Top Things To Do in Grand Rapids

Top Things To Do in Grand Rapids

Looking for things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan? Grand Rapids is a vibrant city in west Michigan with exceptional parks, museums, breweries, restaurants, and entertainment you’d only expect to find in a larger city. Whether you’re visiting for a day or becoming a Grand Rapidian yourself—there’s plenty of fun things to do in Grand Rapids. Here’s a guide to the top places and activities you won’t want to miss.

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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has something for everyone. I’ve been a member since I moved to Grand Rapids, and there’s always something new to see and do.

What To Do at Meijer Gardens

Meijer Gardens boasts eight different garden displays, including the Earl and Donnalee Holton Arid Garden, the Earl and Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor, and the Kenneth E. Nelson Carnivorous Plant House. 

The hot and humid Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is a five-story greenhouse filled with tropical plants and birds. In the spring it holds the largest tropical butterfly exhibit in the Unites States, with 60 plus different species flittering freely around the conservatory.

Built in 2015, The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden is something straight out of Kyoto. Plants, sculptures, and an authentic Japanese Teahouse surround a tranquil lake. There’s also a bonsai garden and Cherry Tree Promenade to enjoy.

The Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse changes displays throughout the year, and in the winter months features a model train chugging through charming models of the Grand Rapids buildings and landmarks.

The outdoor sculpture park has dozens of art pieces for you to enjoy. A must-see for everyone is The American Horse, a 24-foot-tall cast based on a piece by Leonardo da Vinci. It’s the perfect photo opportunity and is surrounded by grassy hills where you can get a better view of the park and relax.

If you’re bringing kids to Meijer Gardens, you can’t go wrong with the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. A water table replica of the Great Lakes, an entire sensory garden, and a fantastic wooden playhouse are just some of the things that will thrill (and tire out) your kiddos.

I could go on and on about what to see at Meijer Gardens, but I’ll leave some surprises for you to discover on your next trip there. Visit the Meijer Gardens website to start planning.

John Ball Zoo

John Ball Zoo (JBZ) is my perfect zoo, and I’ll tell you why—the size. It’s big enough that there’s plenty to see, but not so big that you’re sick of the place after only seeing a third of what it has to offer. It’s easy to visit a great variety of animals and leave satisfied, even with a toddler or two in tow.

What To Do at John Ball Zoo

Fun things to do at John Ball Zoo include funicular rides to the top of the property (which has great views of downtown Grand Rapids), taking a camel ride, and running through the Sky Trail Ropes Course.

Don’t miss Crawford Tigers of the Realm, a newer habitat that lets you get up close to John Ball Zoo’s tigers. You may see them roaming between the trees or taking a bath in their pool. The red pandas near the tiger exhibit are a must-see, too.

If you’re looking for a Grand Rapids aquarium, JBZ’s Van Andel Living Shores Aquarium allows you to see Magellanic penguins flying through the water and watch the waves quickly go in and out of the tide pool.

Some of the best John Ball Zoo events include Adult Night Out, an after-hours event with drinks done a few times each year, and Boo at the Zoo during October. See what’s coming up on the JBZ events calendar.

Grand Rapids Public Museum

On the shores of the Grand River, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has a fantastic assortment of all sorts of artifacts and exhibits. The first floor has classic cars and recreated historic Grand Rapids street shops from the 1890s, while the third floor has a mastodon skeleton, an Egyptian mummy, and a planetarium.

What To Do at the Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) often has temporary and traveling exhibits visiting so there’s always something new to see. They’ve ranged from virtual reality and Bodies Revealed, to dinosaurs and Lego sculptures. Visit the museum’s exhibits page to see what’s there now and coming soon.

Named after the Grand Rapids-born astronaut, the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is part of the GRPM. The advanced projector and surround sound make its shows an immersive experience. Catch one of its shows throughout the day, every day of the week. If you’re visiting on a weekend, make sure to book these tickets in advance—they fill up quickly! 

The GRPM has a classic 1928 Spillman carousel that overlooks the Grand River. Taking a carousel ride is a great way to recapture some childhood whimsy during your visit. Please note that the carousel is currently not operational due to a large restoration project but should be back up and running very soon.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum, also known simply as the GRAM, is located in the heart of downtown and has been a cornerstone of Grand Rapids for over a century. With it being so central and packed full of art from several different periods, it’s a must-visit Grand Rapids museum for art lovers.

