5 Traveler Resources in Grand Rapids That You Shouldn't Miss

July 27, 2021 Brandee Mangan

The comforts of a friendly, small-town atmosphere combined with the pleasures of big city life make Grand Rapids an ideal choice for a fun getaway with a host of indoor and outdoor activities. Once known as the furniture capital of the world, the city has a reinvigorated downtown area and a thriving arts and cultural community. Its most popular attraction is the museum dedicated to native son Gerald R. Ford, 38th U.S. President, where interactive exhibits take you to the White House and the 1976 Republican National Convention. Wander through the state's largest tropical conservatory at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a magical wonderland of gardens, woodlands and over 100 bronze statues by famous artists, including the 24-foot bronze horse designed by Leonardo da Vinci. More outdoor fun is a half-hour away at the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. Golf lovers have plenty of places to hit the greens since Grand Rapids has more privately owned, daily-fee, public courses than any other U.S. city. Wind up your busy weekend with a cold beer at the Hair of the Frog Brewery or the Grand Rapids Brewing Company.
Restaurants in Grand Rapids

1. The Ruse

25 Division Ave S Suite 125, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4229 +1 616-214-7799 [email protected] http://www.the-ruse.com
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 75 reviews

The Ruse

The Ruse offers a new form of high-energy active entertainment. Our goal is to engage our guests in interactive fun by building aesthetically immersive worlds that tell a story. The premise is this: Your team will race against the clock (60 minutes) to "escape" the room by solving engaging puzzles and challenges that promote creative thinking, teamwork, and communication.

Reviewed By tnbuckeye66 - Tennessee, United States

What a blast!!! Would recommend The Trophy Room to all those who love adventures, puzzles and team activities!!

2. DeVos Place

303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2233 +1 616-742-6500 [email protected] http://www.devosplace.org
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 246 reviews

DeVos Place

DeVos Place® is a premier convention center located in downtown Grand Rapids. Nestled beside the Grand River, the picturesque riverfront setting is the perfect backdrop for your convention or tradeshow. DeVos Place offers a unique combination of meeting and exhibition space to accommodate a variety of events. Downtown Grand Rapids is located 15 minutes from Gerald Ford International Airport and easily accessible from all major interstates.The Convention Center features a 162,000 square foot, column free exhibit hall, 40,000 square foot ballroom and 26 individual meeting rooms (32,000 square feet). Twelve spacious loading docks (with a wash bay and marshalling area), allow for easy access into the exhibit hall. In addition, DeVos Place features a 2,404 seat performing theater with two independent loading docks and one loading ramp. Home to the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet Company, Opera Grand Rapids and Broadway Grand Rapids, it can also serve as the perfect space for a general session or keynote address. DeVos Place is part of a vibrant downtown entertainment district featuring over 50 dining establishments, nightclubs, four museums and the 12,000 seat Van Andel Arena, all within walking distance.

Reviewed By kellymW4850FV - Fort Wayne, United States

Just saw Book of Mormon there tonight. It’s a wonderful space with great seats, lighting and sound. The woman’s restroom was large & the intermission line moved fast! We drove up from Fort Wayne, IN to see this show (2 1/2 hours!) They have many excellent Broadway shows lined up for 2019-2020. We will be back!!

3. Van Andel Arena

130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2682 +1 616-742-6600 http://www.vanandelarena.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 447 reviews

Van Andel Arena

The Van Andel Arena is a 10,834-seat multi-purpose arena situated in the Heartside district of Grand Rapids, Michigan. After a $75 million construction effort, the arena opened on October 8, 1996 and since has attracted over five million patrons. It is home to the popular Grand Rapids Griffins ice hockey team, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings.As a concert venue, the Van Andel Arena seats about 12,858 for end-stage shows, and 13,184 for center-stage shows. The arena floor measures 85 by 220 feet (26 × 67 m). The arena features 9,886 permanent seats and 44 luxury suites, with the 16 luxury suites in the upper bowl seating 20, and the lower 24 bowls seating 15, and the others at 18. There are approximately 1,298 retractable seats at Van Andel Arena.

Reviewed By lisagL2049TM

We were from out of town and it was our first time there. Excellent location to have dinner before the show and go out after. Our tickets were pretty far up and we didn't feel like we missed a thing. Great concert venue!

4. Grand Rapids Public Library

111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3268 +1 616-988-5400 http://www.grpl.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Grand Rapids Public Library

5. Crossroads Conference Center

6569 Clay Ave SW Same Parking Lot As the Holiday Inn Express, Grand Rapids, MI 49548-7839 +1 616-656-7777 [email protected] http://crossroadsbanquet.com
Excellent
25%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

Crossroads Conference Center

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