Grand Rapids MI is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Grand Rapids MI based on traveler ratings and reviews. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot or an adventure playground, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis!
The Best Place to Visit in Grand Rapids MI
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (10014)
- Phone: +1 616-957-1580
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Grand Rapids MI
Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Address: 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (5028)
- Phone: +1 616-929-1700
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
Had a wonderful visit up until the end when museum staff singled out our family to keep reminding us it was closing time. Several other families continued farther into the museum while she followed us and anytime we stopped to glance at an exhibit she would remind us how long we had until closing time. The planetarium Pink Floyd light show was very cool. However, we are planning another visit and hopefully will not run into same staff.By Maggie Jean Clark (2 months ago)Wish I would have taken mare pictures! This is definitely a stop if you are anywhere in the area. We drove over from our vacation in Holland and so glad we did. The whole family enjoyed it and the carousel was so pretty. Especially loved the old town area, retro games, and fashion exhibitBy Kari Van Lanen (3 months ago)The public museum is a great place for families to go and learn but have fun at the same time! The exhibits are great and educational, the workers are nice, they even complimented me on my shirt, and it has an overall nice atmosphere! I recommend!By Sam G (10 months ago)Rather nice public museum, was able to get in for free with a Mastercard special they were running. Probably more of a wonder-filled experience for the youth population, but still interesting for all ages. Contains a lot of memorabilia and nostalgia for the older population. Worth a stop if you are visiting Grand Rapids.By Alex Hughes (3 months ago)While in Grand Rapids for a short weekend adventure, we stopped to checkout the Museum. We were greeted as we walked through the door, bought our tickets, then the exploration began. 3 levels of exhibits from rocks and fossils, the natives who lived where the city was built, a steam engine, an airplane, 1900’s carousel you can ride on, also an old town Grand Rapids to walk through. A café on the second floor with coffee and a spot to chill out and watch the Grand River while drinking or eating as they do also have food. My advice is to go to the museum explore learn and have fun!By Jeremy Whitmore (a month ago)
Millennium Park
- Address: 1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3338)
- Phone: +1 616-791-2357
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Reviews:
Came here on a Saturday afternoon with a 3 and 5 year old and it was a great experience. Playgrounds near the parking lot are free and then an entrance fee for the beach and splash pad area. The fee was completely worth it, the beach is well maintained, the sand is soft, not many rocks. It wasn’t even very crowded. You can rent flotation devices, bring in coolers (no alcohol), and the bathrooms are large, clean, and offer large shower stalls. You can also purchase food for a reasonable price, including items like: snow cones, pizza by the slice, bratwurst, and pretzels. You can also rent paddle boats, etc. The splash pad had freezing cold water but the kids loved it, very spacious and lots of space for adults to stand/sit. The pavilions are rentable and would be perfect for any party.
Overall: 5/5 and makes for a memorable and fun experience.By Gwenevere Mueller (5 months ago)January 2022. I have been on the bike trails at Milennium Park in the summer, but walking on them in the winter was a new experience. The weather was beautiful (although it was cold — this is Michigan, so what do you expect?). There is some parking available at the entrances to the east and west of Maynard Ave. Beware of walking on icy paths. Overall, a good time if you dress appropriately for the weather. The attached photos are all on the eastern half of the park (entered near the Grant Pavilion).By Ken Katerberg (10 months ago)Visited this place during a business trip to relax and enjoy nature. Place is well cleaned and it’s pretty big. I didn’t explore the “beach” area as my interest was to get just away from the city. Lakes seems full of fish and life, so many water activities to do…. Most of the trails or paths I walked on where blacktop which is nice for anyone cycling, wheelchairs or strollers. Here’s some pics from the placeBy Francisco Rodriguez (5 months ago)Awesome place for water activities like paddle boating, kayaking, etc in affordable prices. Beach area with splash pad for kids. Parks and gardens too. Trails overlooking the lake are must try. Can spend 4-5 hours here. Close to the city and busier on weekends. Ample parking.By Neha Amble (4 months ago)Multiple free playgrounds, all in great shape, and made for several different age groups.In the paid area, there’s a nice beach, that’s clean and well maintained. There’s also a very impressive splash pad.
Lots of fun to be had here for the kids.
By Matt Robinson (4 months ago)
Riverside Park
- Address: 2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2655)
- Phone: +1 616-456-3696
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Reviews:
One of the best things about grand rapids. This park is always week maintained and stretches along the grand River for miles. There are parts of this park I could and have, spent hours relaxing.By amanda prins (a month ago)We went on a guided kayak tour on the Grand River and it was fantastic! The city did a great job planning and executing the trip, we were on the water for about an hour and a half and the instructor was knowledgeable and nice. Would love to visit again!By Dorsena Koonce (3 months ago)One of my favorite parks in Grand Rapids. Close to home, HUGE, and
beautiful.Cottonwood in the park is a bit irritating during May-June, though and it is not as well kept and cleaned up. Still the park I frequent the most, but that is because it is so large and very close.
