Location: Grand Rapids
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7 Museums 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. Michigan Masonic Museum and Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
2. LaFontsee Galleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
LaFontsee Galleries is a local art gallery in Grand Rapids, MI. We represent over 60 local and national artists specializing in a huge variety of fine art, including: painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, drawing, and glass and ceramics. We are handicap accessible, and free and open to the public. We also offer: fully customizable art printing installation and delivery services custom framing & matting art consulting posters and prints and a decor & gift boutique.
3. 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.
4. Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Children direct their own learning at this hands-on museum with both permanent and changing exhibits, where they play with slippery bubbles, study a live beehive, learn the magic of mirrors and more.
5. Grand Rapids Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By dranke - Birch Run, United States
My daughters and I visited the art museum (GRAM as it’s called) as part of our annual girls weekend. I was very impressed by how easy it is to see all the art work on display. We started on the 3rd floor and worked our way down. Lots of beautiful sculptures and paintings, including a small painting by my favorite artist Renoir. The special exhibit was amazing also. I highly recommend a visit.
6. Grand Rapids Public Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 697 reviews
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a place of never-ending inspiration and discovery, with a focus on science, history and culture. We have three floors of core and traveling exhibitions, the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, a 1928 Spillman Carousel and a Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Reviewed By 8zzf3mh8reu7ddw - Grand Rapids, United States
They have built quite the museum here. It is very beautiful, with much to see here, but I very much miss our old time museum on State street. It used to take us so long to go through our old museum, we'd go most Sundays. We could look the whole day over and over again, just loving every inch. This one has a merry go round inside for the kids and some adults. They do have a few special celebrations inside. It is big!
7. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
Located on the busiest intersection in Grand Rapids, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts prsents cutting-edge visual art, film, performance, literature, music, education programs and events. Partnering with regional, national, and international artists, the UICA offers innovative experiences with the latest art forms and the newest creative ideas – groundbreaking work that might not otherwise find a venue in Michigan.
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