This is a short bridge around the downtown Grand Rapids area linking to very busy high traffic area…read moreareas to each each other. It's wide and perfect for walking. It's an amazing addition to the downtown area. Unfortunately, I had to rate two stars, possibly down to one because there were a group of rowdy individuals parked/ sitting at the edge of the bridge smoking highly potent items. They were scaring and yelling at people who are crossing the bridge and it made the situation feel unsafe. We went at dusk so that we could enjoy the lights but honestly, it was just a very nerve-racking situation and we were concerned about our safety. We witnessed the individuals taking big steps like they were going to chase two women and laughed as the women started to walk fast faster. I was with my husband baby and two big kids and we were loudly talked about with vulgar terms about our race and family status. All we did was walk across half the bridge? I don't recommend it for families, which is really sad unfortunately.

There are a few iconic symbols of Grand Rapids, and the Blue Bridge, as it's commonly known, is one…read moreof them. Spanning the Grand River from east to west, this pedestrian bridge used to be part of the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad. Now a completely foot traffic area only, it's fun to check out at any time of year. Often you'll see people fishing off the bridge or having photo shoots for weddings, engagements, and other special occasions. Sometimes fitness classes take place on the Blue Bridge and often you'll see a horse-drawn carriage making its way across. The bridge is equipped with LED lights that can change color or be set to different colors to celebrate or commemorate different holidays and events. It's fun to see it all lit up at night and is a great spot to watch fireworks on the 4th of July. I love having this iconic bridge in our city! It's an attractive landmark that is functional and beautiful.

This is a perfect mid size Midwest city. There are a ton of great restaurants, breweries, and…read morethings to do for all types of people. Do you like the outdoors? Check out all of the park and gardens, including the Meijer Gardens. One of the best sculpture gardens I have ever been to. There is also a river walk which is nice. This town has a lot of college opportunities as well. It has multiple satellite campuses as well as Grand Valley. Ferris, MSU, Western, and more are all represented here There are a ton of places to eat. We found quite a few that I wrote reviews on. Highly recommended to come here. A little of something for everyone.

Great beer and great art Cheers Beer City USA!…read moreI'm a Brewsader I had been wanting to get to Grand Rapids to visit for probably ten or more years now. It is the long reigning Beer City USA. Founders is the most well known of their breweries and lived up to the hype. I also really enjoyed City Built which is just north of Downtown, Two Guys to the South, and Perrin to the North. Lots of public murals and I have heard nothing but great things about their annual Artprize event every fall. Although I did not partake, there is a free public bus that does loops around the Downtown area (I guess they call it Center City there). The metro population checks in at a little over a million which is not that much smaller than Buffalo or New Orleans. Not quite big enough for any pro sports teams yet. If you decide to go there for the beer like me, make sure to download the BeerCity Brewsader app on your phone. Check into eight different breweries and score a sweet T-shirt which you now pick up at Founders. Hope I make it back to Grand Rapids at some point in the future!

Beautiful and interesting--that goes without saying for the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. It…read moreis also so peaceful, serene, and tranquil. One entrance has open windows with no glass, you feel like you are both indoors and outdoors at the same time. I arrived a few minutes after opening time before many people had arrive so it was even more quiet and calming. The employees are helpful and kind. The art is interesting. The plants are staggered so that something is always blooming or colorful. Since I was last there, the Japanese gardens have been improved, and an ice cream shop (Hudsonville and Love's) has been added near the children's area. Kids can play on things or roll down hills of grass. In 2026 there's an incredible exhibit of Dale Chihuly glass sculptures. Many are installed outdoors and you can discover them wandering around. The indoor exhibit (extra cost) showcases some of his most famous and star-making works. Gorgeous.

Logistics. East of Beltline between Leonard and Bradford, in Grand Rapids, about 2.5 hours NW of…read moreDetroit metro area. Vibe and First Impressions. Parking is free and accessible. Of course, get there early to since parking fills up. Inside, the ticketing is fairly quick. Inside designed for a lot of events and meetings. Awesome and open. A LOT OF KIDS SCREAMING. Hospitality. Friendly and knowledgeable ticketing. Tour guide on the trolley gave an interesting experience. Offerings. We went for the Chihuly exhibit. BEAUTIFUL. See pics. Wildlife amok: fish, birds, deer, rabbits, squirrels -- were what we witnessed. The HUGE art installations are fascinating. The ampitheater for concerts is an excellent venue. Cozy, intimate, and relaxed. I can see why a lot of entertainers book this place to perform. Of Note and Last Impressions. Loos were clean and stocked. EXTREMELY relaxing and rejunivating to see such art and natural beauty here. Well done. Next time, we would plan to bring snacks or comestibles to picnic at designated dining areas around the garden. Lovely. Highly recommend. Your admission also can go towards a membership that also has reciprocity to visit over 200 gardens. Very cool.

