GRAND RAPIDS
Brief History of Grand Rapids NATIVE
AMERICANS
The Hopewell peoples occupied this region more than 2,000 years ago and built great earthen mounds - some of which are still preserved today. Around 1700 AD, people of the Three Fires - Ottawa (Odawa), Chippewa (Ojibwa) and Potawatomi Indians - established villages around the Grand River. You can learn more about the Native American people of Grand Rapids here.
EARLY SETTLERS
French-Canadian Joseph La Framboise and his wife, Magdalene, who was of mixed Ottawa and French descent, established the first fur-trading post here in 1806 Twenty-some years later, Detroit-born Louis Campau, known as the official founder of Grand Rapids, built a trading post, blacksmith shop and cabin on the banks of the Grand River Grand Rapids became a village in 1838 and a city in 1850 You can learn more about the people of Grand Rapids here.
GYPSUM MINES
Gypsum (plaster) mining was the area's first major industry. Commercial gypsum operation began in 1841 and there were eventually thirteen separate mine operators. Our plaster was sent around the world, leading citizens to view gypsum as a "mine of apparently inexhaustible wealth to our city". The mines are no longer active and now serve as secure dry storage sites
FURNITURE CITY
Grand Rapids became a major lumbering center in the late 19th century, processing logs that were floated down the Grand River from elsewhere in the region The ready supply of timber led to the city's second great industry - fine wood furniture. At the height of the lumber boom, Grand Rapids was home to 44 furniture companies and the city was recognized worldwide as America's Furniture City. Today, our manufacturing focus has shifted away from residential furniture to office furniture, but the Heritage Hill mansions of lumber barons and furniture magnates still bear witness to glorious era.
RAILROADS
The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, founded in 1854, became the country's longest north-south rail line when it provided passenger and freight services between Cincinnati, Ohio and the Straits of Mackinac, the waterway between Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The railroad largely ceased operation a century later - and much of the old railway, along with other abandoned rail lines, has been converted to paved biking and running trails.
BEER CITY
In 1836, Englishman John Pannell built a small brewery in what would become downtown Grand Rapids The local brewing scene thrived until Prohibition and limped along thereafter - the last remaining brewery closed in 1951 Our long dry-spell ended in 1997, when a pair of college classmates opened Canal Street Brewing, which was later renamed Founders Brewing Company. Founders is now the larges of 75+ local craft breweries - and Grand Rapids is now acknowledged as Beer City USA.
HEALTH CARE
In 1945, Grand Rapids became the first city in the world to fluoridate its drinking water - a move hailed as one of the 20th century's greatest public health achievements. Local innovators went on to pioneer advances in rehabilitative care, joint implants, generic drugs and more before establishing on of the 21st century's fastest growing life-sciences clusters - the Medical Mile
HISTORIC SITES
Tour covered bridges, historic homes, lighthouses and more! Learn more here
PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD & BETTY FORD
President Gerald R. Ford wasn't actually born in Grand Rapids, but since his mother moved here when he was two weeks old, the city has always claimed him as a native son Ford never quibbled with that assertion - he LOVED Grand Rapids
Ford's 1941 law degree from Yale University would have given him entry to the finest law firms in the nation's largest cities Instead, he chose to return to Grand Rapids to practice law He went on to serve the city and its region for thirteen terms in the U S House of Representatives before his ascension to the Presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
Today, Grand Rapids continues to honor the lives of Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty, who also grew up here. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport and Gerald R. Ford Freeway (I-196) are daily reminders of their influence. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a spectacular exploration of their lives and times. The President and First Lade are buried on the grounds of the Museum, in a quiet site that invites visitation and reflection.
Learn more about President Gerald Ford and Betty Ford.
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"I have alwaysbelieved that most people are mostly good, most of the time."
President Gerald R Ford and first lady Betty Ford smile after he was sworn in as the nation’s chief executive at the White House, Aug 9, 1974 | AP Photo
Gerald R Ford upon receiving the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award May 21st, 2001
Neighborhood Spotlight
Grand Rapids Magazine gives a breakdown of the nearly 30 neighborhoods contained within the city of Grand Rapids - check out their article here.
