Location: Grand Rapids
Top Things to do in Grand Rapids
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI)
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. 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.
2. Cathedral of Saint Andrew
3. Moelker Orchards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By theoccasionaltourist - Grandville, United States
A clean, friendly family-run business. Great variety of apples, hay rides in season, terrific freshly made donuts. Worth a stop.
4. Basilica of St Adalbert
5. 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.
6. Aquinas College
7. Heritage Hill Historic District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
On the Sunday morning of our recent weekend getaway, before heading back home, we decided to check out this lovely historic neighborhood where many of Grand Rapids elite of the late 19th and early 20th century built their homes! The highlight, of course, is the Frank LLoyd Wright-designed Meyer May House, which unfortunately is closed during these pandemic times. We parked nearby and walked around the house for a closer look (hope to visit when it is safe to do so). Then we walked up and down for several blocks through the neighborhood, enjoying some stunning architectural gems of many styles, including Georgian Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, Federal, and Prairie. And the residents are friendly! We stopped to talk to a couple of them, asking about specific houses. Just take some time and enjoy the sites!!
8. St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden for Prayer and Meditation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By josephhA7347XO
Mic Carlson created these amazing bronze statues and now a peaceful prayer garden in Grand Rapids. In Italy, Assissi this exhibit had a great response. St. Francis said that we should preach the gospel every day and sometimes use words. This prayer garden is a great example in so many ways of who St. Francis means to our world today. In COVID19, I can't imagine a better place to visit.
9. La Grande Vitesse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 64 reviews
Serving as a symbol of Grand Rapids, this eye-catching steel sculpture measures 54 feet long, 43 feet high and 30 feet wide, and is painted in the artist's signature "Calder Red."
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
This beautiful piece by world renowned sculptor Alexander Calder has been the symbol of Grand Rapids since its installation in 1967. And it is a wonder. Walk all around it. Walk under it! Take photos from all angles. Truly iconic!! And check out the nearby sculpture "Motu" by Mark di Suvero....it's the giant rubber tire swing. Enjoy!!
10. St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
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