Visit Grand Rapids, Michigan

Why visit Grand Rapids?

CNN named Grand Rapids 1 of the 10 Best American Towns to visit in 2024, recommending our “vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation.” USA Today has named us 1 of the 10 Best Cities Where You Can See Amazing Art, America’s Best Beer City and America’s Craft Beverage Capital. Thrillist says Grand Rapids is “rich in art, food, music and every other big-city amenity, only in a quieter package” and Travel Zoo says Grand Rapids “pairs big-city convenience with small-town charm.” It’s definitely worth a visit!

Where is Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids is located in West Michigan, about 185 miles from Chicago and 157 miles from Detroit, by car. It’s just 30 miles or so from the clean, sugar-sand beaches of Lake Michigan.

Where should I eat in Grand Rapids?

What are you hungry for? Grand Rapids is home to 1,000+ restaurants offering every kind of cuisine. We’ve been named 1 of America’s Top 20 Foodie Cities and Michigan’s Best Food City, partly because our restaurants source fresh ingredients from dozens of family farms and orchards that circle the city. View Answer

Is Grand Rapids accessible for people with special needs?

Grand Rapids was named the #2 U.S. City for People with Disabilities in 2017 and we’re always striving to get even better. Check out some of our accessibility features . View Answer

What's the airport like?

Airports Council International named  Gerald R. Ford International Airport  (GRR) the #1 airport in North America in its size class, and the easiest, most enjoyable and cleanest airport of any size. GRR is served by eight airlines connecting to 35+ non-stop destinations and conducting more than 140 flights each day. View Answer

Is downtown walkable?

Very – you can walk to 200+ downtown hotels, restaurants, breweries, shops, museums and entertainment venues within the space of 10 minutes. You can even walk with an alcoholic beverage in hand, as long as you stay within the very spacious boundaries of the Downtown Refreshment Area . View Answer

How far is Grand Rapids from Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is about 30 miles due west of Grand Rapids. There are 20+ Lake Michigan beaches and five lakeshore communities ( Grand Haven , Holland , Muskegon , Saugatuck/Douglas and South Haven ) within a 30-60 minute drive of downtown Grand Rapids.

Why is Grand Rapids called Beer City USA?

Grand Rapids was voted Beer City in nationwide polls in 2012 and 2013, and it has held the title ever since. USA Today has also named us America’s Best Beer Town, America’s Best Beer Scene and America’s Best Beer City (4 years running!). History of Beer City