Grand Rapids, Michigan is currently a vibrant city known for its thriving arts scene, craft breweries, and strong sense of community. It hosts major events like ArtPrize, one of the world’s largest art competitions, drawing creatives from around the globe. The city boasts a revitalized downtown with riverfront parks, trendy restaurants, and a host of noteworthy event spaces such a DeVos Performance Hall, Van Andel Arena, and the new Acrisure Amphitheater. As part of its revitalization efforts, a community driven initiative is being pushed to restore the white water rapids where the city gained its namesake.

Before Grand Rapids became what it is today, however, it established a checkered past full of innovation on both a local and global scale. In the late 1800s, Grand Rapids earned the nickname "Furniture City" after showcasing its high-quality craftsmanship at the 1876 Centennial Exposition. It made history again in 1945 as the first U.S. city to add fluoride to its drinking water, setting a precedent for public health. Like many cities, Grand Rapids experienced civil unrest in 1967, which led to important conversations and reforms around housing and policing. Most notably, the city gained national recognition in 1974 when hometown native Gerald R. Ford became the 38th President of the United States.