Grand Rapids Regions
Northwest Grand Rapids offers shopping, spectator sports, farm adventures and all sorts of opportunities for outdoor recreation. This area includes the communities of Alpine, Comstock Park and Sparta
Southwest Grand Rapids encompasses everything from a huge outlet shopping mall and sprawling family fun center to miles of paved bike trails. This area includes the communities of Byron Center, Grandville and Wyoming
Northeast Grand Rapids boasts on of the world's 100 most-visited art museums, a picturesque shopping village and great outdoor recreation This area includes the communities of Cannonsburg, Cedar Springs and Rockford
Southeast Grand Rapids is jam-packed with malls, box stores, specialty shops, restaurants, nightclubs and movie theaters - all close to the airport and major highways. This area includes the communities of Ada, Caledonia, Cascade, Dutton, East Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Lowell.
The Essentials
HOSPITALS
Catherine's Health Center
501(c)3 health system in Kent County, providing primary medical, behavioral, and dental care to all, regardless of insurance status Main Campus: 950 36th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49509 616-336-8800
Corewell Health
Previously Spectrum Health, a not-for-profit health system in Michigan offering a full continuum of care Main Campus: 100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-391-1774
Forest View Psychiatric Hospital
1055 Medical Park Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-9610
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
235 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-840-8341
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
300 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 616-455-5000
Trinity Health Saint Mary's Hospital
200 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Mi 49503 616-685-5000
University of Michigan Health - West Hospital: 5901 Byron Center Ave SW 616-252-7200
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
City of Grand Rapids
300 Monroe NW
616.456.3000
Kent County Administration
300 Monroe NW 616 632 7590
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
Grand Rapids - Our Inclusive Community
VISITOR INFORMATION
Downtown Ambassadors
Roaming hospitality team in orange/blue uniforms
On the job 7 days per week Don't hesitate to stop them for directions, information about events, places to eat, an umbrella escort when it's raining or other assistance 616 250 8263
Visitor Center at Gerald R. Ford Airport 616 233 6076
CITY PARKING
Ellis Parking Company
Mobile GR
TRANSPORTATION
Air : Gerald R. Ford International Airport 5500 44th St SE - 616 233 6000
Bus
Greyhound Bus - 250 Grandville Ave SW - 616 456 1700
Public Transit: DASH - Downtown Grand Rapids
Public Transit: Rapid - 250 Grandville Ave SW - 616 456 7514
Public Transit: Silverline - Downtown GR/Division Ave. Corridor
Ride Share
Lyft
SteadyFare
Uber
Train : Amtrak
440 Century Ave SW - 800 USA RAIL
Other : Taxis/Limos/Car Rentals & More
The Office of Equity and Engagement for the City of Grand Rapids
Multicultural Resources in West Michigan
COST OF LIVING COMPARISONS
AREA DEMOGRAPHICS
HOUSING MARKET DATA
$327,000
$399,900
$487,450
$410,000
$330,000
$465,000
$335,000
$385,000
$280,000
AVERAGE MONTHLY
Kent Intermediate School District Information
PUBLIC DISTRICT LINKS
Byron Center Public Schools
Caledonia Community Schools
Cedar Springs Public Schools
Comstock Park Public Schools
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
Forest Hills Public Schools
Godfrey Lee Public Schools
Godwin Heights Public Schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grandville Public Schools
Kelloggsville Public Schools
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
Kent City Community Schools
Kentwood Public Schools
Lowell Area Schools
Northview Public Schools
Rockford Public Schools
Sparta Area Schools
Thornapple Kellogg Schools
Wyoming Public Schools
PRIVATE SCHOOL LINKS
Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids
Calvin Christian Schools
Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Public School Academies & Charters
OTHER LINKS
Kent ISD
US Department of Education
Michigan Department of Education
West Michigan Colleges and Universities
Aquinas College
Calvin University
Calvin Theological Seminary
Cornerstone University
Davenport University
Grace Christian University
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Grand Valley State University
Hope College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Kuyper College
Kendall College of Art and Design
Muskegon Community College
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Other Colleges & Universities with West Michigan campuses
Baker College
Central Michigan University
Ferris State University
Davenport University
Michigan State University - College of Human Medicine
Northwood University
Olivet Nazarene University
Spring Arbor University
Western Michigan University
University of Phoenix
Downtown Area Shuttle
The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) is a bus network connecting key downtown Grand Rapids locations and parking lots. DASH is free to ride and arrives every 8 minutes!
