Grand Rapids Michigan

Art and Events

Dive in and discover Grand Rapids’ thriving arts scene. Visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum to explore centuries of art history, then drive ten minutes east to check out the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park – winner of the title Best Sculpture Park in the USA by USA Today, it’s one of the most visited art museums in the world. The city is also home to an incredible lineup of annual events and acclaimed festivals. ArtPrize brings hundreds of international artists to display their work in galleries, storefronts, parks, public spaces and museums across the city each fall. It’s been named among Time Magazine's list of Five Festive Events You Won’t Want to Miss, and it’s one of the most attended art shows in the world. The World of Winter Festival, the USA’s largest winter festival, also showcases Michigan creativity, with giant outdoor art installations, elaborate ice sculptures, family-friendly games and live entertainment drawing enthusiastic crowds year after year. Insider tip: Purchase the mobile Culture Pass GR for discounted admission to some of Grand Rapids’ most acclaimed attractions.

Delicious Foods and Craft Breweries

Culinary and beverage arts are prominent in Grand Rapids, which has been named America's Best Beer City by USA Today. The city sits in one of the world’s finest growing regions, and local chefs take full advantage of the agricultural bounty. Pick your own produce at family farms, shop at dozens of markets and enjoy top-notch menus to please every palate in eclectic local restaurants. Best of all, it’s easy to navigate Grand Rapids’ rich culinary offerings right from your smartphone. With virtual guides like the Flights of Flavor Digital Pass and the Beer City Brewsader app, you can take on awesome food and drink challenges for a chance to win prizes.

Family Fun and Great Lakes

Family-friendly attractions aren’t hard to find – the John Ball Zoo and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum are among the highlights, but dozens more nature centers, museums, children's gardens and more offer kid-focused and sensory-friendly experiences. While Grand Rapids teems with big-city excitement, outdoor recreation is never far away. Hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails – and dozens of challenging golf courses – are within five minutes of downtown. The beaches and resort towns of Lake Michigan beckon are just a 30-minute drive away – so you can spend blissful days on the beach and exciting nights out on the town.