About Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a city in and the county seat of Kent County, Michigan, United States. The city had a population of 198,917 at the 2020 census and an estimated population of 201,183 in 2025. Grand Rapids is the second-most populated municipality in the state, after Detroit. It is the central city of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, which has a population of around 1.2 million and is the 49th-largest metropolitan area in the U.S.
Places to visit in Grand Rapids
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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Park · 4 mi from centreGardens and a sculpture park with works by major modern artists, a tropical conservatory, a Japanese garden and a monumental bronze horse, plus summer outdoor concerts.
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Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
MuseumA riverside museum on the life and presidency of Gerald Ford, including a replica Oval Office. Ford and his wife Betty are buried on the grounds.
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Grand Rapids Public Museum
MuseumA riverside museum on the city's history and natural science, with a recreated old Grand Rapids street, a historic carousel and a planetarium. It is a good choice for families.
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Grand Rapids Art Museum
MuseumA downtown museum with a broad permanent collection of European and American art, frequent special exhibitions and design displays, set beside a plaza used for city events.
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Downtown Market
MarketAn indoor and outdoor market hall with local food vendors, a seasonal farmers market and cooking classes, a good stop for lunch, snacks or picnic supplies.
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Heritage Hill
NeighborhoodA historic district of grand homes in a wide range of architectural styles, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Meyer May House, which offers free tours of its restored interior.
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John Ball Zoo
Zoo · 2 mi from centreA hillside zoo west of downtown with animals from around the world, a zip line, a ropes course and a funicular that carries visitors up the slope.
Where to stay in Grand Rapids
Popular hotels in Grand Rapids, out of 106 properties you can book.
Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
From $95 per night
Towneplace Suites Grand Rapids Airport
From $114 per night
Staybridge Suites Grand Rapids SW - Grandville
From $172 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids-Airport 28th
From $123 per night
SpringHill Suites Grand Rapids Airport Southeast
From $127 per night
Comfort Suites Grandville - Grand Rapids SW
From $112 per night
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Rapids-Airport
From $126 per night
Comfort Inn Airport
From $74 per night
Clarion Inn & Suites Airport
From $62 per night
Americinn By Wyndham Grand Rapids Airport North
From $68 per night
Tru by Hilton Grand Rapids Airport
From $106 per night
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids Air
From $66 per night
Best time to visit Grand Rapids
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Grand Rapids is September, when average daytime highs are around 77°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Grand Rapids weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 65° 38° 1%
- Thu 22 Oct 70° 50° 1%
- Fri 23 Oct 70° 50° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 71° 52° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 70° 57° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 66° 49° 7%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/DetroitUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Grand Rapids
These are the airports closest to central Grand Rapids. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- GRR Gerald R. Ford International Airport9 mi (15 km) from the city centre
Getting around Grand Rapids
Like most mid-sized U.S. cities, an automobile is the most convenient means of getting around, with convenient free parking available most places outside of downtown. Parking downtown can be inconvenient and somewhat costly on weekdays and during major events (e.g. arena concerts). Street parking meters are monitored weekdays from 8AM to 7PM, unless specifically marked (e.g. Monroe Center NW on Saturday). Walking within the immediate downtown area is pleasant enough in good weather, and generally safe.
Grand Rapids travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Grand Rapids?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Grand Rapids is September, when average daytime highs are around 77°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids?
July is usually the warmest month in Grand Rapids, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 19°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 96 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Grand Rapids?
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is the closest airport, about 9 miles (15 km) from the centre of Grand Rapids.
What time zone is Grand Rapids in?
Grand Rapids uses the America/Detroit time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Grand Rapids?
Like most mid-sized U.S. cities, an automobile is the most convenient means of getting around, with convenient free parking available most places outside of downtown. Parking downtown can be inconvenient and somewhat costly on weekdays and during major events (e.g. arena concerts).
What are the best places to visit in Grand Rapids?
Top sights in Grand Rapids include Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Rapids Art Museum. Gardens and a sculpture park with works by major modern artists, a tropical conservatory, a Japanese garden and a monumental bronze horse, plus summer outdoor concerts.
Where should I stay in Grand Rapids?
Popular areas for hotels in Grand Rapids include Airport and Suburbs. Well-reviewed options include Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Grand Rapids Airport and Towneplace Suites Grand Rapids Airport.
How many hotels can I book in Grand Rapids?
Destina Holidays currently lists 106 properties in and around Grand Rapids, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
