Location: Grand Rapids
Top Things to do in Grand Rapids
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI)
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. Meyer May House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 443 reviews
Built for a prominent merchant in 1908, this prairie-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is located in the elegant Heritage Hill district, where over 60 architectural styles are represented.
Reviewed By 322JeanB
Docent Ken made the house come alive with his knowledge of the house. The introductory film is very informative, the house is beautifully restored and well worth the time to enjoy. It’s free! Thanks to Steelcase.
2. The Cheese Lady
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
3. Cathedral of Saint Andrew
4. Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Virus update: You are welcome to walk the trails for exercise, fresh air & sunlight. Please KEEP YOUR DOG AT HOME so that our sensitive wildlife will feel protected in their home and stay visible for you to enjoy. The Bunker Interpretive Center is closed until further notice. The Ecosystem Preserve features 100+ acres of forest, wetlands, and native gardens. Over a mile of walking trails are open every day from dawn to dusk. The Bunker Interpretive Center is a LEED-certified education center open M-H 9am-5pm, and features interactive seasonal displays. A variety of educational programs for all ages are offered throughout the year.
5. Heritage Hill Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
On the Sunday morning of our recent weekend getaway, before heading back home, we decided to check out this lovely historic neighborhood where many of Grand Rapids elite of the late 19th and early 20th century built their homes! The highlight, of course, is the Frank LLoyd Wright-designed Meyer May House, which unfortunately is closed during these pandemic times. We parked nearby and walked around the house for a closer look (hope to visit when it is safe to do so). Then we walked up and down for several blocks through the neighborhood, enjoying some stunning architectural gems of many styles, including Georgian Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Federal, and Prairie. And the residents are friendly! We stopped to talk to a couple of them, asking about specific houses. Just take some time and enjoy the sites!!
6. Fulton Street Farmers Market
7. Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By PuttingItOutThere
Robinette's has been a staple in the community for decades. It's always been my top choice for apples and cider. It was wonderful to see that they still have great fruit and bakery items even during a challenging pandemic. Long lines for donuts but these are fresh made and worth the wait. (My personal favorite is the seasonal pumpkin spice or cinnamon sugar varieties.) Pies are also excellent here. Order early and pick up. On their lunch menu, I tried the Cranberry Chicken Salad sandwich and it was incredible. I asked lots of questions about what apples are best for baking and was given great information on all of the varieties. This place was 'farm to table' before it became a cliche. I highly recommend a visit here. Next visit, I'll be looking at their wine selection. ***It was a real shame that such negative press was given due to a visit by a member of the Trump family recently. Personally, I find it nauseating that anyone would say such mean spirited things about the Robinette family or their business. This business is a West Michigan institution and should not be tarnished with such trash talk.***
8. Long Road Distillers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Grand Rapids' first craft distillery; The finest locally-sourced ingredients, fermented and distilled honestly, creating spirits of uncompromising quality. Cocktails, small-bites, and bottles-to-go, proudly served in the neighborhood we call home. Established in 2014. Before we made the spirits, we made a decision. For us, it was a simple one--take no shortcuts. That meant using honest ingredients grown across the region. It meant crafting every batch from start to finish. And it meant taking a road that many seem to avoid. From that point forward, we've been on journey to develop spirits worthy of people's admiration. We don't source spirits, we source ingredients--the way it was meant to be done. An approach like ours has been a long time coming.
Reviewed By traveler23412 - Kalamazoo, United States
Stopped in with friends for a few drinks on Friday. Had a super knowledgeable server- very friendly and nice environment. I read on a sign they do distillery tours- that will definitely be my next visit there! Great place to stop in for a hand crafted cocktail! I loved that the bill was attached to a post card- I actually just sent the postcard out to a friend today. Nice touch!
9. Grand Rapids Public Library
10. Gerald R. Ford Airport Viewing Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By 8zzf3mh8reu7ddw - Grand Rapids, United States
I remember watching the air planes at the air port when I was a child. My goodness, now there is a picnic area, lots of great parking. The air planes still look too big and the engines are still too loud! But fun to watch.
