Facts & Figures | History | Points of Interest | Education | Industry | Recreation

There are many wonderful things to see and do in the Grand Rapids area. Grand Rapids and surrounding Kent County offers a Presidential museum, an international airport, dozens of art galleries, eight universities and colleges, several shopping malls, a city zoo, nature preserve, summer festivals, concerts, local sports teams and even a world-class botanical garden and sculpture collection. Since 2000, more than $500 million has been invested in the city in sports, cultural and recreational facilities in the city.

The DeVos Place convention and exhibition center has been remodeled and expanded to allow it to host more national and regional trade shows, conferences and special events. DeVos Place is also the home of the The Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and also the local acting group, The Grand Rapids Civic Theater as well as The Broadway Theatre Guild, which hosts Broadway plays and musicals.

Our Van Andel Arena is the home to the Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey team and the Grand Rapids Rampage, national champions in arena football. Van Andel Arena is the largest West Michigan venue for concerts, sporting events, and forms of entertainment.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum brings international cultural exhibits, including historical artifacts from the Cold War, tombs of ancient Egypt, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Museum also has a planetarium and art gallery, with special events scheduled throughout the year. The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is located in the heart of downtown, and is full of fun things for children and parents to do. Another great family place is John Ball Zoo, on the city’s west side.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is on the east side of the city. The Frederik Meijer Gardens has become Internationally known as the home of Leonardo DaVinci’s giant bronze horse, Il Cavallo. It is also poular for it’s indoor butterfly exhibit every March through June. Another destination for lovers of art and design is the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Heritage Hill in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one of the largest historical neighborhood districts in the United States. Established in 1848 it was built on top of the hills next to downtown Grand Rapids. Its 600 historical homes represent more than 60 architectural styles ranging from Victorian and Queen Anne to Italianate and Art Deco.

President Gerald R. Ford was born and raised here, and Grand Rapids is home to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, both a presidential library and museum with many exhibits and interactive displays.

For more information about what West Michigan has to offer, please contact Grand Rapids Right Place office.