This Midwestern City Is Home to Craft Breweries Galore — and Its Art Scene Rivals That of Major Metropolises
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Discover endless things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the US’ craft beer capital. Enjoy renowned restaurants, award-winning craft beer, remarkable historical sights, and nature.
As Western Michigan’s largest city, Grand Rapids earns its reputation as a fun-loving destination full of activities and experiences. For four years in a row, USA Today named the city the nation’s top craft beer destination. It’s also renowned for its fine dining and bar scene.
As a local, I grew up loving the city, its natural spaces, and community spirit. Today, the city is shattering its previous tourism numbers and giving visitors the time of their lives.
Below are 12 top destinations and experiences in Grand Rapids, according to a local. Visit yourself to see why Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one of the best destinations in the US.
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Sample Award-Winning Craft Beer
Craft beer is Grand Rapid’s specialty, with over 40 craft breweries in the city. In its suburbs and nearby towns, you’ll find dozens more, many of which are among the nation’s best.
Take a journey back in time and visit Archival Brewing. This team of master breweries brews historical beers that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Their antique beers are made from resources lost to time and are so good they’ve won several beer wards.
Next, don’t miss Founders Brewing Co., one of the nation’s largest and most beloved craft breweries. Founders put Grand Rapids on the map for craft beer. Take a brewery tour or grab a meal at its popular brewpub.
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Take in Downtown’s Art Scene
Grand Rapids’ art scene is world-renowned, with famous murals, art galleries, and studios. Start at Calder Plaza to see the famous 3-foot-long La Grande Vitesse mural. Then, check out the murals on downtown buildings.
See the famous Ethel B. Coe Mural and the murals of the ArtPrize Clubhouse. Also, visit 106 Gallery and the popular ArtRat Gallery, a hub for local concerts and events.
Visit the GRAMMA (Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives) for tons of local art. The museum is also a beautifully curated space dedicated to the city’s African American heritage.
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Tour the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a one-of-a-kind green space filled with fine art and beautiful plants. It’s one of the world’s 50 most visited art museums and a destination not to miss.
You’ll see over 200 pieces of fine sculptures by famous classic and contemporary artists. From giant bronze horses to mind-bending figures, your imagination will be fueled with excitement.
Inside the space are several beautifully manicured gardens. Walk through the lively Japanese gardens, enter a tropical conservatory, and see rare butterflies float around you. Plan your trip around holidays and events for even more magical experiences.
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Dive Into History at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a must for history lovers. With its exciting exhibitions and tours, you’ll dive into local history and see original artifacts and photos from the city’s early days.
Grand Rapids was once known as the Furniture Capital of the World. At the museum, you’ll learn about its once-thriving industry that turned it into a boom town.
Other highlights include an original 1928 carousel, Victorian street recreation, and an interactive planetarium. During events, the museum turns into a fun space for live talks, shows, and family activities.
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See a Show at the Van Andel Arena
The Van Andel Arena is one of Grand Rapids’ most iconic landmarks and one of Michigan’s largest stadiums. It’s the home of the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team and the Grand Rapids Gold basketball team. It’s also where the world’s top artists come to perform.
Book a ticket to your favorite artist’s concert. Or, check out a local match and support the local teams. There are also annual performances by the Harlem Globetrotters, WWE, and Disney on Ice.
There are over 12,000 seats in this massive stadium. After the show, enjoy the bars and restaurants nearby. You’ll catch live music and plenty of fun entertainment.
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Visit the John Ball Zoo
The John Ball Zoo is one of the Midwest’s most visited zoos. It has over 2,000 animals and over 200 species. You’ll see native Michigan wildlife, including black bears, camels, rare fish, and tropical birds.
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You’ll enjoy camel rides, a budgie aviary, and an expansive aquarium. For more adventurous visitors, there’s even a ropes course and zip line. Time your visit for events and lectures to learn more about the zoo’s animals and local wildlife.
The zoo champions wildlife conservation and is one of the most sustainable zoos in the state. It closes in the winter, so your visit will be from March to November.
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Tour the Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is one of the state’s largest hubs for fine art. As the first LEED Gold Certified Art Museum in the world, it carries high standards for its exhibits.
Experience over 6,000 paintings, sculptures, and photographs from national and international masters such as Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol. The pieces cover everything from medieval art to modern masterpieces. You’ll also see epic works by top local artists.
The museum is great to visit as a group or on your own. For an epic evening, coordinate your visit with guest lectures and presentations.
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Enjoy Rosa Parks Circle
Rosa Parks Circle is a lively open space in the heart of the city. Washington, DC’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial artist Maya Lin designed the space. It’s a meeting place for locals and home to events and annual celebrations.
In the circle’s center is the beautiful Ecliptic sculpture and LOVE sculpture. You’ll enjoy live concerts, events, and art shows in the summer.
Once the snow flies in winter, enjoy ice skating at the park’s massive ice skating rink. Sip on hot beverages next to the giant Christmas tree and take in the festive scenery.
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Check out Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery is a must-see destination just outside the city. The winery and orchard has been around since 1912 and is the quintessential Michigan orchard experience.
You’ll get to visit 124 acres of fruit trees and vineyards. There are rows of apples, cherries, stonefruits, and vegetable gardens. They also make homemade ciders and wine.
Spend the day enjoying tours, hayrides, corn mazes, and other outdoor activities. Then, grab a homemade meal and artisanal wine at the winery and restaurant. Time your visit with the seasons to enjoy special events and a whole lot of Americana.
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See the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is fun for any history lover. This space is dedicated to the 38th US president, who grew up in the city.
You’ll see personal artifacts from his time as president, including Watergate burglar tools, presidential vehicles, and documents. You’ll also enjoy memorabilia from his childhood and the era he grew up in.
The museum grounds also include the gravesites of the President and First Lady Betty Ford. After visiting, enjoy the beautiful open space surrounding the museum.
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Experience the Meyer May House’s Architecture
The Meyer May House is one of the Midwest’s most iconic buildings. In 1908, the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright built it for the owner of May’s clothing store. Since then, it has been one of the city’s most photographed destinations.
You can tour the building on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. It features a signature Frank Lloyd Wright style, with beautiful angled walls and roofs. As one of the best examples of Prarie-style architecture in the state, it attracts architecture fans from around the world.
After seeing the home, walk around the neighborhood to see more incredible architecture. Walk north to Heritage Hill and spend the day sightseeing in this historic neighborhood.
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Step into History at Heritage Hill
Heritage Hill is a historic neighborhood filled with mansions and historic homes. This urban district is perfect for exploring on foot or by car.
Over 1,000 buildings, including 19th-century buildings and various architectural styles, including Victorian and Greek Revival, are to be discovered. Take a self-guided tour and spend the day searching for these relics of history.
In addition to its historical significance, this neighborhood is full of historical restaurants and bars. Step into antique storefronts and visit the small green spaces in between. This neighborhood becomes one of the most exciting places for lights and decorations during the holidays.
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