Went to the Meijer Gardens to look at all of the Chihuly artwork. The Chihuly show was amazing!…read more We did both the outdoor gardens and the indoor Chihuly: Radiant Forms. Entry to the Frederik Meijer Gardens was $25 for adults which allows you to see the outdoor Chihuly exhibits and $9 to view the indoor Radiant Forms. It was a beautiful sunny day and 72 degrees. The outdoor grounds have partial shade. With the extensive walking and sunshine it can get warm. There are water stations if you have a water bottle. I recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated. They have plenty of free parking on site and it is easy to enter and exit. Please allow at least a half of a day to see everything if you walk fast. They also have a hop on hop off tram at the outdoor grounds for an additional $9.

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.

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.

Go at sunset and see this beauty while standing on the jetty. The view of the lake, the lighthouse…read moreand the beach are spectacular by the light of the setting sun. There's lots of parking but note that everyone will be leaving at the same time after the sun sets so it may take a bit of time to get out of the lot, park close to the exit.

You can walk along the beach to get a closer view of the big Friend in House from across the water…read more The area to get access to the lighthouse is a private area. It's smaller than I would've expected to hand simpler. It's at least nice to watch the boats going in and out and there's a nice breeze. $20 per car entry fee. It does give you access to all the Michigan State park for the rest

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!

What's not to like? Sprecher root beer, Chicago dogs (and brats), all in a gigantic, iconic barrel…read moresurrounded by picnic tables and woods. I loved it as much as my kids. They have some plaques around that I encourage you to read. This was a roadside attraction several decades ago that fell into disrepair. The local community rallied to save it by fundraising, then rebuilding it from community members. How sweet is that? That's the kinda thing that gives you hope for humanity. Food wise, it was good! I literally drink soda about once a decade, so this was it for the 2020s for me. I feel like you kinda have to get root beer at the root beer barrel, right? My kids had never had root beer, and they were more into the orange soda my wife got. I got a Chicago hot dog which is always a treat. My kid loves brats and devoured hers, and we enjoyed the nice picnic tables on a pleasant mid-July day. Spot that gets hyped, and to me is worth it and carries distinction beyond just a touristy roadstop.

Bought the root beer in the ice cold souvenir mug…read more A - mug came out of a box B - worst root beer I have ever tasted. It was all syrup and no fizz. C - root beer wasn't even cold. D - swarmed by Bees before we could even taste the root beer to find out how bad it was. Cool location and the mugs are a nice keepsake but that's about it.

Very clean non-scary rest stop. The outside looks like they were redoing landscaping (hopefully)…read more - Multiple women's & men's restrooms - family restroom vending machines (Pepsi products, chips & candy,cold treats, coffee)

Recently stopped her since I was in route to the Grand Rapids area and I needed the place to stop…read moreat. This place was a solid rest stop right off the highway. Restrooms were being cleaned as I was walking in. Restrooms are in modest condition though they've seen to be a bit outdated but thankfully everything was in working condition and nothing was broken. Plenty of parking spots as well so there shouldn't be an issue when it comes to parking with easy access back to highway.

I don't think that it's a mistake that many of us find cemeteries as whole dark and gloomy. Tree…read moreheavy cemeteries that seem to be in perpetual shadow seem so depressing. Often the care they receive are minimal, with narrow two track dirt paths and stonework that is in disrepair and grass that has been inexpertly maintained. Which is probably why I find visiting the Fort Custer National Cemetery to pay respect to the departed heroes I have met in my life a celebration of what is good and decent about this country. The national cemetery is an amazing place that honors our deceased Vets. It is exceedingly well maintained, it is open to the sky, and it's a place that we drive to at least twice a year to remember those who have left this plane of existence and to leave stones on their graves to let others know their loved ones have not been forgotten. (And I do wish that our vets were as carefully cared for before they passed, but I suppose that's another review.)

I am always moved to tears when I visit Fort Custer National Cemetery not just for my family…read moremembers who are resting here but for all those families and soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. My parents survived Nazi occupation and immigrated to the U.S. in 1951. The one day my mother never forgot was the day the Americans liberated The Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Thank you to all who have given all!

Ah-Nab-Awen Park is a long park along the Grand River with public art, city views, a running trail…read moreand sculptures. Murals line the running trail along the water. There are a few hills inside the park that make for picnic spots with views of downtown Grand Rapids.