What To Do at the Grand Rapids Art Museum

You can do self-guided tours of the Grand Rapids Art Museum or get in on a group tour. There are over 5,000 pieces to explore, including works by Jacob Lawrence, Charles and Ray Eames, Alexander Calder, and Richard Diebenkorn.

The museum always has rotating exhibits coming and going, often including participants and winners of Art Prize, and other local art competitions. To see what’s there now or coming soon, visit the GRAM’s exhibitions page.

The GRAM offers plenty of educational and interactive programs. Adults can take art-making workshops while kids can play games and do art projects in the Discovery Club.

Grand Rapids food trucks are often parked outside the front doors of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, so it’s a great place to grab some lunch. Rosa Parks Circle is also in front of the museum which hosts concerts and local events throughout the year, including ice skating in the winter.

Looking for more art around the city? Check out our Artsy Things To Do in Grand Rapids article.

Gerald R. Ford Museum

Celebrate the life and history of the 38th president of the United States at the Gerald R. Ford Museum. The museum is located downtown across from the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

What To Do at the Gerald R. Ford Museum

The Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford Museum’s permanent exhibit showcases memorabilia and artifacts from Gerald Ford’s life and presidency. You’ll find football uniforms from his days playing football at the University of Michigan along with the dinnerware used to host guests at the White House.

The Ford Museum also hosts rotating exhibits highlighting important moments and people in American history. To see what’s there now, visit the Gerald R. Ford Museum’s exhibit page.

Grand Rapids Brewery Tours

Grand Rapids isn’t called Beer City U.S.A. for nothing, and a visit to one or more of its iconic breweries is sure to prove it. A Grand Rapids brewery tour will not only get you a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities, it’ll also run you through the whole process of making beer. Learn the history of some of your favorite Grand Rapids beers and ask any burning questions you have.

Founders Brewing Company

Located just south of downtown Grand Rapids, Founders rose from obscurity to be voted one of the top breweries in the world. Their taproom is huge, with plenty of room indoors and in the beer garden to grab an award-winning brew and a sandwich from the deli menu.

Brewery Vivant

In Eastown there’s Brewery Vivant, a craft brewery built in an old chapel known for Belgian-style beers. They’re the first LEED microbrewery in the world, which adds a unique element to the Vivant Brewery Tour. Before you go, make sure you try the duck nachos. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Other Breweries To Visit

• B.O.B.’s Brewery
• Brass Ring Brewing
• Grand Rapids Brewing Company
• The Mitten Brewing Company

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Grand Rapids Restaurants

No matter the meal, cuisine, or budget, Grand Rapids restaurants have what you’re looking for. 

Brunch at Butcher’s Union

On top of their meat and whiskey, Butcher’s Union on Bridge Street has a robust weekend brunch menu. 

For a morning pick-me-up, order a brunch cocktail, like the classic mimosa, or go all out with a Bloody Mary customized with flavored vodkas and a choice of salty flavored rims.

For our other favorite Grand Rapids brunch spots, read our Best Brunch in Grand Rapids article.

Lunch at The Downtown Market

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a one-stop-shop for all the different types of food and restaurants you could want when looking for places to eat in Grand Rapids. Whether you’re doing carryout or dining in, or just want to pick up some groceries, the Downtown Market has you covered.

Take your pick from sushi, barbeque, tacos, and more. Fish Lads is a popular fish market where you can pick up some salmon fillet for dinner or grab a basket of fish and chips.

If you have a sweet tooth, stop in for an ice cream cone at Love’s Ice Cream & Chocolate or a cupcake at Gaby’s Gourmandise. See the market’s hall listing for a full rundown of all the shops.

It’s not just the shops that are worth your time, either. The Downtown Market is the first LEED-certified market in the U.S., with strong stability efforts and infrastructure including green walls, rooftop greenhouses, and geothermal wells. It’s a great place to eat and spend your time.

