Grand Rapids: Museums, Art and Nature

Grand Rapids can be explored through a wide range of interests: the city offers insights into the history of the Ford presidential family, an extensive art collection, and opportunities to spend time in natural open spaces. Activities on the Grand River and trails in Millennium Park are also among the options to consider when planning your trip. This gives families a choice between museum experiences that engage children and outdoor activities.

History and Art in the City

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located downtown in Grand Rapids, on the banks of the Grand River. The 54,000-square-foot facility brings together educational and cultural themes. Its permanent exhibition offers insights into the lives of President and Mrs. Ford; the museum is also their final resting place. If you are especially interested in the history of the presidential family, you can take this focus into account when choosing things to do in the city.

Another glimpse into the past can be found at the Calkins Law Office, dating from 1836. It is the oldest timber-framed building in the Grand River Valley. This historic building complements museum themes focused more closely on a single family or collections with an example of regional architectural history. These different approaches to the past sit side by side without telling the same story.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum showcases a broad selection of art forms: its collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs, as well as design and contemporary craft objects. With more than 7,000 objects, it spans more than just individual media. For families with children, the Discovery Gallery in the Creative Learning Center offers an interactive space where children can engage with art at their own pace. The gallery is open during regular museum hours.

Individual places in the cityscape also have their own design history. Rosa Parks Circle was designed by artist and architect Maya Lin. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is located at a DASH stop; you can take this information into account when planning your routes around the city. The museum's current facilities also include the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.

Open Space, Trails and Activities

Millennium Park combines natural areas with options for a variety of activities. Its expansive natural areas provide habitat where wildlife can thrive. The park also includes a six-acre beach and a splash pad. This means that within a single park, you will find both natural areas and designated spots for water activities. About 18 miles of trails run through the park, most of which are open to pedestrians and cyclists. The approximate total length and the different ways to use the trails can help you decide how much time to set aside for outdoor activities.

For active pursuits, Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation lists kayaking on the Grand River as a recreational activity in the city. Snowshoes and fat bikes are available to rent at Indian Trails Golf Course; cross-country skiing is also permitted on the trails there. These options differ from the museum and art experiences and give you further points to consider when deciding what to focus on during your trip. Check which of these activities you would like to include in your plans for your stay.

Choosing the Right Place to Stay

When looking for a vacation rental in Grand Rapids, you can start by considering which experiences you want to prioritize on your trip: museums and art, activities on the Grand River, or trails and open spaces in Millennium Park. The places mentioned are not all located in the same area described here, so you should consider the information about each location separately when planning your stay. This way, you can choose accommodation to suit your planned activities without letting a single focus define the whole trip.

Other destinations include: Wyoming, Ada, Grandville, Kentwood, Caledonia and Plainfield Township.

For the broader travel overview: Kent.