Location: Grand Rapids
Top Things to do in Grand Rapids
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Grand Rapids That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,947 reviews
View modern sculpture in a stunning garden setting at this combination botanical garden and sculpture park, which features exotic plants, desert and Victorian gardens, wetlands, meadows, and sculptures by famous artists throughout.
Reviewed By Relax778849
Our son’s family lives in Grand Rapids, so we often visit Meier Gardens. It’s enjoyable whether we visit during Christmas to see decorated trees from other countries, summer to walk the garden paths and visit the children’s garden where the grandkids can run and climb, or during the butterfly exhibit in the spring. The special exhibits are interesting as well.
2. 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.
3. Grand Rapids Symphony
4. Catch Air
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By 354chrysk
We went with a group of kids age 3-9. They all had fun running around and playing. The toddler area was just right for the little ones and the rest was perfect for the older kids. They didn't want to leave!
5. The Great Escape Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 837 reviews
The Great Escape Room is a real-life room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. Escape games are the newest craze sweeping the nation - a fun, team-building, brain-busting experience! After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you. 60 minutes are on the clock! You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to escape the room. Perfect for: DATE NIGHT FAMILY FUN CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING SPORTS & YOUTH GROUPS *OPEN BY APPOINTMENT for private party groups of 10 or more during our closed hours
Reviewed By D6237JIjohnr
Had a great time - we "escaped" with about 30 seconds to spare...with a little help from the staff. Had a great time - the puzzles were clever and gave us all we could handle (and then some!).
6. Cathedral of Saint Andrew
7. Locked 460 Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 442 reviews
Locked 460 offers fun for friends, family, corporate team building, or a fun date night idea. An adventure game in which groups of players are locked for sixty minutes in a themed room and use elements within to solve a series of puzzles attempting to escape. Our three differently themed rooms include an Old West Saloon (circa 1883), a Criminal's Hideout (circa 1983), and a Cold War era auto garage.
Reviewed By noelbL6470BQ
We did Apartment 460, family of 4. Really enjoyed our experience, Game Master Lucy was very helpful, patient and attentive to us!! Whole family enjoyed this experience. Will come again!!
8. The Ruse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
The Ruse offers a new form of high-energy active entertainment. Our goal is to engage our guests in interactive fun by building aesthetically immersive worlds that tell a story. The premise is this: Your team will race against the clock (60 minutes) to "escape" the room by solving engaging puzzles and challenges that promote creative thinking, teamwork, and communication.
Reviewed By tnbuckeye66 - Tennessee, United States
What a blast!!! Would recommend The Trophy Room to all those who love adventures, puzzles and team activities!!
9. Leonardo da Vinci's Horse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
The Renaissance mans plans to sculpt a 24-foot bronze horse were never realized until an American sculptor created two models based on da Vincis drawings, one of which graces the Frederik Meijer Gardens.
Reviewed By ronaldw8200 - Grand Rapids, United States
The horse is so impressive, then you read the history, the care the accurracy, in a setting that allows memories without distractions. A must see among the many things to do at Fred Meijer Gardens.
10. Gerald R. Ford Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,091 reviews
Explore the life and times of Gerald R. Ford, Michigan's only President. Here documents, artifacts, photographs, and videos combine to tell the dramatic story of the Ford Presidency in the mid-1970s. Museum galleries depict Gerald Ford's rise from a humble youth to Eagle Scout, star football player, World War II naval officer, and U.S. congressman, and the unique way by which he became Vice President and President. Meet the issues of the day - the energy crisis, the Nixon pardon, Vietnamese refugees, and learn about the Bicentennial. Your visit will include a stop in the life-sized Oval Office and Cabinet Room. See for yourself how President Ford shaped our world.
Reviewed By travelingtips - North Carolina, United States
When in Grand Rapids for a conference, I met up with family who live in Michigan and we went to the Gerald Ford Museum. The museum is laid out very nicely - a walk through his early years, leading up to his presidency and death - with photos, videos and many artifacts. I especially enjoyed the special photography collection, seeing what his Oval Office in the White House looked like and the beautiful outdoor space (including President and Mrs Fords hillside graves). I learned a lot about Gerald Ford and his life. My only regret is that my husband (the history buff) wasn't with me to see it all. I hope to be able to come back again with him.
