Unique Things to Do in Allendale

Allendale, Michigan, is a small town with a suburban feel, and while it may not have the same bustling city life as GR, there are still several activities and attractions to enjoy. From unique campus activities that are open to the public, to art galleries and really delicious food and coffee places, Allendale really has something for everyone. 

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Here are some of the best things to do in Allendale – don’t forget to save and share this with your friends before you visit!

Grand Valley State University (GVSU): 

Explore the campus of GVSU, which is a prominent and well-regarded institution. Attend cultural events, explore art exhibits, or simply take a walk around the campus. Below we’ve listed some things we recommend!

On-Campus Coffee, Breakfast & Baked Goods: 

“Barista Bakery” 

A great stop for a tasty treat while exploring the campus. Inside GVSU Daniel & Pamella DeVos Center for Interprofessional Health (333 Michigan NE, 49503) on GVSU Health Campus.

Art Exhibits:

There are 6 exhibits running at different locations throughout Allendale and on campus. Take a look at this and make sure to grab a coffee from a nearby shop before you adventure out, because there are MANY exhibits to choose from.

Mathias J. Alten: An Evolving Legacy | George and Barbara Gordon Gallery– 1/15/2020 – 5/1/2031

Another Side of Bob Dylan: Photographs from the Douglas R. Gilbert Collection– 7/14/2023 – 6/28/2024

Beyond the Binary: Artists Illustrate the Complexities of Gender– 7/19/2023 – 6/28/2024

Full Circle: Teaching, Creating, and Curating– 1/12/2024 – 3/30/2024

Lubbers Stadium

If you’re a sports fan, consider attending a football game at Lubbers Stadium, the home of the Grand Valley State Lakers. The stadium, however, isn’t limited to only football and sports – they also host Disney on Ice, a variety of comedians and also popular musical guests. See below for some events on their calendar for the 2024 season!

Campus Events

Keep an eye out for various events happening on the GVSU campus. They often host concerts, lectures, and other activities that are open to the public. You can check out the schedule here. 

GVSU Arboretum: 

Explore the GVSU Arboretum, which features various plant collections, walking trails, and serene natural settings. You can find pictures, trail guides and reviews for this serene nature area here.

Allendale Community Park: 

Discover a perfect day of outdoor adventure at Township Park! With amenities like picnic tables, shelter, restrooms, concessions, playground, ballfield, basketball court, tennis court, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and nature areas with scenic trails, it’s an ideal setting for everyone. For those seeking an exclusive picnic experience, one picnic shelter in Township Park is available for reservations. To secure this prime spot with picnic tables, interested parties can contact the Township office at 616-895-6295.
This adorable Allendale getaway is just a call away!

Bass River Recreation Area: 

If you enjoy outdoor activities, head to Bass River Recreation Area for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The park has beautiful trails and access to the Grand River. For more information about trails and seasonal activities, click here.

Bass River Open space

This nature preserve is perfect for some time by the water, listening to the birds and being one with nature. Hunting is allowed within the DNR guidelines and within season. Pets are also allowed, so be mindful of that when bringing your leased pets to this park! Access the map before going here. 

Visit Local Eateries: 

Allendale has a selection of local restaurants , coffee shops and other dining options. Explore the Allendale food scene and try out some of the local flavors! You could even grab a coffee from one of these places before heading to one or all of the amazing art galleries.

Tea Time Cafe 

The Tea Time cafe is one local cafe you’ll have to check out. They feature the unique combo of bubble tea, poke bowls, ramen and more authentic asian cuisine! Its cozy atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing break from shopping or maybe even an afternoon of reading and sipping delicious drinks paired with equally delicious food. 

Mugshots Burgers & Brews 

Get some craft beer and stuffed burgers at this unique eating destination only found in Allendale! One thing the customer reviews seem to RAVE about are their fried pickles and amazing staff. Definitely make this a stop if you’re in Allendale for lunch or dinner! 

El Aztecas

“El Aztecas represents the hard working immigrants in the United States that put everything they had into fulfilling a dream.” If you’re looking for Authentic Mexican cuisine in Allendale, this is the spot for you! The customers especially compliment their Horchata as “the best in the area!!” With yummy drinks and delicious food, you’ll want to add this to your list. 

Shopping in Allendale

While you could certainly scoot over to the nearby Grandview shopping center, if you’d like to stay in the area we’ve found a couple wonderful shoppes for you to explore in Allendale! Read on to see all the cute places we found. 

Grounded in Nature

This shoppe features bohemian style clothing, crystal jewelry and everything a bohemian soul could desire! If you love spiritually or hippie inspired clothing, decor, jewelry and even more, you’ll have to visit this store!

Ripple Effect Resale

This stores mission is simple and clear: shop, save, and make an impact.Who wouldn’t want to save money WHILE doing good for the world? Their hours are MON-THURS 10AM-6pm and FRI/SAT 10AM-5PM. They have 5 different programs that their sales give back to (including a food pantry, community gardens and more), which you can check out here. ALong with their good deeds, they also just have an amazing selection of clothes, furniture and other resale items! Be a part of the Ripple Effect by taking a shopping trip at this Allendale destination!

Family Fare Fresh Supermarket

Buy local at this super fresh supermarket! This is a great place to shop at if you plan on making your own cuisine during your visit in Allendale. They even do the shopping for you and can deliver it to your car for pick up or delivery is available in some areas to your home or otherwise local areas. 

Brians Books

This hidden gem doesn’t have a website, but they sure have a lot of books! It took some digging to find a good bookstore in Allendale, but I’m so glad we found this one! Customers say that they give back more money for used books than most stores, especially for student textbooks. They also feature some music items alongside the books. Make sure to grab a coffee or tea and then browse around this Allendale book shoppe. 

Seasonal Events: 

Attend seasonal events and festivals. Whether it’s a summer fair, fall festival, or winter celebration, there may be local events that offer a fun and community-oriented experience. There is also a variety of events that give back to the community. You can check the full event calendar here!

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While Allendale itself may be relatively small, it’s got plenty to do and experience for travelers! The proximity to Grand Rapids also provides additional options for entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences.

Make a Weekend of it!