Unearth The Voyage
Grand Rapids, Michigan has grown into one of the Midwest’s most exciting destinations, blending world-class art, thriving craft breweries, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend adventures or a visitor planning your first trip, this city on the Grand River offers something memorable for everyone. From stunning sculpture gardens to historic presidential museums, bustling markets to peaceful nature trails, Grand Rapids delivers experiences that surprise and delight year-round.
1. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Imagine strolling through gardens where nature meets art at every turn. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park showcases more than 200 sculptures across 158 acres of indoor and outdoor spaces. USA TODAY readers have consistently ranked it among the nation’s best sculpture parks from 2023 through 2025.
Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the indoor conservatories filled with tropical plants and seasonal displays. The outdoor sculpture collections wind through meadows, woodlands, and themed gardens that change with Michigan’s seasons. Kids love the interactive Children’s Garden, while art enthusiasts appreciate works by world-renowned sculptors.
The park hosts rotating exhibits throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover. Check meijergardens.org before your visit to see current installations and plan your route through this world-class destination that truly puts Grand Rapids on the cultural map.
2. Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)
Downtown Grand Rapids boasts a striking architectural gem that houses treasures spanning centuries. The Grand Rapids Art Museum occupies a sleek, modern building that earned LEED Gold certification, making it one of the world’s first green art museums. Inside, you’ll find contemporary masterpieces alongside classic works that tell stories from different eras and cultures.
The museum updated its schedule effective December 8, 2025, now welcoming visitors Wednesday through Sunday while closing Mondays and Tuesdays. This gives the staff time to rotate exhibits and maintain the collections. The galleries feature everything from Renaissance paintings to cutting-edge installations by living artists.
Families appreciate the interactive spaces designed for younger visitors to engage with art. Special exhibitions rotate regularly, bringing fresh perspectives and new artists to West Michigan. Whether you’re an art history buff or simply curious, GRAM offers an accessible introduction to visual culture in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
3. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Right along the Grand River sits a museum dedicated to Michigan’s own president. Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, grew up in Grand Rapids, and this interactive museum brings his life and legacy into focus. You can explore exhibits covering Watergate, the Cold War, and Ford’s unique path to the presidency without ever being elected to that office.
The museum grounds also include the gravesites of President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford, which remain open daily for respectful viewing. Inside, multimedia displays and artifacts help visitors understand the challenges Ford faced during a turbulent period in American history. Interactive elements let you step into key decisions and see how presidential choices ripple through time.
School groups frequently visit for civics lessons, but the museum appeals to all ages. Check fordlibrarymuseum.gov for current hours and special programs that dive deeper into specific topics or commemorate historical anniversaries.
4. Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Food lovers find their happy place inside this vibrant market hall that buzzes with activity seven days a week. The Grand Rapids Downtown Market brings together local vendors, restaurants, cooking classes, and community events under one beautifully designed roof. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, shopping for fresh ingredients, or taking a culinary class, this spot delivers flavor and fun.
Vendors rotate seasonally, but you can always count on finding artisan breads, locally roasted coffee, international cuisines, and Michigan-made products. The open layout encourages snack crawls where you sample bites from multiple stalls. Upstairs, incubator kitchens help new food entrepreneurs launch their businesses.
The Market also hosts special events like chef demonstrations, kids’ cooking camps, and holiday markets. Outdoor seating areas provide river views when weather permits. It’s become a gathering place where Grand Rapids residents and visitors mingle over shared meals, making it much more than just a place to eat.
5. Meyer May House (Frank Lloyd Wright)
Architecture enthusiasts make pilgrimages to see this perfectly preserved example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School vision. Built in 1908 and later restored by Steelcase, the Meyer May House showcases Wright’s revolutionary ideas about open floor plans, built-in furniture, and the relationship between buildings and their surroundings. Every detail, from art glass windows to custom light fixtures, reflects Wright’s total design philosophy.
Tours are completely free, but reservations are absolutely necessary because they fill up weeks in advance. Knowledgeable guides walk you through rooms that look exactly as Wright intended, explaining his innovative techniques and the painstaking restoration process. You’ll see original furniture, textiles, and decorative elements that most Wright buildings have lost over time.
