“Furniture City”, “River City” or “Beer City” - whatever floats your boat, but we go by a few fun names here. Grand Rapids is the great state of Michigan’s second-largest city, but it is likely its most beautiful and most fascinating. A visit to Grand Rapids will not only be fun-filled, but busy too. There’s so much to do and see here for everyone, families included!

The good news is that the hotels of Grand Rapids are well-appointed and plentiful. We might be the second-largest city of Michigan, but not when it comes to amazing hotel options. The Holiday Inn located in the downtown area is the perfect option for anyone wanting a centrally located place to stay with all the facilities and luxuries you have come to expect.

Educational Attractions

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a major attraction to visitors of Grand Rapids. The museum constantly does an amazing job of keeping its exhibits not only educational and informative but also eye-popping with fun-filled entertainment. Get a look at exhibits that display historic representations of the city and surrounding areas, tributes to local First Peoples, Egyptian antiquities, local aquatic life, modern art, and emerging technologies. The kids will adore the 90-year-old (and then some) carousel that still fills little riders’ hearts with joy today.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum, located in the heart of the downtown area and next door to the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown not only has a number of works from all across the United States and the globe but it hosts a number of interactive and educational experiences for those with an artistically inquisitive side. A number of these experiences are free to the public also. The GRAM is a world-class museum and artistic epicenter of this creative-minded city. Michigan is one of the largest beer hubs not only for the country but the whole world.

John Ball Zoo is another great family-focused destination. Animals from all over the globe are located here for you to see up close. A particular drawcard of the zoo is its National Treasures section where visitors can see fantastic examples of our country’s majestic fauna including bears, big cats (including a Snow Leopard), eagles, porcupines, and the ever-popular otters. For summer 2021, the zoo has started ‘ Adult Night Out’ where adults can mingle and network all while enjoying adult-focused talks from the zookeeper team.

The Best Breweries & NightLife

At last count (pre-pandemic), Michigan is home to 357 breweries, and Grand Rapids on its own is home to over 80 of those. Now you know why it’s referred to as “Beer City”. In fact, USA Today readers voted Grand Rapids as being the ‘Best Beer Town’ in the country and also having the ‘Best Beer Scene’. Taking a beer tour or individual brewery tour is a must for any beer lover. Perrin, The Mitten, Castle Brewing, Elk Brewing, and Jolly Pumpkin are some of the highlights in that group of 80. Founders Brewing is one of the most recognized beer brands in the country and is also located here. 

If it’s a nice sunny summer’s day, you cannot beat a Founder’s All Day IPA! Grand Rapids loves its nightlife outside of breweries and brewpubs too though. Music, in particular, is a popular feature of the night here. In Grand Rapids, you can enjoy pretty much any type of bar you’re into, DJs and live music clubs, Comedy Clubs, and large concert venues (both indoor and outdoor). This city was well ahead of the current trend of ‘farm-to-table when it comes to food and restaurants. Grand Rapids’ amazing restaurants have always sourced locally their meat, fruit and vegetables, and dairy. Why? Well, because Michigan sends that stuff all over the country already! We have the best food. Grand Rapids, therefore, is a true food lover’s paradise.

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The Downtown Market

Getting your hands on the Food Trail Map while you visit will outline what you can eat and where. A visit to the Downtown Market is a must for foodies too. Finally, no visit here would be complete without doing at least one thing outdoors or water-related. Boating and paddling along the Grand River is a great way to unwind and take in fresh Michigan air. There are plenty of options for fishing on the river or out on nearby Lake Michigan. Mountain Biking is a popular activity and in the winter, pretty much any winter activity you can think of can be experienced here.

As you’ve probably gathered by now, Grand Rapids has heaps of things to do and experience. A centrally located hotel for your stay here will be not only convenient but also allow you to fit in as much as you can during your time here.