You can take a nice walk along the river. Really nice and peaceful however you can see many sign…read moreand evidence of the city needing to cut back on maintenance budget. Over grown weeds, garden sort of out of control, trash along the passage, etc.

,My COVID-19 story. It is still going on. Time line is based on my Sister Darlene and Linda. As…read morewell my Friends Peggy and Karen. : The first 10 days were spent in a very dark place. I was not alone, my Mom and son were there with me. (For those that know me well, Mom and Eric have been gone for sometime. I don't know how I got water or got to the bath room. I did not eat for 2 weeks.(I guess) I don't remember talking to anyone. No one was allowed in my house. Daexy 10 or 11 Medics showed up and wanted me to go to hospital. I wouldn't go. I could only think of all those people that went in and didn't come out. Slowly slowly I began to come out of it. I am still very tire, my stamina is very low. However, I do eat peanut butter and toast, Few crackers. It takes me a while to form a sentence, so take me a while to write.: Still coughing, and rubber legs with an occasional headache. I can not get tested again until 2 weeks have past from my last symptoms. This is what I would like to say to those who still think that masks don't work. 70% is better than nothing and it is half that if only on wears the mask, For those that think it is no different than standard flu, so get it and some don't but all are carriers. I have one word for you that still think that way FOOLS! For those that think that their rights are being violated. WHAT ABOUT MINE? I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE HEARD THAT ENOUGH TIME AND AT THIS POINT EARNED THE RIGHT TO SAY "FUCK YOU" (a little harsh, but I am so frustrated about all the folks that lost loveones so needlessly) and for those lovely supportive people that are doing all that they can. LOVE YOU, HUGS AND BE SAFE. This disease really doesn't care. Don't know why some folks don't make it, why some do. I am grateful, but still scared. LOVE YOU. Out of steam. Thanks for reading my rant.

This is a nice park located on the Kalamazoo River in the tiny little village of New Richmond…read more They have a lot to offer here. The one thing they don't have that I would have thought would be there that keeps me from giving a 5 star review is there is no playground equipment for children to play on. Now what they do have is a pedestrian only bridge across the Kalamazoo River. At the park there is a boat launch but there is a drop box where you need to deposit your fee for use of the boat launch. Along the river they also have 2 fishing docks on the side of the river where the parking lot is located and a few more on the other side of the river. Of course there is fishing that can be done from the shore or from a boat if you bring one. Also, for emergencies there is an outhouse which although not a great place is always kept cleaner than other outhouses I've seen in other parks. Overall it's a really nice place to go enjoy the river for a while.

If you've been to Troy's Historic Village and loved it (like me), then you'll love Meridian…read moreCounty's counterpart just as well. I can't believe my sister has lived in Okemos for so long and never took me here before. If you want a glimpse as to what 19th century life was like in the Lansing area, then you need to come here and explore. It's open for tours by appointment only on Saturdays, but you can walk the grounds any day of the week. Here is a sampling of what you'll find: A Greek Revival-style farmhouse built between 1862-5. They know this because as historians were removing wallpaper they discovered newspapers that were used as insulation dated from those years. The farmhouse was relocated here from Marsh Road. Randall School, a one-room rural schoolhouse relocated from near Fowlerville. It cost $853.15 to build in 1883 and served 1st-8th graders. The Barnes House (1849), was the first frame house built in Okemos not using logs. The general store, and the log cabin from Haslett are both cool as well. My favorite thing to see though was the Tollgate House and the parts of the original wood planks from the toll road which travelers from Detroit took to get to the State Capitol in Lansing. A penny to cross is pretty damn cheap compared to the toll roads we drive these days! If you are in the area this is a great piece of Michigan history you don't want to pass by.

From the owner: The Meridian Historical Village is located in picturesque Central Park in Okemos, Michigan, and…read morecontains historic buildings relocated from other locations and carefully restored to their original 19th century style. The Village is operated by the Friends of Historic Meridian, a non-profit organization formed in 1974 to create and sustain an active appreciation of local history. The Friends of Historic Meridian preserve and maintain the historic buildings, sponsor community events in the Village, and hold six free public lectures per year. The Village Chapel is a replica of a 19th Century church which once stood at the corner of Okemos Rd and Methodist St in the Village of Okemos, and is available for rent for weddings of up to 100 guests.