DASH routes run 7 days a week, every 8 minutes and follow the schedule below.
Monday - Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a m - 5:00 p m
Learn more about the schedule, real-time bus updates, and detours using this guide.
Downtown Electric Charging Stations
Art & Culture
ATTRACTIONS
AIR ZOO
PERFORMING ARTS
ACTORS' THEATRE
6151 Portage Rd., Portage - - - 269.382.6555
FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK
1000 East Beltline Ave. NE - - - 616.957.1580
GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
303 Pearl St. NW - - - 616.254.0400
GRAND RAPIDS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
87 Monroe Center NW - - - 616.540.2943
GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
101 Monroe Center NW - - - 616 831 1000
GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
11 Sheldon Ave NE - - - 616 235 4726
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM
272 Pearl St NW - - - 616 929 1700
GUN LAKE CASINO
1123 129th Ave , Wayland - - - 269 792 7777
JOHN BALL ZOO
1300 W Fulton - - - 616 336 4300
URBAN INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
2 W Fulton - - - 616 454 7000
616.234.3946
BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS
616.235.6285
CIRCLE THEATRE 616.456.6656
DOG STORY THEATER 616.452.9234
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET 616 454 4771
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE 616 222 6650
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY 616 454 9451
JEWISH THEATRE GRAND RAPIDS 616 234 3595
OPERA GRAND RAPIDS 616 451 2741
ST CECILIA MUSIC CENTER 616 459 2224
MAJOR MUSIC VENUES
DOWNTOWN
20 MONROE LIVE
11 Ottawa Ave. NW - 844.678.5483
ACRISURE AMPHITHEATER
201 Market Ave SW
DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL
303 Monroe Ave. NW - 616.742.6500
ST. CECELIA MUSIC CENTER
24 Ransom Ave. NE - 616.459.2224
THE INTERSECTION
133 Grandville Ave SW - 616-451-8232
THE PYRAMID SCHEME
68 Commerce Ave. SW - 616.272.3758
STUDIO C LISTENING ROOM
123 Ionia Ave. SW - 616.900.9500
VAN ANDEL ARENA
130 W Fulton St - 616 742 6600
NORTHEAST
MEIJER GARDENS - AMPHITHEATRE
1000 East Beltline Ave. NE - 616.957.1580
FOREST HILLS FINE ARTS CENTER
600 Forest Hill Ave SE - 616 493 8965
SOUTHWEST
VAN SINGEL FINE ARTS CENTER
8500 Burlingame Ave. SW - 616.878.6800
SPECTATOR SPORTS
AC GRAND RAPIDS
MLS Next Pro - Opening Spring 2027
Amway Stadium - 230 Winter Ave NW
BERLIN RACEWAY
NASCAR Home Track 2060 Berlin Fair Dr - 616 677 5000
GRAND RAPIDS GOLD
NBA G-League Basketball
Van Andel Arena - 130 W. Fulton St.
GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS
AHL Hockey
Van Andel Arena - 130 W. Fulton St.
GRAND RAPIDS FOOTBALL CLUB
National Premier Soccer 162 Houseman Ave SE
WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS
Class A Baseball
LMCU Ballpark - 4500 West River Dr. NE
201 Michigan St NW - 616 649 3020
20 Monroe Ave. NW - 616.356.2000
Monroe Ave NW Suite 155 - 616 805 5755
Grandville Ave. SW - 616.776.1195
BRICK HAUS BREWS
133 E. Division St., Sparta - 616.383.1155
COOPERSVILLE BREWING CO.
1275 W Randall St , Coopersville - 616 384 3364 GREYLINE BREWING COMPANY 1727 Alpine Ave. NW
3393 Remembrance Rd NW - 616 805 4768 PERRIN BREWING COMPANY
5910 Comstock Park Dr. NW - 616.551.1957 PINK BARREL CELLARS
3025 6 Mile Rd NW - 616 784 0058 TRAIL POINT BREWING COMPANY
6035 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale - 616.895.2739
Bridge St NW - 616 254 0105
Division Ave. S - 616.340.9372 BRASS RING BREWING 2404 Eastern Ave SE - 616 460 1587
VIVANT 925 Cherry St. SE - 616.719.1604 EAST WEST BREWING COMPANY 1400 Lake Dr SE - 616 288 5250 HARMONY BREWING COMPANY 1551 Lake Dr. SE - 616.233.0063
ARTISAN ALES 928 Wealthy St SE
Breweries Continued
Other Adult Beverages...