Other Downtown Market Shops to Check Out:

• Slows Bar-B-Q
• Carvers
• Dorothy & Tony’s Gourmet Popcorn
• Alt City Beverage Company
• Sushi Market

Dinner and Drinks at Stella’s Lounge

Walk into Stella’s and you’ll be hit with games, drinks, burgers, intense murals, and rock music—not necessarily in that order. This Grand Rapids lounge and whiskey bar serves up incredible burgers and wraps, including the Stella Blue burger, which GQ Magazine shouted out as the Best Burger in America. Its selection of 250 whiskeys includes Kentucky bourbons, scotch, and over two dozen Michigan whiskeys.

Hang out and play the vintage arcade machines that line the walls, with classics such as Ms. Pac-Man, Tetris, Donkey Kong, and X-Men. You’re likely to see an old episode of the G.I. Joe cartoon on the television or hear AC/DC booming through the lounge speakers. There’s also an outdoor patio that lets you enjoy a cocktail while you drink in the downtown Grand Rapids atmosphere.

Take a look at Stella’s digital menu and see all that’s on offer.

Late-Night Bites at Yesterdog

Yesterdog has been an icon of Eastown since 1976. Its cool atmosphere and menu of hot dogs covered in a tower of toppings make it a perfect way to finish up a night out in Grand Rapids.

The classic Yesterdog hot dog is slathered in chili, onion, mustard, pickle, and ketchup. There are also veggie dogs available. You can see the whole menu on the Yesterdog website. Posters and memorabilia line the walls at Yesterdog, and the wood booths are carved up with names and messages from previous patrons.

One thing to note: The attitude of the staff is part of the experience at Yesterdog, so if they seem a bit rude, try to remember that it’s part of the charm and nothing personal.

Entertainment Venues

Grand Rapids entertainment is always on tap. There are a variety of venues where you can see your favorite band, enjoy a musical, or cheer your team on.

Van Andel Arena

Van Andel Arena is a multipurpose arena that hosts a variety of entertainment and sporting events throughout the year, from concerts by artists like Judas Priest and Michael Buble to monster truck shows and bull riding. It is home to the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team, where they play games against other American Hockey League teams. The Intermission Restaurant is on the lower level and is the perfect place for pre-gaming before or after your event.

Visit the Van Andel Arena events page to see what they have coming up.

DeVos Performance Hall

The beautiful DeVos Performance Hall is located in the DeVos Place Convention Center. The Grand Rapids Symphony, Broadway Grand Rapids, The Grand Rapids Ballet, and Opera Grand Rapids all perform there, as well as touring shows, comedians, and musical artists.

The Grand Rapids Symphony puts on classical concerts as well as pop concerts that take songs you know and love and add a twist of classical music. They also feature events in which they perform the music of a film live as the film is played on screen.

Broadway Grand Rapids does musicals big and small, including major hits such as Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and Hamilton. Starting in 2019 they partnered with Broadway Across America to bring shows debuting in New York to Grand Rapids.

Find a show you won’t want to miss on the DeVos Performance Hall events calendar.

Other Venues to Check Out:

• Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
• Circle Theatre
• The Intersection
• The Pyramid Scheme
• Dr. Grins Comedy Club

ArtPrize

Of all the things to do in Grand Rapids, ArtPrize is the most iconic. Happening in the fall every other year, ArtPrize is an art extravaganza at its biggest and boldest. Since 2009, a quarter of a million people descend on Grand Rapids as the city itself is transformed into an art exhibit for two weeks. Over 150 venues around the area feature works done by amateurs and professionals, while the public votes on which one will win the $450,000 public prize.

What To Do at ArtPrize

The best place to start with ArtPrize is downtown. You can take in a lot of pieces just by visiting the Public Museum, Gerald R. Ford Museum, DeVos Place, The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, and, of course, the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

However, it’s also a great opportunity to check out the smaller venues you haven’t visited before. You may just discover your new favorite restaurant or shop in the city.

You can visit ArtPrize’s venues page now to plan what you want to see and do for their next big event.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts

Part of Kendall College of Art and Design, the UICA supports and exhibits contemporary art made by artists both local and from all over the world. The exhibits are free to the public.

What To do at UICA

The galleries at the UICA have art pieces of all sizes and inventiveness. If you want to see the art from a truly unique perspective, behind-the-scenes tours are available.

