also enjoy the 108 windows and skylights, which were created by Wright’s passion for employing leaded glass.
It is now one of the most attractive spots to visit in the city for people interested in history and architecture!
Address: Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA, 450 Madison Ave SE
Public Museum
For those interested in history, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is one of the most recommended places to visit while in the city.
It started out in 1854 as the Lyceum of Natural History. Its goal was to teach people about west Michigan through interactive exhibits.
The museum has several exhibits on the people and history of Michigan.
Visitors may stroll through a Grand Rapids street that has been rebuilt with businesses from the 1890s.
Permanent displays on three levels of the museum focus on science, history, and culture.
There are almost 25,000 items in the museum, from fossils to old cars. The galleries change often, so there is always something new to see.
The museum also has a planetarium named the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.
Grand Rapids Public Museum is great for getting ideas and learning new things. Bring your whole family and friends to witness this awesome destination!
Address: 272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Pay a visit to the charming winery that is owned by a family and known as Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery after a tiring tour around Grand Rapids.
The winery began in 2006, although the Robinette brand dates back to 1911 as a peach plantation.
It is now well-known in west Michigan for its delectable fresh vegetables, baked goods, ciders, and wines.
Its legacy is self-evident!
Robinette’s was designated a centennial farm in 2011.
They still cultivate apples, peaches, cherries, nectarines, and apricots now.
The family-owned farm, now in its sixth generation, continues to carry on the heritage begun years ago by delivering the freshest veggies, baked goods, and many other delightful delicacies.
A fruit farm, a cider mill, a market, a bakery, and a lunchroom run by a family.
As a century-old farm, it’s no wonder that Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery is a popular local tourist destination that you’ll surely enjoy.
Address: Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, United States of America, 3142 Fourth Mile Road Northeast
Symphony
Music lovers shouldn’t pass up the chance to see the Grand Rapids Symphony, which has great musicians from all over the area.
To give you a sense of how busy the symphony is in the neighborhood, it also performs for the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and the Grand Rapids Opera.
In fact, it has been going strong since its inception in 1930.
The Bach Festival, Symphony Chorus, Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra, and Symphony Youth Choruses are all linked with this group of outstanding artists.
This skilled orchestra has been around since 1930, and each year it puts on more than 400 performances as part of ten concert series and sixteen educational programs.
It may be seen performed in numerous public settings across the city.
Moreover, The Symphony, located in Grand Rapids’ performances and instructional initiatives, has earned national acclaim.
While you’re there, you’ll be rewarded with a feast for the ears. Make sure to bring your family!
Address: Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States, 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100
The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe
Are you trying to find more things to do in this section of Michigan? Playing golf is often a good option!
The Golf Club at Thornapple Pointe is an excellent choice for an 18-hole round of golf.
This large 18-hole course has bentgrass fairways, perfectly maintained tees and greens, and a beautiful view of the Thornapple River.
It was a pleasure to walk 9 holes.
The course is in excellent condition, with long prairie-style grass that appears to be in deep summer length due to the early heavy rainfall.
The popular site provides an entertaining activity in an ideal setting, complete with luxurious grass and cutting-edge GPS technology.
It’s no surprise that it’s a favorite neighborhood hangout for professional golfers and visitors.
Your game will take you over gently rolling hills, past fairways lined with hardwoods, and through three of the most beautiful, pristine wetlands in the Midwest as it winds along 7,000 feet of river frontage.
Its beautiful location on the banks of the Thornapple River makes it a lovely and relaxing place to stay.
Address: 7211 48th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, USA.
The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum
If you’re traveling with children, a visit to the zoo may be a fun way to spend a few hours while also educating them about exotic creatures.
The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is home to creatures from all over the world, both huge and small.
It has been around since 1891 and depends a lot on volunteers to keep doing its great work.
It’s full of things to do and animals from all over the world. It’s home to over 1,100 species, all of which live in real, natural habitats.
Other activities at Red’s Hobby Farm include the option to try your hand at zookeeping, riding a camel, or brushing a goat.
Among the zoo’s many other inmates are lions and tigers from Africa, tropical creatures like the beloved sloth, and even a pair of bald eagles.
The animals at John Ball Zoo have a variety of environments. You may see behind-the-scenes training and care at John Ball Zoo.
Address: Grand Rapids, Mich. 1300 West Fulton St
The Kcymaerxthaere Plaques
Do you enjoy going on treasure hunts? If so, going to Kcymaerxthaere Plaques is one of the great things to do in Grand Rapids!
There are five very intriguing ones throughout the city, and finding each one is one of the city’s most unusual hobbies.
Another world that exists alongside, to some extent, is known as Kcymaerxthaere.
Its name is derived from two related terms: kcymaara, which means “actual planet,” and xthaere, which is a form with nearly an infinite set of measurements or edges minus 29, to be precise.
The plaques were designed by Eames Demetrios as part of an art initiative.
It was published and is still being presented by Geographer-at-Large.
Kcymaerxthaere is also the name of Demetrios’ narrative artwork, which entails placing markings and historical sites in this world to document events that occurred in this alternate dimension.
A sculpture near Grand Valley State University is called “Waiting for the Grwost,” and it features benches where visitors can relax and wait to be transported to other realms.
Visit the Kcymaerxthaere Plaques to see amazing and unique artwork!
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
If you like art, you might want to go to the Urban Institute for Modern Arts in Grand Rapids, where you can see a wide range of unique modern art in many different styles.
This amazing spot is brimming with imagination, providing a plethora of things to do and see.
Programs at UICA include gallery presentations by curators, performances by artists; receptions for artists; and docent-led trips.
It was launched 40 years ago and has presented the city with cutting-edge art experiences and exposed it to new innovative ideas.
Every year, the popular Holiday Artists’ Market is held at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts as well.
In addition, the museum promotes a range of community events and art exhibitions throughout the area.
You’ll never run out of things to do in Grand Rapids because everything is within a short distance.
The museum hosts changing thematic exhibitions designed to both inspire and challenge people. So, gather your pals and come see this location!
Address: 17 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
Volunteer At Animal Shelters
Volunteering at an animal shelter is one of the best things you can do. More than 62 million dogs and more than 64 million cats are kept as pets in the United States. Millions of other homeless and abandoned pets are not as lucky as these. Animal shelters take care of them and ensure they are healthy and in good hands.
Volunteering helps to promote awareness and contribute to the solution to pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse.
If you are short on time but still want to help, consider donating your old towels and bedding to rescue organizations or the humane society. The shelter animals are always in need of cozy bedding. If your children no longer use their baby blankets, a puppy or kitten might find comfort nestling up in them. Rescue organizations and humane societies can always use cat and dog food, kitty litter, leashes and collars, and toys.
Check out the list of animal shelters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to volunteer at. Help animals in need!
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Still undecided on visiting Grand Rapids, Michigan? Check out reasons to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan, at least once in your lifetime here.
