Grand Rapids Area: Stay-cation Guide

Grand Rapids Area

Central | Includes Alto, Grand Rapids, Standale, Byron Center, Caledonia, Comstock Park, Gowen, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, Wyoming

From the world-class attractions and outdoor recreation, to the culinary and craft beverage scene – it’s an amazing place to live, work and play. Learn more about our trend-setting beer, food, art and music scenes. A wonderland of outdoor recreation and family fun.

Things to Do

  • Blandford Nature Center: Blandford Nature Center offers 264 acres of natural land as a resource for West Michigan families to enjoy outdoor recreational activities and educational programming year-round.
  • BattleGR Tactical Games: We are vastly different from any other laser tag in West Michigan, with army-replica taggers, red/green dot scopes, many different objective-based games, and fun like you have never experienced before.
  • Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park: Located on 80 acres of land in Alto, Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park is a unique, hands-on experience for the entire family. The park boasts a distinct collection of exotic animals and reptiles.
  • Catch Air Grand Rapids: Stop by for fun, safe, unique, dynamic, and interactive activities for the kids. They’ll dance, play, and climb through a laser show, bubble dance party, giant three story soft play castle , interactive toys, and lots more.
  • Frederik Meijer Gardens: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts. Visit for indoor and outdoor gardens, sculptures, walking paths, kids’ gardens, and more.
  • Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum: The Gerald R. Ford Museum brings American history to life. Diverse exhibits show the real stuff of history, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm about our nation’s history and government. 
  • Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives: Our mission is to promote, preserve, display, collect and honor the lives, culture, history and accomplishments of African, African American, and connected peoples in the Greater Grand Rapids community.
  • Grand Rapids Public Museum: The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a place of never-ending inspiration and discovery, with a focus on science, history and culture.
  • John Ball Zoo: Home to over 1,400 animals including lions, tigers, grizzly bear, chimpanzees, penguins, and many more.
  • Thornapple Pointe Golf Club: Visit Thornapple Pointe’s expansive 18 hole course, featuring bentgrass fairways and impeccably groomed tees and greens. 

Where to Eat/Drink

  • Atwater Brewery in GR: Atwater holds true to making traditional German style lagers, along with unique boutique ales.
  • Bistro Bella Vita: Fresh. Natural. Local. Mediterranean countryside cuisine.
  • Cooper’s Hawk Winery: Cooper’s Hawk has created a modern, casual dining experience with warm hospitality in an inviting upscale setting. Our culinary team has designed a contemporary American menu infused with flavors from around the world. 
  • Cork Wine & Grille: Conveniently located in Cascade Township, Cork Wine & Grille provides its guests with a one-of-a-kind marriage of food, drink,and contemporary atmosphere.
  • DeHops Brewing Co: Standale’s newest destination & Grand Rapids’ new favorite brewery, bringing exceptionally brewed beer & a modern-day Amsterdam vibe to West Michigan & Beer City, USA!
  • Eastern Kille Distillery: Crafting authentic spirits from grain to bottle with natural elements in the heart of Grand Rapids. With our bourbon, gin and whiskey, we respect tradition but dare to explore unique flavor profiles.
  • Firerock Grille: FireRock Grille is named after the 500-degree lava stones that guests can use to cook signature dishes! We are open to the public & offer a variety of dining atmospheres, including a 200 seat patio with fire pits.
  • Founders Brewing Co: Founders Brewing Co. brews complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. Founders ranks among the top 30 largest craft breweries in the U.S. and is one of the fastest growing.
  • Gravity Taphouse Grille: Gravity is a unique-to-Grand-Rapids restaurant concept that combines superior food, an expansive selection of beer, and a contemporary and inviting atmosphere. 
  • Great Lakes Pub Cruiser: We are a 16-person party bike totally powered by pedals, which is bringing smiles to the patrons of Grand Rapids. 
  • Harmony Hall: Located on the Westside of Grand Rapids in the completely renovated Little Mexico building, we have crafted a menu and atmosphere with German beer hall influences.
  • MeXo: Prehispanic-influenced modern Mexican cuisine featuring Chef Oscar’s authentic regional cuisine, craft margaritas, and extensive tequila and mezcal selections.
  • New Holland Brewing the Knickerbocker: Strategically placed at the gateway to Grand Rapids’ historic Westside, New Holland Brewing – Grand Rapids is a taste of many world traditions that have been rediscovered and presented with a fresh perspective.
  • Perrin Brewing Co: We’re committed to crafting high quality and consistent brews among each of the products with a focus on a classic look backed with a revolutionary taste.
  • Reds at Thousand Oaks: Reds provides a dining experience like no other. The modern design provides a warm, friendly atmosphere for guests to enjoy hand cut steaks, seafood, specialty pizzas, and hand-crafted appetizers. 
  • Robinette’s: Visit for our apples, peaches, cherries, corn maze, cider mill, bakery, donuts, lunches, mountain bike trail, hayrides, and pumpkins. You’ll also find a winery & tasting bar adjacent to the gift barn. 
  • Rush Creek Bistro: Rush Creek Bistro is open to the public and boasts a casual dining atmosphere and large patio that are a perfect fit for both people on the go and those who want to enjoy a leisurely meal.
  • The Green Well: At The Green Well, we’re dishing up something better: different food and beverage offerings, a different standard of service and quality, and a higher expectation of what dining out should be.
  • The Mitten Brewing Co: The Mitten Brewing Co. is a vintage baseball-themed microbrewery that expertly pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizzas.
  • Vintage Prime & Seafood: With more variety than a traditional steakhouse, Vintage offers prime aged steaks, fresh seafood and chef-inspired cuisine with traditional and specialty a la carte sides. 

Places to Stay

More Info

  • Experience Grand Rapids: Easy to get to, easy to get around in, easy to afford. No wonder Expedia calls Grand Rapids one of America’s Super Cool Cities.
  • Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce: Creating opportunities for business success. Information resource for businesses & newcomers.
  • Hello West Michigan: We’re building a better future for West Michigan Business, by attracting and retaining the nation’s top talent.