The house sits in a residential neighborhood, making it feel intimate rather than museum-like. Photography rules are strict to preserve the interiors, so plan to be fully present during your visit. Check meyermayhouse.steelcase.com early to secure your spot at this architectural masterpiece.
6. Blandford Nature Center & The Highlands
Nature thrives just minutes from downtown at this 143-acre sanctuary that combines environmental education with outdoor recreation. Blandford Nature Center maintains miles of trails through forests, wetlands, and meadows on the city’s northwest side. The Highlands, a former golf course, has been reclaimed as natural habitat, adding even more space for hiking and wildlife watching.
Wildlife ambassadors live at the center, including raptors, reptiles, and mammals that can’t survive in the wild. Educational programs teach visitors about Michigan ecosystems and conservation efforts. Kids can explore the farm area with goats, chickens, and other domestic animals.
Trails stay open year-round, offering different experiences each season from spring wildflowers to winter snowshoeing. The center hosts maple syrup demonstrations in early spring and autumn nature walks when fall colors peak. Families appreciate the easy accessibility and the chance to disconnect from screens while connecting with nature. Check blandfordnaturecenter.org for current programs and trail conditions before heading out.
7. Fish Ladder Park
Where engineering meets nature, you’ll find one of Grand Rapids’ most unique attractions. Fish Ladder Park features a functional sculpture that helps salmon and other fish bypass the rapids as they migrate upstream to spawn. Designed by artist Joseph Kinnebrew, the concrete steps create both a working fish passage and a piece of public art that defines the city.
Timing your visit makes all the difference. Spring and late summer bring the best fish-watching opportunities when salmon leap dramatically up the ladder. You might spot steelhead, Chinook salmon, or other species making their determined journey. Bring a camera because the combination of rushing water and jumping fish creates memorable photos.
The park itself is small but perfectly positioned downtown with river views and interpretive signs explaining the fish species and their migration patterns. It’s completely free and accessible year-round, though the fish activity varies by season. Visit experiencegr.com for migration timing updates to catch nature’s show at its most spectacular moment.
8. Grand River Edges Trail + Riverside Park
A 5.4-mile paved path follows the Grand River, connecting downtown to broader trail networks that extend throughout the region. The Grand River Edges Trail attracts walkers, runners, and cyclists who appreciate the flat, scenic route with constant river views. You’ll pass under bridges, through parks, and along restored natural areas that show how the city has embraced its waterfront.
Riverside Park serves as a major hub along the trail, offering boat and kayak access for paddlers wanting to explore from water level. The park also features disc golf courses, picnic shelters, and open spaces for games or relaxation. It’s located just minutes from downtown, making it easy to combine trail time with other city activities.
The trail system continues expanding, with new connections added regularly. Local cyclists use it for commuting, while visitors enjoy leisurely rides with plenty of spots to stop and watch river life. Check experiencegr.com for trail maps and connection points to plan longer adventures through Grand Rapids’ growing greenway network.
9. Van Andel Arena (Concerts & Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey)
West Michigan’s entertainment epicenter hosts everything from chart-topping concerts to professional hockey games. Van Andel Arena seats over 10,000 fans and consistently books major touring acts across all genres. The venue’s excellent acoustics and sightlines mean there really aren’t bad seats, whether you’re watching a rock legend or a family show.
From fall through spring, the arena transforms into home ice for the Grand Rapids Griffins, the AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Game nights bring energetic crowds who pack the stands to cheer for future NHL stars. The Griffins have built a loyal following with affordable tickets and exciting hockey.
The arena also hosts comedy shows, family entertainment like Disney on Ice, and special events throughout the year. Its downtown location means you can grab dinner before shows and drinks afterward without moving your car. Check vanandelarena.com for the current events calendar because something exciting happens here almost every week during peak season.
10. Fulton Street Farmers Market
For more than a century, Grand Rapids residents have gathered at this beloved market to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and local products directly from farmers and makers. Fulton Street Farmers Market operates year-round with adjusted schedules. During Second Season from November through April, you’ll find vendors every Saturday from 10am to 1pm selling winter squash, root vegetables, preserves, and handcrafted items.
