History Tour of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Things to do, Things to do-Grand Rapids Logan Imber

Welcome back to Wander West Michigan and as usual, we have the best recommendations for every activity you could possibly imagine. Below we invite you to explore the rich and vibrant history of Grand Rapids with these top 15 places we picked out just for our readers. From heritage tours and sites, old prairie and other houses, architecture, museums, bridges and more – there is definitely a location or activity for everyone here. SO, grab your friends, family and loved ones and plan a History Tour! Read on below for ideas on where to start your own history tour.

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used, which means if you purchase via my link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!

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1. Amway Grand Plaza & Hotel

First up is our long-time favorite, as well as the public’s, the Grand Hotel itself. Not only do they throw an annual Ballroom Bash, which is not something a lot of city’s can boast, but they also host lavish events throughout the year. Amway Grand features some of the most delicious food and cafes including two restaurants by Wolf Gang Puck, a steakhouse, a speakeasy, a coffee shop, rooftop dining, and even more! There is even a salon and spa on site, so you don’t even have to book a stay to get to experience Amway’s grandeur.

You can get information about stays and the history of the Amway here and check out our article on the annual events – like the ball – to keep updated.

2. Meyer May House

This house was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright following his 10 principles of design. Described as what he thought was a perfect example of a “Prairie House, it has several floors and rooms to explore that have been kept in perfect condition. If you love architecture, design and history – this could be a really unique location for you! You can read more about the chronology and history of the house here on their website and you can book a tour as well!

3. Grand Rapids Public Museum

Grand Rapids Public Museum is well known, but we certainly could not exclude it from this list as it is a must-see if you are looking for historical sites to see during your travels or simply on your weekend off. Along with its planetarium and public programs, the GR Public Museum has never-ending educational, inspiring and historical items to explore, so there is bound to be something for every person. Take a look at their website for more info and check out our summary below of their current exhibits!

(Bonus: you can curate and look at DIGITAL collections here on their site too! Great to preview what exhibits you like or if you simply want to educate from home).

EXHIBITS :

1928 Spillman Carousel (Current)
1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ
Anishinabek: The People of This Place
Arcade
Collecting A-Z
Fashion +Nature
The Furniture Factory
Grand Fish, Grand River
Streets of Old GR
Meet Finny
Newcomers” People of this Place
West MI Habitats

4. Art Installations, Sculptures, Landmarks

Grand Rapids is not just rich in history and culture; it’s also a haven for art history enthusiasts. They city houses murals, art installations, sculptures and even a fake history of a made up culture and species. See below for a few of our historical picks.

La Grande Vitesse

La Grande Vitesse stands 43 feet tall, stretches 54 feet long, and spans 30 feet wide. This “stabile”—a stationary sculpture—employs multiple flat planes to create an illusion of volume and movement. It is painted in the artist’s iconic “Calder Red” hue. Initially, the modern design sparked controversy but was ultimately embraced by the city’s residents. A scale model at the sculpture’s base allows blind visitors to experience the Calder in its entirety. The sculpture offers the perfect spot for photos, providing numerous angles for variety.

Exclusive Note: In 2026, Calder Plaza will undergo significant enhancements and repairs. The plaza will be transformed into a more flexible event space with additional seating, improved accessibility, and added greenery

Fish Ladder

If your love of history is combined with a love of fishing, this is a historical stop for you. Constructed in the 1880s and used for the first time in 1891, this complex series of structures is used to help the fish population migrate. Bring your waders or simply take a camera to take in the sights as salmon jump around and fishermen and women brave the watery terrain.

The American Horse

Crane’s in the City is a beloved local establishment that brings the flavors of Crane’s Orchard to downtown Holland. Their tasting tours focus on their famous pies, cider, and other orchard products. You can sample a variety of treats made from locally grown apples, making it a perfect stop for those with a sweet tooth. Don’t miss their cider flights, which offer a refreshing taste of Michigan’s apple country.

5. Blodgett Estate / Aquinas College

The most notable reason to visit this historical site lies in its unique heritage and fairytale-esque aesthetic. The estate, originally owned by wealthy lumber baron Frederick Blodgett, features a high class mansion designed by renowned architect Wallace Frost. If you’re an enthusiast, it’s a prime example of Tudor architecture. Along with its historical importance, in present day the Estate lies with Aquinas College where many public events are housed. You will have to contact the university to see when their next event will take place! Visit this link to read about it on their website.

