First Timers Guide To Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids beckons with open arms to those seeking the perfect warm-weather playground, regardless of age or interests. From biking, hiking, golfing, and boating to leisurely beach days, Grand Rapids has it all. As the sun sets, the city comes alive with sports bars, nightclubs, brewpubs, and live-music venues, promising unforgettable nights on the town.

For those with a penchant for the great outdoors, Grand Rapids doesn’t disappoint. The city boasts one-of-a-kind museums, unique stores, and a food emporium at Downtown Market that’s a feast for the senses. Embark on a brewery tour, explore the vibrant city, and cap off your day with a visit to a Lake Michigan beach, where the sunset is nothing short of spectacular.

Summer in Grand Rapids is a symphony of festivals and concerts, with the Summer Concert Series at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park stealing the spotlight, featuring some of the biggest names in music. The city’s outdoor dining extends into the late hours, while farm markets overflow with the freshest produce – did you know Michigan rivals California in the variety of its homegrown fruits and vegetables?

Kids, too, have their share of adventures at John Ball Zoo, Blandford Nature Center, Craig’s Cruisers, AJ’s Family Fun Center, TreeRunner Adventure Park, and more than 100 parks and playgrounds.

LAKESHORE EXPLORATIONS

Celebrate the 4th of July and Labor Day in style, cheer on the West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team, indulge in delectable ice cream and iced coffees, and take leisurely picnics in the city’s numerous parks. Venture beyond Grand Rapids to explore lakeshore communities like Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, and Saugatuck/Douglas, each offering its unique charm.

SCENIC PICNIC SPOTS

Grand Rapids invites you to enjoy its picturesque parks for a perfect picnic experience. Lookout Park, perched atop a 160-foot hill in the Belknap neighborhood, offers breathtaking views of the city and the Grand River. Palmer Park in Wyoming, just minutes from downtown, boasts over 300 acres of greenspace, with picnic areas and shelters amidst its natural beauty. John Collins Park, along the shore of Reeds Lake, provides a tranquil setting for a leisurely picnic with benches, boat launches, and scenic walking paths.

Before you head out, stock up on picnic provisions at local gems like Bridge Street Market, Grand Rapids Downtown Market, and Fulton Street Farmers Market, where you’ll find everything from outdoor blankets to locally sourced delicacies.

FUN AND FREE ACTIVITIES

Grand Rapids generously offers a plethora of no-cost activities throughout the year. Hop on the bright pink DASH Bus for free transportation and explore 14 disc golf courses, public art installations, riverwalks, and endless non-motorized trails. Dive into the city’s rich cultural scene with free admission to museums like the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum.

PLANNING YOUR STAY

Plan to stay awhile with a variety of accommodations, available including bed and breakfasts, extended stay options, vacation rentals, pet-friendly hotels, and over 20 chain hotel packages. For the best options and reservations, visit https://www.experiencegr. com/plan-and-stay/hotels