6266 West River Dr NE, Belmont - 616 278 3194
5025 Stanton St., Hudsonville - 616.920.1867
Alden Nash Ave NE - 616 987 3182
Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
3025 6 Mile Rd NW - 616 784 0058
311 Fuller Ave NE - 616.288.6904
3142 4 Mile Rd NE - 616 361 5567
Ball Ave. NE - 616.259.8828
MEADERIES
28th St SW - 616 460 7404
6266 West River Dr. NE - 616.278.3194
4525 N M37 Hwy - 616 916 2418
6262 28th St. - 616.288.6907
Biking Around Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, and surrounding areas, offers hundreds of miles of paved nature trails and mountain bike trails. Most areas also have adopted bike-friendly streets!
You can visit ExperienceGR.com/Biking for suggested bike routes, bike shops and rentals, bike safety tips and more!
Check out the My City Bikes app for street, trail and mountain bike routes plus safety and preparation tips
For more information about trails and current riding conditions, visit the West Michigan Mountain Biking Alliance.
The Michigan Department of Transportation has developed road and trail maps, broken down by region.
South (Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa Counties)
North (Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola Counties)
And you can check out Michigan Trails for an interactive map of West Michigan Trails!
Millennium Park
BEACH AND SPLASH PAD
Six acres of sandy beach on a clear 100-acre lake with a well-marked swimming area
Mehney Splash Pad with more than a dozen sprayers, buckets, splashers and more
Van Andel Beach House has a concession stand with hot food, snacks and ice-cream
Lockers, changing rooms, restrooms and picnic tables available
BOAT RENTALS
DeVos Family Boathouse has kayaks, paddle boats, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for rent
Access the lake surrounding the beach and recreation area, as well as Lake Leota to the North
TRAILS
Extensive network of trails totaling about 18 miles in length, all within the boundaries of the park
Most trails are paved, although there are several natural-surfaced trails for a more rustic hike
Trails connect with the Kent Trails as well as a City of Grand Rapids trail
Trails are open to foot traffic, bikes, roller blades and other human-powered devices
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Playgrounds
Picnic and Group Events
Nature Observation
Fishing
Sand Volleyball
Basketball
Cross Country
Dog Parks
HILLCREST DOG PARK
1415 Lyon NE - Grand Rapids - 49503
Near Medical Mile
Large shaded area
Separate play area for large and small dogs
COVELL DOG PARK
501 Covell Ave NW - Grand Rapids - 49504
One-acre area for the dogs
Small and large dogs are intermingled
SHAGGY PINES DOG PARK
3895 Cherry Lane SE - Ada - 49301
Ranked in the Top 10 Dog Parks of North America 20-acre park with 15-acres fenced in Large sand-pile, swimming pond, doggy store, coffee bar and lounge
Membership required
ROCKFORD DOG PARK
200 Longview Dr. - Rockford - 49341
Toys, water bowls and shaded areas
Separate play area for large and small dogs
WYOMING DOG PARK @ MARQUETTE PARK
1414 Nagel Ave. SW - Wyoming - 49509
Off-leash, fenced in park
Separate play area for large and small dogs
Drinking water and sand pile
Membership required
GRAND RAVINES SOUTH
3991 Fillmore St - Jenison - 49428
21-acres of enclosed dog park
Separate areas for large and small dogs
Fenced trails for off-leash walking
