For the last couple of years, my travels have predominantly taken me international – which is great, don’t get me wrong. However, I always feel a bit guilty missing out on locations in the States. I recently had the opportunity to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan – a city and a state I had never visited. Simply put, I loved this trip. The only possible downside was that the trip was too short. Cliche I know, but really, I could definitely imagine spending weeks in Michigan and still only scratching the surface of fun things to experience.
Grand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan and nicknamed “Beer City,” quickly won over my heart. And not just because of the beer; there are endless things to do in Grand Rapids to suit all tastes. What might one do in Grand Rapids? I’m glad you asked!
The Great Outdoors
One of the most pleasant surprises of visiting Grand Rapids was the number of outdoor activities. Here are a few:
Rosy Mounds Natural Area overlooking Lake Michigan
First, take a short mile long hike along a beautiful wooded path to reach a truly remarkable beach at Rosy Mound Natural Area. The trail involves a slight elevation gain, but is graded and well maintained making this a hike for the whole family. Hang out at the beach or continue a little further along the trail to enjoy some incredible views of the sand dunes that make up most of the park.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
If you are looking for some culture during you trip, or if you need a little relaxation, consider the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The gardens are home to sculptures from notable artists around the world, and some of the most beautiful landscapes you will ever see. Well worth a leisurely walk through the 158-acre park, the trails are pleasant and easy to scale from a long walk to a short stroll.
Kayaking the Grand River
If you still have energy from your morning hike, consider a sunset/night time kayak trip down the Grand River. We had a great time with GR Paddling, and enjoyed a relaxing evening of floating down the Grand River. The whole evening was turnkey. They picked us up from our hotel, provided the necessary gear, and dropped us back at our hotel. The kayak trip was great with minimal paddling so all we had to do was enjoy the natural scenery and the Grand Rapids skyline slowly getting closer and closer.
Cycling through the City
If you aren’t big on driving, a great way to see Grand Rapids is by bicycle. The city is surprisingly bike friendly. Coming from someone who swapped a car for a bike for a year of my life, the motorists are seriously great and the city is very bikeable. Check out Grand Rapid Bike Rentals for super convenient rentals. What is there to see around town? Well remember, it isn’t called Beer City for nothing…
The Great Indoors
Okay, so what are your options if you want to spend time inside, due to weather or preference? Well, here are a few suggestions, all within the range of your bike.
Brewery Vivant
As previously mentioned, there is no shortage of great places to drink in Grand Rapids. And we love visiting breweries, so I felt right at home. There is of course Founders Brewing, probably the most famous brewery in the city – definitely visit Founders, but do not ignore some of the lower profile options. City Built Brewing offers a broad selection of excellent beers. Jolly Pumpkin has you covered if you like sours. The coolest atmosphere goes to Brewery Vivant, operating in a converted funeral home designed like a cathedral (if you are fluent in French, you will catch the pun in the name).
Left: Terra | Right: The Little Bird
Grand Rapids Foodie
Although you can certainly eat at any of the breweries, if you are looking for an actual restaurant, Grand Rapids has you covered. Here are two places I can certainly vouch for.
First, Terra is a great choice for lunch, dinner, drinks – whatever. A locally sourced farm-to-table restaurant, Terra definitely lives up to the hype. They also feature a great local beer selection. This may get my “Texan” status revoked, but I absolutely loved the kale salad. If you are looking for a delicious breakfast spot, look no further than The Little Bird. Offering both traditional and Asian-inspired meals, there is something for everyone at The Little Bird. And I loved the diner vibes too!
Downtown Market
If you are more of a do-it-yourselfer then the Downtown Market is the place for you. They offer everything from fish to ice cream, all in a great location. Whether you are picking up fresh ingredients for a meal or just enjoying a cup of coffee and an ice cream cone, there is plenty for everyone.
There are a million other great things about Grand Rapids that aren’t listed here. We definitely plan on visiting Grand Rapids again. There is just so much going for it – for everyone. Whether you just want to relax and enjoy a beer or take a hike to an incredible beach, you will find it in Beer City.
Thank you Experience Grand Rapids for showing us around your wonderful city! Visit their website for more information on activities and events in Grand Rapids.
For more Michigan fun, check out our step back in time on Mackinac Island!
This post is sponsored by Experience Grand Rapids and Visit USA Parks, but of course thoughts and opinions are my own.
The beautiful Grand River
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