It is a really nice park! It is usually very very crowded. I usually have a hard time parking here…read more I would not go here by yourself and I often walk fast past this when leaving late theater rehearsals. The coffee shop is lovely.

This park is up a small mound or hill…read more A nice short walk up to the Veteran's memorial. At the top, feels like you are away from the downtown.

This was a last min trip due to rain and it was an unexpected surprise…read more It's an imposing structure. It's very clean and the landscaping is nicely done. Staff inside is so friendly - and they even had a scavenger hunt (with prizes)! We meandered along in the exhibits. The Oval Office and cabinet room were very neat - with interesting tidbits on the sides. All in all a good visit. We only had an hour - so we had to race through - you probably want to leave 2 hours to really experience everything. Take pics and look later was the advice of the woman who sold us our tickets (and it was good advice!) I didn't know much about Gerald Ford - and even so - this was a fascinating visit. Truly interesting.

I had never visited a presidential library before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It's…read moredefinitely more museum than library, but, in full disclosure, the library portion of the building was closed the day I visited, so the library part could have been massive. I never really considered myself a huge President Ford fan, but the museum was really cool. Plenty to see and peruse though, starting with his early life and going through his funeral. If you find yourself in Grand Rapids with a couple extra hours and and interest in presidential history, the Ford Presidential Library cam definitely scratch a historical itch.

Calder Plaza is home to La Grande Vitesse, an Alexander Calder sculpture that was formally…read morededicated in 1969. The plaza is also a popular gathering place for events, art exhibits, festivals, etc. As of January 2023, there are some World of Winter exhibits at Calder Plaza, including a big house of cards that features art from local artists. It lights up at nighttime. I've attended many festivals and events at Calder Plaza throughout the years. The sculpture is impressive and makes for great photos - It's 43 feet tall! Street parking can be tough to find close to Calder Plaza, and there is no natural shade for events that take place there during the summer. The Plaza connects City Hall and the Kent County building in downtown Grand Rapids. La Grande Vitesse is one of the most recognizable icons of Grand Rapids, and is included in the city's official logo.

Calder Plaza. ⁣ ⁣ The…read moreproper name for this 42 ton red sculpture is actually La Grande Vitesse. Translated from French, it means The Grand Rapids. However, us locals refer to it as The Calder, because Alexander Calder, an American sculptor, created it. ‍⁣ ⁣ The Calder is an ode to our city that is home to so many artists and has inspired numerous new art initiatives. It hosts many events, festivals, and even summer food trucks! The Calder is an iconic spot for those of us who call this city home. ⁣

The dedication of this monument took place 19 April 2007 (on the 96th anniversary of the 1911…read moreFurniture Strike). The statues are located on Pearl St. in a recessed area near the Indian Mounds at the entrance to the Ford Museum property along the Grand River. The figures were carved and cast by Roberto Chenlo. The project was the work of the Labor Heritage Society of West Michigan. It's a rare thing to commemorate organized labour in West Michigan...

Incredibly kind and attentive staff. Pleasant shopping experience of getting to peruse both hand…read moremade and vintage items, so fun! They have a great selection, I had a hard time leaving!

I've been coming to Gallery 154 for a couple of decades now and I always love it. So many unique…read moretreasures to be found here. Walking around and looking at the walls, shelves, and ceiling is such an adventure. The ornament selection at the holidays is unmatched by any other retailer and the quality of them is exquisite. I think they're celebrating their 33rd year here - let's give them another 33 years, Yelpers!

Hagar Park is a great old growth forest with trails, old and "new" playground. Many shelters…read moreavailable for rent and picnic tables everywhere for a fun/ low key get together. I love biking or walking through the trails. I love how this park backs up to a neighborhood and feels quiet yet is still residential. There is a huge wooden play ground that overlooks a grass and rock replica of the USA complete with hills representing mountain ranges. You can walk the perimeter of it for a close up view, but the best vantage point is from the top of the hill. Many things to play on and do at Hagar Park. Pack yourself a picnic and enjoy the facilities during these warmer summer months.

We have a family reunion here most summers, reserving Maples Shelter. It is a gazebo styled covered…read morepicnic area with a concrete floor. There are several picnic tables, AC power outlets to plug in crock-pots, etc., and a counter to lay out food to serve. There is a drinking fountain just outside the shelter. Parking is close and the adjacent grassy area is great for yard games. It is also reasonably close to the massive wooden play structure and modern restrooms.