A growing Midwest city known for its craft breweries, art festivals, and furniture design legacy. Home to the Gerald R. Ford Museum and Frederik Meijer Gardens.
Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest city, sits along the Grand River just 25 miles east of Lake Michigan. The city grew beyond its furniture-making roots to become a cultural destination. You can walk among Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures at Frederik Meijer Gardens, learn about the 38th president at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and sample local brews at craft breweries like Founders Brewing Co. Downtown transforms each fall during ArtPrize, when artists display their work across the city's streets, buildings, and public spaces.
Craft Beer Scene
More than 40 craft breweries operate across Grand Rapids, making it one of America's top beer cities. You'll find small experimental brewhouses creating limited batches alongside established names like Founders Brewing Co. Local brewers collaborate with Michigan farms to create seasonal drinks using regional ingredients. Plan your visit during the Winter Beer Festival in February or Summer Craft Beer Month in July to join brewery tours and special tasting events.
Arts and Museums
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park spans indoor conservatories and outdoor gardens with works by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin and Dale Chihuly. The Grand Rapids Art Museum displays 19th and 20th century European and American art in its environmentally certified building. During ArtPrize each fall, artists install hundreds of pieces throughout downtown - from murals on building walls to sculptures in public squares - transforming the city into an open-air gallery.
Downtown and the Grand River
Paved trails run along both sides of the Grand River through downtown, connecting parks and viewpoints. The Downtown Market houses more than 20 food vendors and restaurants in a 25,000-square-foot space where you can eat, shop, and take cooking classes. Watch hockey games and concerts at Van Andel Arena, or experience classical performances by the Grand Rapids Symphony, Ballet, and Opera at DeVos Performance Hall.
Getting Around
The city divides into four quadrants - NE, NW, SE, and SW - with Fulton Street and Division Avenue as the main dividing lines. Gerald R. Ford International Airport connects to more than 30 destinations with over 100 daily flights. Move around downtown for free on the DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle), or use The Rapid bus system to reach other parts of the metropolitan area.
