Grand Rapids Tourist Attractions

There are many tourist attractions and things to do in Grand Rapids, making it the ideal destination for a vacation or weekend getaway.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Grand Rapids include the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and the John Ball Zoological Gardens.

There are also many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Grand Rapids, as well as plenty of shopping and entertainment options.

Here are some attractions you can visit when in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Address: 1000 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 64-hectare botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park. It has been in operation since 1995, focusing on horticulture and sculpture.

The park has a tropical conservatory, a Japanese garden, works of modern and contemporary sculpture on the grounds and indoors, and a series of gardens and nature trails.

Between 2015 and 2017, more than 750,000 visitors came into this place. In 2018, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park was included as one of "Eleven of the World's Greatest Sculpture Parks" by Artsy.

John Ball Zoo

Address: 1300 W Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan

John Ball Zoological Garden is an urban park located on the west side of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is situated on the ravines and bluffs along the west edge of the park.

The zoo houses animals from around the world and is a significant regional attraction. With the Zoo School and Wildlife Conservation Fund, the zoo gives something back to the community and the world.

The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and was the first zoo in Michigan to receive accreditation.

Visitors can try their hand at zookeeping, take a ride on a camel, or brush a goat at Red's Hobby Farm.

Among the zoo's many other residents are a wide variety of African animals, including lions and tigers, tropical animals like the sloth and bald eagles.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Address: 303 Pearl Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the presidential museum and burial place of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States (1974–1977), and his wife Betty Ford. It is near the Pew Campus of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

It is the only presidential museum in the US under the auspices of the National Archives and Records Administration to be separate from the presidential library, which is approximately 210 kilometers to the east in Ann Arbor.

Despite the separation, the library and museum are a single institution with one director.

Collections include items from the 38th president's childhood and college years, like his Eagle Scout memorabilia and college football uniform. Other exhibits include items and information related to Ford's political career, from his 1976 presidential campaign items to gifts given to him while in office.

There are also exhibits dedicated to First Lady Betty Ford, as well as their children. The museum also has temporary exhibits from the Presidential Library System, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Archives, and hosts various educational programs and community events.

Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Address: 11 Sheldon Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum is a place where children can learn through play. The museum has many exhibits that teach children about science, nature, history, and art. Some of the exhibits at the center teach children how to stay safe and healthy.

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum is a place for families to visit. It is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free for children under the age of two, and discounts are available for seniors, members of the military, and groups of ten or more people.

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Address: 101 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has several collections ranging from Renaissance to Modern Art and special collections on 19th and 20th-century European and American art. Its holdings include notable modern artworks such as Richard Diebenkorn’s 1963 Ingleside.

Also in its collection are more than 5,000 works of art, including over 3,500 prints, drawings, and photographs.

Additional galleries include permanent and borrowed collections that focus on various themes, and the museum has a new series of exhibits that highlight contemporary Michigan artists.

The institution was founded in 1910 under the name Grand Rapids Art Gallery. Before moving to its current location in 1981, its previous base was at 230 Fulton Street.