Top 10 Reasons to Visit

There are thousands of reasons to visit Grand Rapids and Michigan's West Coast. But if we had to boil it down to 10 ... these would be it!

di Suvero Swing

1. Vibrant Arts Scene

Michigan's only professional ballet and opera companies. America's second largest community theatre. One of the nation's finest regional orchestras. Touring Broadway shows, cutting-edge performance art and uproarious improv comedy. The Midwest's leading sculpture park. City streets lined with outdoor art. One of the nation's most influential colleges of art & design. Art museums for both traditionalists and modernists. Galleries stretching from the city to the lakeshore.

2. Respect for History

Lovingly preserved historic homes and covered bridges. Museum exhibits commemorating our Native American ancestors, maritime traditions and furniture-making legacy. Attractions that immerse visitors in our Dutch heritage and 19th century lifestyle.

3. Delectable Cuisine

Michigan's only five-star, five-diamond restaurant. An affordable gourmet restaurant staffed by local culinary school students. One of America's Top 50 Hispanic restaurants. All the national chains you expect, plus independent eateries to surprise and delight you.

4. Grand Ideas

Grand Rapids has so much to offer that we've taken upon ourselves to show you some different ways to experience Grand Rapids. Let us help you plan the best visit to Grand Rapids with our Grand Ideas!

Golf Grand Rapids

5. Outdoor Recreation

America's sixth best fishing experience. Champion golf courses that help make Michigan the world's 12th best golf destination. One of the nation's largest urban greenspaces, ideal for swimming and picnicking. Boating, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, hunting and more.

6. Shopping Variety

Mega-malls housing more than 100 stores apiece, stocked with brand names you know and trust. Locally owned boutiques featuring products and services exclusive to the area. Neighborhood shopping districts, art galleries, antique stores and more.

7. Lakeside Leisure

One of the world's Top 25 lakeshores. One of America's top five beaches. Charming resort towns and villages teeming with unique shopping, dining and entertainment. Brilliant sunsets, towering sand dunes and fresh, clear waters as far as the eye can see.

8. Concerts and Live Music

A thriving local music scene. The hottest touring superstars. Intimate cabaret settings and high-energy nightclubs. A 12,000-seat arena and outdoor concerts in Frederik Meijer Gardens and downtown's pedestrian mall.

9. Lotsa' Lodging

The 12th finest hotel in North America. The world's best-known lodging chains. Quaint bed & breakfast inns and convenient extended-stay suite hotels. Thoroughly modern RV parks and rustic wilderness parking sites.

10. Small-Town Warmth

Friendly people, smiling faces, safe streets - and the wonderful feeling that we're glad you're here!