Back

Top 10 Reasons to Visit

/ photo by Experience GR

Published Apr. 11, 20241 Min Story

Grand Rapids is no ordinary town – and it’s filled with extraordinary things to see and do. Check out our top 10 suggestions for experiences to explore … and prepare for lots of unexpected, wonderful surprises!

Nick Irwin for Experience GR, "Tin man" by Bill Secunda, ArtPrize 2021

"Tin man" Art Installation in Grand Rapids, MI

1. Art & Culture

Surprise: GR hosts the world’s largest public art event (ArtPrize).

Aly Zuiderveen for Experience GR

Greyline Brewing Co Taproom

2. Craft Beer & Beverages

Surprise: GR is the Craft Beverage Capital of the U.S.

Aly Zuiderveen for Experience GR

Family at the John Ball ZooPlay Their Way 2023

3. Family

Surprise: GR is the #1 Best Place to Raise a Family (and a great place for a family visit).

Ideology for Experience GR

Friends dining at Monsoon

4. Food & Dining

Surprise: GR is a Top 20 Foodie City – and the #1 most affordable of them all.

Nick Irwin for Experience GR

20230603_FestivaloftheArts_004

5. Music

Surprise: GR boasts 100+ concert and live-music venues – many of them free.

Shafi Subhan/Bryan Esler Photo for EXGR

Winter Fishing on the Grand River

6. Outdoor Recreation

Surprise: GR is America’s Best River Town.

Ideology for Experience GR

Friends at the GR Downtown Market

7. Shopping

Surprise: There are 500+ retailers and six shopping centers in GR.

Courtesy of Grand Rapids Rise

Grand Rapids Rise Pro Volleyball Team

8. Sports

Surprise: GR is home to pro baseball, basketball, hockey & volleyball teams.

Experience Grand Rapids

Group at PJ Hoffmaster State Park, a beach on Lake Michigan

9. Beaches

Surprise: GR is 40 minutes from America’s Best Beach Town on a Lake (Grand Haven).

616 Media Courtesy of GRAPF

Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival in downtown Grand Rapids.

10. Festivals & Events

Surprise: Many GR festivals take place in one of America’s Great Public Spaces.