Summer season from May through October expands to multiple days per week with overflowing stalls of Michigan fruits, vegetables, flowers, and prepared foods. The market atmosphere buzzes with conversation as neighbors catch up and visitors discover regional specialties. Musicians often perform, adding to the festive community vibe.
Beyond shopping, the market serves as a social hub where people connect over shared appreciation for local food systems. You’ll find everything from heirloom tomatoes to artisan cheeses, fresh-cut flowers to maple syrup. Arrive early for the best selection, especially during peak summer weeks when Michigan produce is at its absolute finest.
11. Founders Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids Taproom)
One of Michigan’s most recognized craft breweries pours its flagship and experimental beers at this bustling downtown taproom. Founders Brewing Co. helped put Grand Rapids on the craft beer map, and the original taproom remains the best place to experience their full range. Open daily with posted hours, the space fills with both devoted fans and curious first-timers.
The taproom-only releases give regulars reason to return frequently, as these small-batch experiments showcase brewers’ creativity beyond the widely distributed favorites. The industrial-chic space features long communal tables that encourage conversation and a lively bar scene. Food trucks often park outside, or you can bring in food from nearby restaurants.
Tours offer behind-the-scenes looks at the brewing process, though reservations are recommended. The merchandise area sells everything from glassware to clothing for fans wanting to take home a piece of Founders. Whether you’re a hophead seeking the latest IPA or someone just beginning to explore craft beer, this taproom delivers an authentic Grand Rapids brewing experience.
12. Brewery Vivant
A former funeral chapel found new life as one of America’s first LEED-certified microbreweries. Brewery Vivant specializes in Belgian-inspired beers, bringing European brewing traditions to Grand Rapids with sustainable practices. The soaring architecture with original stained glass and exposed brick creates an atmosphere unlike any other brewery you’ll visit.
The gastropub menu features elevated comfort food designed to pair with the beer selection. From farmhouse ales to rich Belgian dubbels, the rotating taps showcase both classic styles and creative seasonal releases. The kitchen sources local ingredients when possible, aligning with the brewery’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Outdoor seating in warmer months lets you enjoy East Hills neighborhood views while sipping carefully crafted brews. The staff knows their products thoroughly and happily guides newcomers through the Belgian beer styles. Check breweryvivant.com for current hours before visiting. This brewery proves that sustainability and great beer go hand-in-hand, making it a must-visit for environmentally conscious beer lovers and anyone appreciating unique spaces.
13. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Two floors of hands-on exhibits keep young minds and bodies active at this museum designed specifically for kids. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum believes learning happens through play, and every corner invites touching, building, exploring, and imagining. From water play areas to pretend grocery stores, climbing structures to art stations, children find endless ways to engage.
Special Third Thursday hours extend museum time into the evening once a month, giving families with busy schedules extra opportunities to visit. The museum constantly refreshes exhibits to keep repeat visitors excited about new discoveries. Toddlers have dedicated spaces scaled to their size, while older kids tackle more complex challenges.
Birthday party packages make celebrations easy, and the museum hosts camps during school breaks. The live visit page on their website provides weekly schedule updates and special event information. Parents appreciate that their kids burn energy while developing problem-solving skills and creativity. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay an hour and end up spending the whole afternoon because nobody wants to leave.
14. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Since 1911, this family orchard has been welcoming visitors for fresh apples, cider, and seasonal treats. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery operates year-round, though autumn brings peak crowds eager for apple picking, cider donuts, and fall festival activities. The farm store stocks Michigan wines produced from estate-grown fruits, plus jams, sauces, and gift items perfect for taking home.
Those famous cider donuts are made fresh daily and sell out quickly on busy weekends, so arrive early if they’re on your must-have list. The winery tasting room lets adults sample fruit wines ranging from traditional apple to creative blends. Kids love the play areas and seasonal activities like wagon rides through the orchards.
The farm publishes detailed seasonal schedules showing when different apple varieties ripen and what special events are happening. U-pick opportunities let families harvest their own fruit while enjoying the orchard atmosphere. Check robinettes.com before visiting to see what’s currently available and plan your trip around specific activities or favorite apple types.
