Located in the US state of Michigan, the city of Grand Rapids is renowned for its several tourist attractions, historic landmarks, verdant parks, world class museums, top notch art galleries, delicious food and vibrant nightlife. Did you know that Grand Rapids is the largest city in the entire West Michigan? Find out more such interesting facts about Grand Rapids over here.
Fun Facts About Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Demographic and Geographical Fast Facts
- Grand Rapids is the county seat of Kent County and is the largest city in West Michigan and the second largest city in the state.
- According to US Census 2010, Grand Rapids has a population of 188,040.
- The Ethnic composition of Minneapolis includes White (64.6%), Hispanic (15.6%) African American (20.9%), Native American (0.7%), Non-Hispanic White (59.0%), Asians (1.9%), Pacific Islander (0.1%), Other Races (7.7%) and Two or more Races (4.2%).
- Grand Rapids is ranked as the 6th Best Fishing City in America in 2006 by Field and Stream Magazine.
- The city of Grand Rapids is named as the largest inland river in the US state of Michigan – Grand River.
- With 1300 homes and 60 architectural styles, Heritage Hill Historic District in Grand Rapids is the largest urban historic district in USA.
- The street layout of Grand Rapids is derived from the feud between the founder of the city - Louis Campau and his rival - Lucius Lyon.
Grand Rapids History Fast Facts
- Gerald Ford, the 38th President of United States, was raised in the city of Grand Rapids.
- Isaac McCoy was the first permanent settler in the Grand Rapids area, who set up a missionary post in 1825.
- The first inhabitants of Grand Rapids were the Ottawa Indians.
- Grand Rapids was officially incorporated on 2nd May 1850.
- Before Grand Rapids became the furniture city, it was known for its gypsum industry.
Grand Rapids Government and Economy Fast Facts
- Grand Rapids was the first city in the county to add fluoride to its water, way back in 1945.
- Also called the Furniture City, Grand Rapids houses five of the world’s leading office furniture companies.
- The economy of Grand Rapids greatly depends on information technology, consumer goods, automotive, aviation and health care industries.
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the 86th largest airport in the nation, serving almost 2 million passengers each year.
- Grand Rapids serves as the headquarters of many multinational companies including Herman Miller, Wolverine World Wide, Alticor, Steelcase, Zondervan and more.
Grand Rapids Interesting and Important Fast Facts
- Grand Rapids is also called the ‘Furniture City’, ‘River City’ and ‘Beer City USA’.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids is among the 100 most visited art museums in the world.
- In 2007, Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) was ranked as one of the seven best buildings of the year by Newsweek Magazine.
- The city of Grand Rapids is named as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists and is also known for its mountain biking.
- Herpolsheimer's Department Store in Grand Rapids has been featured twice in the blockbuster movie – Polar Express.
- In the year 2014, the city of Grand Rapids was named as one of the top travel destinations in the country by Lonely Planet.
- Between the period of 1926 and 1935, Grand Rapids had an efficient Street Car System, which was later abolished.
- The city has the world’s first ever LEED’s certified art museum and has more LEED certified buildings (according to per capita) than any other city in the country.
- Fifth Third Riverbank Run, America’s 25K race, takes place in the city of Grand Rapids.
- Gilda’s LaughFest, the first ever laughing festival in the world, was started in Grand Rapids.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens in the city is home to one of the two 24 inch sculptures that are based on Leonardo Da Vinci drawings.
- Grand Rapids was also home to America’s first ever megaplex.
- Grand Rapids Ballet Company is the biggest ballet company in the country.
- The city of Grand Rapids has been brewing beer since the year 1836.
- Grand Rapids is one of the first cities in the country to install public art like Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse.
