The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Grand Rapids, Michigan Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | February 2020
On the banks of the Grand River—Grand Rapids, Michigan was recognized worldwide as “America’s Furniture City” at the height of the lumber boom. With an impressive street art scene, craft breweries, eclectic farm-to-table dining and historic mansions, Grand Rapids is one of those great, underrated cities.
Image courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids
1. THE HIKING
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park offers miles of hiking trails through towering sand dunes. More than ten miles of foot trails loop through the park's dunes and along miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. Here, you’ll discover stunning views of Lake Michigan and subtle beauty at every turn. With some of the world’s most extensive freshwater dunes, these steep hills of sand make up the majority of the park’s 1,200 acres and as the youngest geological formations in Michigan, formed only 3,000 years ago, they are constantly changing in appearance and size.
Image courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids
Not into hiking but still want the view? The Dune Climb Stairway leads to the top of a high sand dune where an observation deck presents a panoramic view of the dunes and Lake Michigan. Michigan's sand dunes are perhaps its greatest natural treasure and there may not be a better place to witness them than P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.
2. THE ART
Art is everywhere in Grand Rapids. With over 100 brightly colored murals, art doesn't just live in the museums, but on the buildings that are the foundation of the city. Take a walking tour of downtown's outdoor art.
Image courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids
Stroll the sidewalks of downtown Grand Rapids to see all kinds of art, starting with "La Grande Vitesse," the 32-foot high, bright-red sculpture by acclaimed artist Alexander Calder. The very first public art project partially funded by the National Endowment for the Art has become the symbol of Grand Rapids and its creative spirit.
The art scene in Grand Rapids is buzzing and events like ArtPrize, are unlike anything the world has ever seen. Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown and it’s all free and open to the public.
3. THE COCKTAILS
Located in the heart of Downtown Grand Rapids, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar is a premier dining destination for exquisite responsibly sourced seafood. Offering an energetic and inviting atmosphere of classic gastronomic selections and carefully crafted cocktails, we recommend trying the Pinky Promise Martini for your artisanal, handcrafted cocktail fix—concocted with Knickerbocker gin, St. Germain, fresh squeezed pink grapefruit and lime.
Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Exuding sophistication and elegance, Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar is the perfect setting to enjoy seasonally inspired menus, classic seafood and award-winning steakhouse fare. Passionately focused on fresh food with a contemporary spin inspired by quality ingredients and international flavors, favorites include New Zealand Rack of Lamb served with cherry demi-glace, Bouillabaisse with half Maine lobster, shrimp, fish, sea scallops, mussels, king crab and clams simmered in a saffron-sherry tomato broth, as well as Surf & Turf with filet mignon, Maine lobster tail, herbed potato soufflé and asparagus.
And for those craving something sweet, indulge on one of their classic desserts such as Profiteroles. These mini cream puffs are made in-house by Pastry Chef Dana Wilmer-Lucas, filled with vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate fudge and caramel. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
A top cultural destination in the Midwest, Frederik Meijer Gardens is one of the nation’s most significant botanic experiences. The outdoor gardens feature four-season plantings that can be enjoyed throughout the year and the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden commemorates the artistic influence of this well-known naturalist artist and features native woodland plants.
Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Michigan
With over 500 species from five continents, the five-story Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is the largest of its kind in Michigan, with tranquil waterfalls and streams winding around lush vegetation, including fig trees from and exotic orchids. Every spring, the conservatory is home to the largest tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
One of the oldest mansions in the Heritage Hill Historic District and a Michigan historic landmark since 1981, the McCabe-Marlowe House was built between 1865 and 1870 in the Victorian Villa-style. With more than 60 architectural styles dating back to 1843, Heritage Hill is one of the nation's largest urban historic districts.