Outside of the walls of the UICA building, you can find its Exit Space Project locations, where local street artists add more color to downtown Grand Rapids by painting murals on utility boxes, buildings, and parking ramps around the city.

The UICA is currently reopening at the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building, on the campus of Kendall College of Art and Design.

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Heritage Hill District

Grand Rapids’ historic Heritage Hill District highlights unique American architecture with homes from the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a Nationally Registered Historic District.

What To Do in Heritage Hill

It’s easy to head into the district from downtown Grand Rapids and do a self-guided walking tour of the Heritage Hill houses. You can find a walking tour map on the Heritage Hill Association website that outlines the homes to see. Each comes with a brief description and history of each.

While you’ll be enjoying the exterior architecture of most homes, don’t miss your chance to head inside one of the most iconic houses in Grand Rapids, the Frank Lloyd Wright Meyer May House. This stunning building was bought and restored by Steelcase in 1987 and has been open to the public ever since. Book your free tour of the Meyer May House and take in the genius of one of America’s most famous architects and designers.

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Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery

Robinette’s Orchard has been growing apples and making cider for over 100 years. This family-owned Grand Rapids orchard and farm is perfect in the fall but has much to offer all year round.

What To Do at Robinette’s

Robinette’s cider and donuts are the stars of the show here. You can watch workers crush the apples at the cider mill and fill up your jug of fresh cider in front of you. Pair a cup of cider with a hot cinnamon donut from Robinette’s Bakery and you have a match made in heaven.

Fun things to do at Robinette’s include a petting zoo, hay rides, wine tasting, and you-pick apples and cherries. There are also outdoor trails and a corn maze in the fall. Visit Robinette’s activities page for details.

Blandford Nature Center

Located on what once was a golf club, Blandford Nature Center is 121 acres of outdoor and wildlife experiences, just 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids.

What To Do at the Blandford Nature Center

Some of the best things to do at Blandford Nature Center are hiking the beautiful wooded trails, visiting the farm, and attending a Wildlife Care Experience. The experiences will get you up close to the Blandford ambassadors! Also known as the falcons, owls, rabbits, and other animals who call Blandford home!

Blandford Nature Center events include date night hikes, outdoor yoga, and family workshops. Check out the Blandford Community Calendar for details.

Amped Virtual Reality

Looking for a great place for a date night or day with the family? Amped Virtual Reality has come to Grand Rapids!

Amped Virtual Reality offers a variety of virtual reality (VR) games with options for all ages—even the little ones! Some of the options include Spider-Man, Minecraft, Epic Roller Coasters, Beat Saber, and so much more. All of these games can be enjoyed in the comfort of the VR lounge complete with either open space to play or comfy chairs (depending on what type of game you are playing). The space is flowing with state-of-the-art equipment, headsets, and lighting that gives you the complete virtual experience.

Love VR? Check out one of Amped Virtual Reality’s monthly membership options. They have several options all of which offer discounts, party discounts, free game time, and more. View all the membership options by clicking here.

Amped Virtual Reality is the perfect place to host a birthday party! They offer several party package options and have fantastic on-site facilities. Amped Virtual Reality will even do the decorating for you! There are several party packages that offer lots of playing time, food and some even come with a one-month membership for the guest of honor. View all party package options by clicking here.  

With a 4.9 rating on Google and the stamp of approval from GRKids and the GR Bucket List, Amped Virtual Reality is a great place to bring your children or, better yet, the entire family for a fun adventure.  You’ll leave feeling like you just had an out-of-this-world experience that will leave you wanting more. Book your VR experience or party by clicking here!

Follow Amped Virtual Reality on Facebook (tons of positive recommendations!) and Instagram.

Plan Your Trip To Grand Rapids Today

As you can see, if you’re looking for things to do, Grand Rapids delivers. There’s always something new to see in this thriving west Michigan city.

Have you visited any of the places in this article, or is your favorite spot missing from the list? Leave a comment below and let us know! Don’t forget to follow Wander West Michigan on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for the latest articles and photos of the best places around west Michigan.

Need a place to stay while in town? Check out this list of best hotels to stay at in downtown Grand Rapids! 

Looking to move to the area? Work with our Priority Partner, Brad Moore with EXP Realty Reach out today for exclusive Grand Rapids Real Estate!

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