Things to Do in Grand Rapids This Weekend

Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city, located 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. The city features a vibrant art scene and is known for hosting a high quality of life. In this article we’ll discuss some of the best things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend.

The city’s namesake belongs to the Grand River, which runs through the middle of town. Hundreds of years ago the river featured a set of rapids which were loud enough to be heard for miles. Industrialization in the late 1800’s created a series of dams which flattened the river’s gradient and removed the rapids. And that’s how Grand Rapids became a misnomer.

Historically, Grand Rapids is known for producing high-end furniture, automotive parts, appliances, and medical research. The city also boasts over 40 breweries.

The city has 28 public golf courses within 15 minutes of downtown.

G.R. is a bicycle-friendly community and was once considered the best town for mountain biking by Outdoor Magazine. Also in the accolades bucket, Field and Stream called Grand Rapids the 6th best city for fishing.

The following are some of the best things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend. Links are highlighted in blue, as always. We hope you enjoy!

Must Do: Things to Do in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Must-Do attractions are typically the reason we’ve decided to visit.

1. Frederik Meijer Gardens

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park blends exquisite botanical beauty with world-class sculpture across a series of outdoor trails and indoor exhibits. The highlights are a lakeside Japanese garden replete with peninsulas and structures, and a massive greenhouse filled with desert and tropical flora.

Simply put, this is one of the best botanical gardens in the USA. If there is one thing you should see in Grand Rapids, Michigan, it is Fred Meijer Gardens.

Should Do: Things to Do in Grand Rapids

Should-Do attractions receive a strong recommend.

2. Grand Rapids Art Museum

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is a vibrant gallery known for thoughtfully curated exhibitions spanning contemporary and historical works. It has a welcoming atmosphere and features regional and international artists.

We would consider this an above average mid-west art musuem, and for a town of this size it exceeded expectations. The above photographed room and the entire second floor are filled with interesting pieces.

3. Grand Rapids Public Museum

The second of two fine city museums is the Grand Rapids Public Museum, a three-story science and history museum. Overall, it’s considered a fun, educational stop that adds depth to any visit to Grand Rapids.

Highlights include: Fossils and artifacts; coins and paper money; dinosaurs; and a massive collection of Detroit Tigers autographed baseballs.

Related Article: An Honest Review of Detroit, Michigan

Could Do: Things to Do in Grand Rapids

4. Meyer May House — Frank Lloyd Wright

The Meyer May house is one of 17 homes Frank Lloyd Wright built before 1910. It is also the first house he built in the state of Michigan. A tour of this property focuses on the elaborate restoration process of a Frank Lloyd Wright House start to finish.

Frank Lloyd Wright is the most famous architect in US history. He invented the first original American architectural homes called Prairie style. The houses are characterized by low-slung roofs, deep overhangs, and open floor plans. They are truly unique.

5. Max’s South Seas Hideaway

If you’re looking for dinner and a good time, this is one of the cooler restaurants in Grand Rapids. The theme is 60’s Tiki-tropics meets Vietnam surfer. The music is on point, the table settings are unique, and the decor is captivating.

Most of all, the menu is a seductive selection of trendy dishes turned on their side for effect. You’ll have a hard time making up your mind at Max’s South Seas Hideaway.

6. Grand Rapids Downtown Market

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan this weekend, look no further than this picture perfect restaurant mall.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market offers 21 different food merchants and restaurants, including a butcher block, seafood counter, chocolatiers, and gourmet groceries. You’ll also find an assortment of gift shops.

If you love to travel, we have something we would like to give you. It is our professionally designed e-book and it is FREE of charge. We think it’s pretty great, and we’re hopeful you’ll like it, too. It’s called, “Cultivating a Lifetime of Travel”. Click HERE. and we’ll send it on over!

7. Downtown Grand Rapids

The downtown area in Grand Rapids, Michigan is easy to enjoy on foot. The city is clean. Shops and restaurants are abundant. And there is just enough space to keep you interested without wearing out your shoes.

Everything in this article (except Fred Meijer Gardens) is accessible on foot (MAP).

BONUS: Gilmore Car Museum

Believe it or not, the farm fields of Michigan are home to the largest car museum in North America. The Gilmore has over 400 autos spread across a spectacular 90 acre facility. While it isn’t technically in Grand Rapids, it’s close enough (50 miles) to mention here.

Of all the auto museums we’ve visited in our travels so far, this one is the best. If you find yourself within an hour of the Gilmore Car Museum you simply have to stop.

Related Article: Best Things to do in Kalamazoo / Battle Creek

An Honest Review for Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids is our favorite city in Michigan (so far). We were charmed by the cleanliness and variety of activities in downtown. It’s simply a nice place to be.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and the Gilmore Car Museum are not to be missed. It would be worth staying a few days to see them.

Additionally, the highly praised Kalamazoo Air Zoo is one hour south. Kalamazoo is reminiscent of Grand Rapids and worth a visit as well.

Thank you for stopping by our website! We are the Hoffmann family, a full-time RV family that has split residence in Seattle, Washington and San Antonio, Texas. We have special needs children that we homeschool, and work travel assignments for the Veteran Affairs Hospital. If you would like to learn more about us, check out our Start Here and Biography pages. In the meantime, God bless and travel happy!

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