“Few cities anywhere do more to celebrate creativity than Michigan’s second largest Metropolis,” reported Men’s Journal in a 2011 profile of Grand Rapids. It’s true – the city has long been a mecca for those who create art and those who appreciate it. Grand Rapids is a destination for every kind of art – from visual to performing, from traditional to cutting-edge. To top it off, it’s easy to get to! The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) offers 140+ daily flights and is just 10 minutes from our host hotel, the Amway Grand Plaza. If traveling by train, Amtrak will take you right into downtown GR. Two major interstate highways converge downtown. We are 3 hours from Chicago and just 2 ½ hours from Detroit.
Hot Eats and Big City Excitement
Grand Rapids was the forerunner of the farm-to-table dining movement and our restaurants continue to serve up an astonishing variety of fresh, local, sustainable and always creative dishes. Downtown Grand Rapids offers more than 90 restaurants, nightclubs, museums, and entertainment venues within a five-minute walk of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Backcountry Adventure
Golf, fishing, swimming, boating, biking, hiking, running…it’s all here, and it’s close by. Like, 10 minutes from downtown close by.
Museums
The Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and Urban Institute of Contemporary Art are all within a ten-minute stroll of each other in downtown GR.
Coast with the Most
Grand Rapids is the gateway city to Michigan’s West Coast, a region of unparalleled natural beauty. Condé Nast Travelers say our West Coast is one of the 25 Most Beautiful Shorelines in all of the world. So even if you’re living it up in the heart of the city, you’re right on the edge of a blissful beach getaway. We also recommend extending your trip to visit Sleeping Bear dunes, selected by Good Morning America as “the most beautiful place in America.”
Kid-Friendly
Grand Rapids is one of the kid-friendliest places on earth. You’ll find activities and events for every age and interest. Best part is, most of them are fun for you too-so you can all enjoy a playcation together!
Experience Grand Rapids by visiting the Experience Grand Rapids website:
Page last modified July 5, 2012
