Located in the US state of Michigan, Grand Rapids is the largest city in West Michigan and the second largest city in the state, after Detroit. Known for being the home of the 38th President of United States, the city of Grand Rapids has a lot to offer. From beautiful historic landmarks, world class museums to verdant parks, botanical gardens and elegant art galleries, Grant Rapids is a fun and exciting place to visit with family and friends. Regardless of the season, the city of Grand Rapids has plenty of attractions to keep you busy and entertained throughout the year.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Rated as one of the top 30 museums in the world, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is known for its 132 acre expansive green spaces and sculptures, both indoor and outdoor. The beautiful sculpture galleries indoors features wonderful bronze sculptures made by various prominent artists. The outdoor botanical gardens are known for their colorful flowers and tranquil green areas surrounded by tall trees, waterways, paths, exotic plants and abundant natural scenery. Some popular gardens include Japanese Garden, Arid Garden, Carnivorous Plant Garden, Seasonal Display Garden, Victorian Garden and more. They also have an amazing cafe - Taste of the Gardens Cafe known for its sandwiches and salads.
Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, United States
Phone: 1 616 957 1580
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Saturday), 11:00 am to 05:00 pm (Sunday)
Website:
www.meijergardens.org/
Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)
Initially opened in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Gallery, the new green building of GRAM was built in 2007 and is the first LEED certified art museum in the world. The museum is known for its various 19th and 20th century art collections, photographs, paintings, sculptures, prints and decorative arts. It also has an extensive collection of modern art. The museum holds several exhibits throughout the year and also plays an important role in the annual ArtPrize event.
Address: 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Phone: 1 616 831 1000
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 12:00 p to 05:00 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website:
http://www.artmuseumgr.org/
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Did you know that the 38th President of United States – Gerald Ford was raised in the city of Grand Rapids? Find out more such interesting facts at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Known for its various permanent and temporary exhibits each giving more insight and information about the lives of the president and his wife. Some popular displays include a replica of the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, Watergate gallery, Berlin Wall, 1976 Bicentennial display. Both the president and his wife are buried over here, on a hillside, which attracts several followers who want to pay their respects to them.
Address: 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
Phone: 1 616 254 0400
Website: https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/
John Ball Zoo
Located just two miles from Downtown Grand Rapids, John Ball Zoo is an exciting adventurous zoo that is known for its 300 foot Zipline and 2 story ropes courses. It is home to more than 1100 animals including chimpanzees, lions, grizzly bears and a Komodo dragon. The zoo is divided into different habitats like Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Exhibit, South American Boardwalk, North American Trek, Living Shores Aquarium, Far Side of the World Trail, Sting Ray Lagoon, Treasures of the Tropics and more, each offering something new and unique to the visitors. Apart from that, the zoo also offers a range of exciting activities for the children like a tram ride, camel rides, boat rides, picnics and much more.
Address: 1300 West Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
Phone: 1 616 336 4301
Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Website:
www.jbzoo.org/
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
As the name suggests, Grand Rapids Children's Museum is a great place to visit for families with little children. The museum offers an array of exciting and interactive hands-on exhibits for children up to the age of 10 years. Each of the exhibits aims to be playful as well as informational that helps in growth and development of the child. Some popular permanent exhibits include Mom & Pop Store, Aunt Daisy’s Farm, Wee Discover, Giant Lite Brite, Treehouse, Buzzy Buzzy Bees, Wee Bank and much more.
Address: 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Phone: 1 616 235 4726
Timings: 09:30 am to 05:00 pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday), 09:30 am to 08:00 pm (Thursday), 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website:
www.grcm.org/
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Spread over three floors, Grand Rapids Public Museum is known for its wide range of exhibits, each of which represents the history and culture of Michigan. Established in the year 1845, it is one of the oldest museums in the country. Inside, one can explore a plethora of permanent and temporary exhibits. Visitors can either take a stroll through the street of Grand Rapids, which has been re-constructed to resemble the one in 1890’s or experience a fun ride in the 1928 Spillman carousel. There is also a 145 seat planetarium on the second floor that features daily shows.
Address: 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
Phone: 1 616 456 3977
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Wednesday to Saturday), 09:00 am to 08:00 pm (Tuesday), 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website:
www.grpm.org/
Meyer May House
Built during 1908 and 1909, Meyer May House is a beautiful historic house located in the renowned Heritage Hill Historic District of Grand Rapids. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this Prairie style house was originally built for a wealthy clothier and has been restored and renovated several times over the years to resemble its original concept.
Address: 450 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Phone: 1 616 246 4821
Timings: 10:00 am to 01:00 pm (Tuesday and Thursday), 01:00 pm to 04:00 pm (Sunday), Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Closed
Website:
http://meyermayhouse.steelcase.com/
Blandford Nature Center
Spread over 143 acres, Blandford Nature Center is a beautiful green space surrounded by fields, woods, streams, ponds, boardwalks, trails and overlooks. Aimed at promoting stewardship via environmental education, the nature center is also known for its various children’s’ programs that allow them to interact with wildlife and nature. It also offers them an opportunity to learn about sustainable living and farming.
Address: 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
Phone: 1 616 735 6240
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Monday to Friday), 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm (Saturday)
Website:
http://blandfordnaturecenter.org/
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
A multi-use facility, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is known for its creative community that is build on the grounds of collaboration, freedom in expression and unique contemporary art. The UICA also hosts a variety of annual exhibitions that displays works by national, regional and international artists. It is also known for its variety of events like concerts, artist receptions, movie screenings, performance arts, gallery talks and much more.
Address: 2 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Phone: 1 616 454 7000
T
imings: 12:00 pm to 09:00 pm (Tuesday to Saturday), 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm (Sunday), Monday Closed
Website:
www.uica.org/
A Complete Map Guide of Best Tourist Spots in Grand Rapids