By Aaron Lehrman (6 months ago)No matter what time of day this park is a beautiful park, great for a walk, great to bring children. Disk golf, playground, bench by the water, relaxing atmosphere!By Katie Wood (6 months ago)Big park with plenty of pathways for walking and bicycling. There are multiple boat ramps and access to water for fishing.
Pleasant views with calm environment.By Shium Rahman (6 months ago)
Rosa Parks Circle
- Address: 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2619)
- Phone: +1 616-456-3696
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Reviews:
Felt unsafe. Had took my lunch there. But when I saw something/someone strangely squatting in a gazebo, I had a really bad feeling in my gut, turned around and decided to leave. As I was eating my food in my vehicle, I happened to see undercover officers approach the suspicious person. So glad I followed my instincts, and left. The photos are of the undercover workers who approached the gazebo to talk to the person there. Thankful for them. Someone must have called to alert them. I will NEVER go back there alone again.By D Sch (2 months ago)If you are a people watcher, this is the place to pack a breakfast, Lunch, and dinner, and make yourself comfortableBy Paul Bowsher (3 months ago)Rosa Parks has been remodeled. Looks good, though you might not notice the difference between the new granite and the old cement 😉By Dan Hodges (5 months ago)Wonderful place, they have a lot of events for the summer, perfect for a sunday afternoonBy Xiarys Luis (4 months ago)The Tuesday night swing dancing we watched earlier this week was great! What a great place and great atmosphere to get outdoors and dance the night away. (note: we watched and did not participate but WOW everyone looked like they were having the time of their lives!)By Lynds Fraser (3 months ago)
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
- Address: 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1886)
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
- Address: 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1701)
Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Address: 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (1461)
Fish Ladder Park
- Address: 606 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (1335)
Ah-Nab-Awen Park
- Address: 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1234)
City of Grand Rapids, City Hall
- Address: 300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (895)
Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
- Address: 3142 4 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (852)
Blandford Nature Center
- Address: 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (801)
The Ruse Escape Rooms
- Address: 25 Division Ave S Suite 125, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (459)
Meyer May House
- Address: 450 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (449)
Veterans Memorial Park
- Address: 101 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (281)
Grand Rapids MI is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 15 best place to visit in Grand Rapids MI – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
This garden is absolutely stunning and worth every penny. The entire garden is perfectly kept and you could easily spend your entire day here. Not only is it nice to look at and explore it’s a great place for photos. The garden is kid friendly and has tons of activities to keep busy. There’s easy access to many bathrooms spread about the garden and lots of drinking fountains and places to recycle or throw items away. There’s places to eat snacks from home or eating from their personal Cafe. Overall i enjoyed every second of being here and would highly recommend going.
This was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. There is way more to see than the eye let’s on. The ticket price of $18 is well worth the amount of park to cover. There is also a great indoor area to explore as well. The park sections are well taken care of and it was a true delight to walk the trails and see wildlife in its natural form. We probably spent more time looking at the frogs, tadpoles, and chipmunks than anything else. There is staff readily available anywhere in the park. The Japanese Gardens is definitely a highlight and a must see.
However, there is not nearly enough shaded areas to take refuge in during hot summer days in some of the outdoor sections. With little cloud cover the particular Sunday I went, it was too much to continue on and finish the park.
The park recommends giving yourself at least 2 hours, but honestly, you should plan for 3 or 4 if you like to stop and observe. It’s a great way to spend a large portion of your day.
Honestly always a beautiful place to go for a walk. Excellent area for kids to experience and learn. Little gift shop has some beautiful items. Honestly I could never understand how someone may not like this place. Whether you go by yourself to take pictures or just to clear your mind. Or you’re going with a significant other for your entire family and kids. Definitely worth the experience and the money spent. Some may think ticket prices a little high however we fully understand that the ticket price doesn’t just pay wages and basic upkeep that it also pays towards donations and contributions to keep this place up and running and growing. You’re ever in the area I highly recommend you check this place out.
Wow. I am not sure why I didn’t expect a lot, but calling it a gardens and sculpture park does not do it justice. Great place.
You could easily spend a leisurely day here and not get bored. At a quick pace, you need at least half a day. We didn’t have a full day, so we went leisurely and enjoyed much of it, leaving plenty more to see. Point being. Take your time, there is plenty to see and enjoy.
This is arguably one of the great places that Michigan has to offer. It’s just absolutely beautiful and you could spend hours and hours here.
Make sure you grab your walking shoes and a bottle of water, an appropriate weather for the season you’re in because he will be doing a ton of walking. There’s just so much to see between the beautiful zen garden to the sculptures to the indoor exhibits and the amazing glass atrium with plants I’ve never seen or heard of in my entire life. Everything was so wonderful I probably had one of my favorite days visiting these gardens.
Absolute must see and would be a great place to bring a family, a date, someone from in or outside of town or if you just want to get away for a few hours then I highly recommend this beautiful treasure.