Things to do in Grand Rapids
Blandford Nature Center
Enjoy these woods, ponds and streams preserved within the city. Animal exhibits and trails are open every day and are free. Admission is charged for seasonal programs on maple syrup production, pioneer history and crafts. Open Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm; Saturday & Sunday 1 – 5pm. Trails are open dawn to dusk. Closed major holidays. Call 616-453-6192 for more information.
1715 Hillburn Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Celebration! Cinema
Seventeen-screen theatre featuring state-of-the-art projection and digital sound. The ultimate in stadium theatre seating. Village retail/restaurant complex. Admission charged. The IMAX® large format film presentation is the most intense cinematic experience in West Michigan. Call 616-530-SHOW for more information.
2121 Celebration Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI
Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, home to the largest tropical conservatory in the state of Michigan and over 100 sculptures by renowned artists, features plants from around the world, waterfalls, streams and winding barrier-free pathways. The 125-acre Gardens also include the Leonardo da Vinci Horse, 30-acre Sculpture Park, an Arid Garden, Victorian Garden, gift shops and café. Explore the magnificent mile of nature trails, boardwalk and colorful outdoor perennial garden. Admission charged. Open Monday - Saturday 9am – 5pm; Sunday noon - 5pm. During June - August the Gardens will remain open Thursdays until 9pm. Call 616-957-1580 for more information.
1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Experience America's most entertaining presidential museum. Attend a White House State Dinner, step inside the Oval Office and see the original Watergate burglar tools. You will also find Smithsonian-caliber changing exhibitions at the Museum. Admission is charged. Open daily from 9am - 4:45pm. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Call 616-451-9263 for more information.
303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Check out for information on exhibitions and programs at the GRAM. Changing exhibitions feature local, national and international artists. Admission is charged but the Museum is free on Fridays from 5 – 9pm. The Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 6pm; Friday 11am – 9pm; closed Monday, New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call 616-831-1000 for more information.
155 N. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing hands-on exhibits that inspire leaning and encourage self-directed exploration. Admission is charged. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9:30am – 5pm; Thursday 9:30am – 8pm; Sunday noon – 5pm; closed Monday during school year. Call 616-235-4726 for more information.
11 Sheldon Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Heritage Hill Historic District
A National Historic District embracing over 60 different architectural styles. Self-guided walking tour brochure is available at the downtown Visitors Bureau. Annual home tour is the first weekend of October. Located five blocks east of downtown. Call 616-459-8950 for more information.
126 College Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI
IMAX Theatre at Celebration Village
The IMAX® large format film presentation is the most intense cinematic experience in West Michigan. Admission charged. Call 616-530-SHOW for more information.
2121 Celebration Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI
John Ball Zoological Garden
John Ball Zoo has over 1,000 animals and is located in a 110-acre park. The Zoo has an aquarium, children's zoo, African area and new chimpanzee exhibit. Admission charged. Open mid-May to Labor Day 10am – 6pm. Fall and winter hours are 10am – 4pm; closed Christmas Day. Call 616-336-4301 for more information.
1300 W. Fulton Street in Grand Rapids., Grand Rapids, MI
La Grande Vitesse
La Grande Vitesse means the great swiftness, or the Grand Rapids. Internationally known sculptor, Alexander Calder, designed this piece specifically for this site. It was installed in 1969. Located at Calder Plaza at Ottawa Avenue between Michigan and Lyon NW in Grand Rapids.
Meyer May House
This 1908 masterpiece of the prairie-style design is one of the most complete restorations of a Frank Lloyd Wright house in existence. Admission is free. Open Tuesday & Thursday 10am – 2pm; Sunday 1 – 5pm. The last tour each day begins one hour prior to closing. Closed Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and all major holidays. Call 616-246-4821 for more information.
450 Madison Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Robinette's Apple Haus & Gift Barn
Family owned and operated fruit farm, market, cider mill, bakery and lunchroom. The 1800s gift barn features fine collectibles and distinctive gifts. Admission is free. Call 616-361-5567 for more information.
3142 Four Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at Van Andel Museum Center
Spectacular educational sky shows for all ages. Laser light shows set to popular music. State-of-the-art Digistar theater. Shows change several times a year. Admission is $2.00 per person in addition to the Museum general admission fee. Children under the age 3 are encouraged not to attend. Admission to laser light show is $6.00. Hours vary as the show times vary. Call for information. Call 616-456-3663 for more information.
272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Rosa Parks Circle
Created by the internationally known artist, Maya Lin. Water is featured in the frozen, liquid and vapor states. Concerts are held on summer evenings and free ice skate rentals are provided in the winter. The ice rink opens mid-November and the hours of operation are Sunday -Thursday noon - 9pm; Friday noon - 11pm; Saturday 10am - 11pm.
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts
West Michigan's largest multi-disciplinary contemporary arts center presents provocative programming in the visual arts, performance art, music, dance, film, and literature. Artist's services are provided. The Gallery requests a donation of $2. The Gallery is open Tuesday - Saturday noon – 4pm; the third Friday - 8:30pm. Call 616-454-7000 for more information.
41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Museum Center of the Public Museum of Grand Rapids
World-class exhibitions about history, nature, science, regional cultural heritage, Native Americans, 19th-century Grand Rapids cityscape and more. Ride a 1928 carousel, eat in the cafe overlooking the river. Admission charged. Open Monday - Saturday 9am – 5pm; Sunday noon – 5pm’ closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Call 616-456-3977 for more information.
272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Voigt House Victorian Museum
This perfectly preserved 1895 mansion, with its original furnishings is located in the historic district. Seasonal programs on life in Grand Rapids during the Victorian era are offered. Open Tuesdays and 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. Hours are Tuesday 11am – 3pm; specified Sundays 1 – 3pm. Call 616-456-4600 for more information.
115 College Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI