33 of The Top Things to Do in Grand Rapids in 2023

Looking for the best things to do in Grand Rapids Michigan? These are some of the most recommended places to visit and things to do in the iconic furniture city. 

Planning a trip to Grand Rapids is super exciting! If you’re anything like me, you’re here because you love to research and plan your trip ahead of time. As a Michigander and native of Grand Rapids, I am giving you the top things to do in Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids, Michigan is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. With a burgeoning downtown, award-winning restaurants and breweries, emphasis on the arts, plenty of parks and trails for outdoor activities, and only 35 miles from Lake Michigan, it’s hard not to see why. As a native of Grand Rapids, I’ve been able to experience everything that this beautiful city has to offer. 

This post is my 33 of The Top Things to Do in Grand Rapids in 2023.

Grand Rapids History

In the late 19th century, Grand Rapids quickly became America’s Furniture City because of its easy access to lumbering through the Grand River. At one time there were 44 furniture companies! Today, companies like Steelcase and Herman Miller (you know, the company that makes the beautiful mid-century modern Eames Chair) mostly build office furniture. You can still see the wealth of this time period in the historic district of Heritage Hill. If you plan your visit in May, definitely check out the Heritage Hill Home Tour to see beautiful Victorian homes up close. Or visit the historic Meyer May House that was built by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908. I highly recommend taking a tour of this lovely Prairie style house. Tours are available year round every Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm and Tuesday/Thursday 10:00am-1:00pm. 

In 1969, the city commissioned Alexander Calder to create a piece of art as part of their urban art renewal initiative. Calder created “La Grande Vitesse” which sits in a plaza in the heart of downtown. For over 50 years the dazzling red-orange sculpture has been the backdrop for festivals such as Festival of the Arts, Hispanic Festival, and Polish Festival, races like Gazelle Girl and Riverbank Run, and large outdoor gatherings for visiting political candidates. It’s also the perfect place to snap that tourist photo! 

Today, Grand Rapids is best known as Beer City USA and for its bi-annual arts showcase, Art Prize. There really is so much to do here. Check out some of the top things to do in Grand Rapids before planning your trip!

Top Things to Do in Grand Rapids

Recommended Restaurants

1. Donkey Taqueria has fantastic tacos and margaritas. All tacos are ordered a la carte and are served family style. The prickly pear margarita is so refreshing! I love the large outdoor patio for eating al fresco in the summer.   

2. San Chez Bistro is my all time favorite Grand Rapids restaurant. It is a Spanish tapas bistro that serves incredible dinners and unbeatable brunch. The food is exquisite, authentic, and great to share with a group of people. I highly recommend the tres leches cake for dessert. If you’re looking for a place to treat yourself, this is it!

3. Lai Thai is located on the northeast side. Their menu offers a wide variety of Thai and Vietnamese dishes like pho, curry, and pad thai. All of their dishes can be made Vegan! They have a small, yet cute dining, giving an intimate experience.

4. Sovengard is our local farm to table restaurant inspired by the New Nordic Movement. On their menu you’ll find a variety of appetizers like cheese boards, beautiful greens and salad options, and entrees offering proteins like elk and duck.

5. Bar Divani is right downtown and is a great option if you’re looking for a “treat yourself” moment. The interior has an intimate, upscale ambiance. Their menu changes with each season and every item is made in house. You’ll definitely want to try one of their unique cocktails, or ask your server to whip up a delicious mocktail. 

Recommended Breweries

Grand Rapids has more than 80 breweries! I’ll share a few of my favorites here, but there are so many more to explore.

6. Founders Brewing Co really put Grand Rapids on the map as Beer City USA. A few of their best selling beers: All Day IPA, Breakfast Stout, and Rübaus. They also have delicious sandwiches for a quick lunch bite. Check out their huge outdoor patio, any time of year! 

7. Brewery Vivant is a brewery built inside an old church. You won’t find a brewery like this anywhere else! They have family style tables, so it’s a great place to check out if you’re feeling social. You’re guaranteed to have a unique experience here! 

8. Harmony Brewing is known for their beer and delicious brick oven pizzas. They offer several vegetarian and vegan pizzas options too! Located in eastown, it’s walking distance to many small and unique shops as well as East Grand Rapids.

Coffee and More 

9. MadCap has two GR locations, one downtown on Monroe Center and the other on Fulton St NE in Fulton Heights. They offer all the coffee staples, but my favorite is their pour over. 

10. Lyon Street Cafe is one of my personal favorites. They offer a wide variety of coffees and teas. I love the ambiance of the interior as well as the cute neighborhood it resides in. Stop by the next door bakery Nantucket, to find some delicious french inspired pastries to pair with your beverage of choice.

11. Morning Ritual is located on the west side. They offer a variety of coffees and teas, but what makes them special is the made from scratch flavored simple syrups. If you are visiting in the fall, I highly recommend their pumpkin spice simple syrup!

Museums and Parks

12. Gerald R. Ford Museum, did you know Grand Rapids is the birthplace of President Gerald R. Ford? In this museum you’ll find a variety of exhibits specializing in presidential and government history. 

13. Grand Rapids Public Museum offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the history of furniture city. They also offer child friendly rotating exhibits and their planetarium shows are definitely worth checking out. 

14. Grand Rapids Art Museum is located right downtown and offers a variety of art exhibits. Tuesdays are currently free! Be sure to check their website for hours.

15. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one of the nation’s premier horticultural display gardens and sculpture parks. If you are visiting in March or April, be sure to visit the butterfly exhibit. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance to shorten your wait time in line. If you visit in December or January, check out the Christmas trees! You will see Christmas trees illuminated in traditional decor from countries around the world.

16. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is an interactive museum for kids of all ages. You will find rotating exhibits throughout the year. My favorite is the standing bubble wand! 

Marketplaces

17. Downtown Market is an indoor market hall located on downtown Ionia street. The vendors offer different food options like Thai, poke, BBQ, Mexican, and ice cream. There is also a small grocery store specializing in cheese and unique pantry items, as well as a fresh fish market. Upstairs you’ll find gorgeous seating in and around their indoor botanical garden. Spend time exploring each vendor while deciding what to eat!

18. Fulton Street Farmers Market has been an essential part of this city for 100 years! Hours of operation during the main season are May 7 to October 29, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 8:00am-2:00pm. A variety of vendors offer fresh, local produce and handmade items. 

Parks and Trails

19. Millenium Park is one of the nation’s largest urban parks. There are hiking and biking trails and a man made lake for swimming in the summer months.

20. Riverside Park has a little bit of everything; hiking, biking, kayaking, and disc golf. Here you’ll find the starting point of the White Pine Trail, which goes all the way up to Cadillac, Michigan. 

21. Reeds Lake Trail is great if you enjoy a combination of urban and nature trails. After your walk, bike, or run, check out Gaslight Village for food, drinks, or light shopping.

Recommended Festivals

22. Festival of the Arts is held the first weekend of June each year. It has been an annual tradition for over 50 years. It offers a variety of food booths and multiple stages to watch concerts, dance recitals, magic shows, stand up comedy, and more. 

23. ArtPrize is held in September of each year. It is an independent international art competition that celebrates artisans from around the world. As you go around viewing the art, you’ll be able to vote for your favorites using the ArtPrize app. 

24. Pulaski Days is held every October for a week-long celebration supporting local Polish halls. You can visit many halls throughout the city, each offering a variety of traditional Polish meals. 

Small Business Shopping

25. Stoffer Home is an interior design store owned by Jeanne Stoffer. She has curated pieces in her store that give your home a cozy, french style feel. She has an interior design TV show called The Established Home. You can find it on Magnolia Network or Discovery Plus.

26. Commune offers thoughtfully curated home decor, jewelry, books, and artwork. I love walking through this store and admiring all of the boho chic accents. 

27. Fox Naturals is a local, all natural, clean, beauty and skincare store. I love their soaps and dry shampoo!

28. Mokaya is a local artisan and confection boutique. They create incredibly beautiful chocolates and desserts.

29. Rebel GR is the sister store of Commune. They have a wide range of gifts, house decor, plants, jewelry, and more. I always find the perfect gift here!

If you’re looking for other Grand Rapids travel ideas, check out these posts:

23 Extraordinary Dessert Places in Grand Rapids

13 Fancy Date Night Restaurants | Grand Rapids

This post is my 33 of The Top Things to Do in Grand Rapids in 2023.