6. Heritage Hill Historic District

For another unlikely fairytale visit, Heritage Hill could be a great next location. This neighborhood was saved from being demolished and has a mission to stay true to its original beauty – including a stunning castle. This district is all about preserving nature as well as quality of life, limiting certain things to make sure the integrity of the historical homes and more stays in place. You can book a tour of some of the old houses as well as take a ride through town to experience the unique atmosphere. Visit their website for more info about visiting, volunteering, or event apartment listings!

7. Cathedral of St. Andrew

This holy building will turn 150 in the year 2025 – very soon indeed! Even if you’re not religious, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. You’re bound to get some awe-inspiring feelings and photos in this location as well as some religious history. You can visit their website to learn about tours concerning art and architecture, music, history and more.

8. Gerald R. Ford Museum

Step into history and explore the life and legacy of the 38th President of the United States at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. This museum offers a fascinating journey through the significant moments of Gerald R. Ford’s presidency, from navigating the aftermath of the Watergate scandal to witnessing the winding down of the Cold War. With interactive exhibits and a treasure trove of presidential artifacts, visitors can immerse themselves in the era and gain a deeper appreciation for Ford’s impact on the nation and the world. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, this museum provides a captivating glimpse into the life of an influential leader.

9. The Voigt House Victorian Museum

Moving a bit forward in their history and out of prairies and fairytales, lies the Voigt Victorian House. This meticulously preserved mansion gives visitors a glimpse into the rich and lavish lifestyle of 18-1900s residents of Grand Rapids. Take a visit and imagine the conversations, the dances, the life that occurred in this place! While inside tours are rare these days, you can still visit this site located in the Heritage HIll area – visit their website for contact information to see about visiting rules and more!

10. St. Francis Assisi Sculpture and Meditation Garden

Looking for some tranquility on your quest through time? Take a well-deserved rest, bring a cup of tea, and get ready for a relaxing walk while taking in some spiritual history and insight.

11. Grand Rapids Swing Bridge

If you are someone who loves a view mixed with your historical adventures, this spot is a must-see for you. The bridge was built in 1902, for the Pere Marquette Railroad as a swing bridge to allow steamboats to pass up the Grand River, but this river traffic was discontinued in 1907. While the railroad still carries an Amtrack rail, it is not open to any other traffic. Gaze upon this historical beauty on your way in or out of the city and make sure to get some beautiful photographs to frame later.

13. Betty Van Andel Opera Center

A great choice for musical history lovers, this opera house started out performing operettas and comedies directly after the WWII era and really gained popularity in the 60s. For some more modern history on the site, this Opera House has been LEED certified since 2010 – which basically means they are an opera house that cares for the environment, which is obviously a great bonus to any adventure. You can visit their website about renting out the space, seeing a performance and more! Be sure to not miss this musical wonder on your tour.

14. Hopewellian “Norton”Mounds

For our final spot, I saved the oldest historical place on our list! If you’re looking for truly ancient history to explore, this site is a must visit. Dating all the way back to 400 BC and with a culture that extended to Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, and farther – the impact of this site and its builders is undeniable.

The mounds are housed on 55 acres of land, and only one of the sacred mounds remains, the original count being 17. In March 2023, they held a special exhibit called “Where our Ancestors Rest” and plan to do more education and restoration in the future. The site is currently under the care of GR Public Museum and in contact with local tribes to know how to best move forward with future education. So visit the GR Public Museum website or give them a call to see how you can best visit!

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a city where history comes alive through its well-preserved sites, vibrant culture,
and urban beauty.

Whether you’re exploring its museums, enjoying downtown nightlife, or simply taking in the urban and artistic views, there’s something for everyone in this western Michigan city.

Make a weekend of it!

Check out more fun things to do in Grand Rapids- Here!

Logan Imber

Blog Writer

Logan Imber is a self taught Freelance Digital Marketer & Copywriter currently located in Ohio, but works remotely for clients all over the world. She also dabbles in Graphic Design, Web Design and Music. She doesn't like to pin herself down, as there is always something to learn, a culture to take in or new food to eat. In her free time, Logan likes reading, yoga, and spending time with her beloved cat. She also loves playing and sharing music with others. Essentially, most of her time is either spent writing, contemplating, or creating something - and she wouldn't have it any other way.