Golf Courses
ADA
EGYPT VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
7333 Knapp St NE - 616 676 3989
QUAIL RIDGE GOLF CLUB
8375 36th St SW - 616 676 2000
BELMONT
BLYTHEFIELD COUNTRY CLUB
5801 Northland Dr NE - 616 361 2661
BOULDER CREEK GOLF CLUB
5750 Brewer Ave. NE - 616.363.1330
BYRON CENTER
IRONWOOD GOLF COURSE
3750 64th St - 616 538 4000
RAILSIDE GOLF CLUB
2500 76th St SW - 616 878 1140
CALEDONIA
BRIARWOOD GOLF CLUB
2900 92nd St. - 616.698.8720
BROADMOOR COUNTRY CLUB
7725 Kraft Ave. SE - 616.891.8000
STONE WATER COUNTRY CLUB
7177 Kalamazoo Ave. - 616.656.9898
COMSTOCK PARK
ALPINE GOLF CLUB
6320 Alpine Ave NW - 616 784 1064
SCOTT LAKE COUNTRY CLUB
911 Hayes Rd NE - 616 784 1355
GRAND RAPIDS
CASCADE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
3725 Cascade Rd SE - 616 949 0810
GRACEWIL COUNTRY CLUB
2597 Four Mile NW - 616 784 2455
INDIAN TRAILS GOLF COURSE
2776 Kalamazoo Ave - 616 245 2021
KENT COUNTRY CLUB
1600 College Ave NE - 616 363 6811
MINES GOLF COURSE
330 Covell Ave SW - 616 791 7544
THORNAPPLE POINTE
7211 48th St. SE - 616.554.4747
THOUSAND OAKS GOLF CLUB
4100 Thousand Oaks Dr. - 616.447.7750
WATERMARK COUNTRY CLUB
5500 Cascade Rd. SE - 616.949.0570
GRANDVILLE
MAPLE HILL GOLF COURSE
5555 Ivanrest Ave SW - 616 538 0290
SUNNYBROOK COUNTRY CLUB 624 Port Sheldon St SW - 616 457 1100
HUDSONVILLE
GLENEAGLE GOLF CLUB
6150 14th Ave. - 616.457.8800
MARNE
WESTERN GREENS COUNTRY CLUB
2475 Johnson St - 616 677 3677
ROCKFORD
NORTH KENT GOLF COURSE
11029 Stout Ave NE - 616 866 2659
WYOMING
KAUFMAN GOLF COURSE
4807 Clyde Park Ave. - 616.538.5050
THE PINES GOLF COURSE
5050 Byron Center Ave. - 616.538.8380
and Fitness Centers
475 Lake MI Dr. NW - 616.855.9600 3540 Fairlanes Ave. SW - 616.530.9199 5722 Metro Way SW - 616.855.5500
5500 Burton St. SE - 616.285.9077
6555 Jupiter Ave. - 616.363.3000 1335 W. Main St. - 616.897.8445
Kayaking in Grand Rapids
GRAND RIVER
Johnson Park - 2600 Wilson Ave. SW
Ah-Nab-Awen Park - 286-242 Michigan St. NW
Fish Ladder Park - 560 Front Ave. NW
Canal Street Park - 905 Monroe Ave. NW
Riverside Park - 1953 Monroe Ave. NW
West River Drive - 6618 West River Dr. NE
Knapp Street - 2281 Shady Dr. NE
Chief Hazy Cloud Park - 150 Pettis Ave. NE
ROGUE RIVER
River Street Park - 8 East Bridge St. NE
Childsdale - 3637 River Isle Ct. NE
The Beauty of West Michigan
Living in Grand Rapids has so many benefits - but one of the best is that there are so many mini-vacation destinations at your finger tips! Not only is Lake Michigan only a short drive from Grand Rapids, but you can drive to most of the state in less than 6 hours! Check out some of the top vacation spots in Michigan and their distance from Grand Rapids
Muskegon
Muskegon State Park (50 minutes)
Pere Marquette Park (50 minutes)
Kruse Park - Dog Friendly! (45 minutes)
Duck Lake State Park (55 minutes)
PJ Hoffmaster State Park (38 minutes)
and Haven
Grand Haven State Park (41 minutes)
Kitchell-Lindquist Dunes Preserve (43 minutes)
Rosy Mound National Preserve (41 minutes)
North Beach Park (38 minutes)
Lakeside Beach (31 minutes)
Kirk Park - Dog Friendly! (41 minutes)
olland
Holland State Park - Dog Friendly! (42 minutes)
Tunnel Park (42 minutes)
Mount Pisgah (42 minutes)
Laketown Beach (42 minutes)
Olive Shores Park (44 minutes)
eeping Bear (2.5 hours)
Traverse City (2 5 hours)
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