If you are one of our out of town guests we hope you will be able to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend and explore the beautiful sites of Michigan. Below are some of Grand Rapids's attractions and activities. If you are planning to make this a longer trip we have included excursions that are further afield.
Weekend Information:
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is Michigan's second largest city. With more than one million residents in the metro area, it offers all the big-city amenities and excitement you can imagine. Yet it's also a region of abundant natural wonders, where outdoor recreation is a year-round pursuit. And it's all served up with small-town friendliness, safety and affordability. Grand Rapids is named after the river that runs through the heart of the city. There are no longer any rapids to be found in the Grand River as it winds its way through downtown – but there are plenty of fishermen casting for trout, salmon and steelhead amidst the vibrant energy of its city streets.
Please visit (www.grnow.com) for further information.Fourth of July Activities
The Fourth of July is always an exciting time in downtown Grand Rapids. Most of the local bars and restaurants have live music including the BOB, Founders Brewery, and many others. There are fireworks that are shot off over the river right next to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
If you are looking for something other than the traditional fireworks scene, The West Michigan White Caps baseball team does have a home game that starts at 7pm. Information on the White Caps can be found at (www.whitecaps-baseball.com).Swing Dancing
For our swing dancing friends we will make sure to find out the latest information on any dances occuring over the weekend. For up-to-date swing dancing information please visit:Grand Rapids Swings (www.grswing.com)
Grand Rapids Original Swing Society (www.grandrapidsoriginalswingsociety.com)
Museums and Botanical Garden
If you are interested in doing something cultural while in Grand Rapids you will have the opportunity to visit one of the many spectacular museums in the area. The below museums are within walking distance of the Amway Grand Plaza.
Grand Rapids Public Museum (www.grmuseum.org)
Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum (www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov)
Grand Rapids Art Museum (www.artmuseumgr.org)
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (www.grcm.org)
In addition there is the beautiful Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park that you can visit while in Grand Rapids. The Garden has beautiful exhibits in the summer as well as outdoor concerts on certain days. Frederick Meijer Gardens is about a 15 minute drive from the Amway Grand Plaza. (www.meijergardens.org)Golf
If you are interested in going golfing during the weekend there are plenty of beautiful courses in the area all within a 10-20 minute drive from the Amway Grand Plaza. Below are some of the local courses:
Thousand Oaks (www.thousandoaksgolf.com)
Thornapple Point (www.thornapplepointe.com)
The Mines Golf Courses (www.minesgolfcourse.com)Lake Michigan and the Beach
One of the highlights of coming to Michigan is being able to visit the beautiful Lake Michigan. Grand Rapids is approximately 40 minutes away from Lake Michigan and all it has to offer. A beautiful lake shore city is Saugatuck which has gorgeous beaches. (www.saugatuck.com)Further Afield
If you are interested in making this trip into a longer vacation there are many beautiful and fun places to visit throughout Michigan. Below are some suggested trips that you could take. For general information on Michigan please visit (www.michigan.org).
Trip 1: Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Mackinac Island
If you are interested in visiting some of the most popular vacation spots in all of Michigan make sure to visit the charming lake towns of Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Both towns are in the Northern Lower Pennisula and offer various summer activities such as hiking, swiming, boating, antiquing and shopping. While visiting this area of Michigan you cannot miss going to the famous Mackinac Island where no cars are allowed and the only mode of transportation is by foot, bike or horse. You will also enjoy some of the best fudge in the world. For further information on these three cities please visit:
Petoskey (www.petoskey.com)
Harbor Springs (www.harborspringschamber.com)
Mackinac Island (www.mackinacisland.org)
Trip 2: Leelanau County, Traverse City and the National Cherry Festival
Leelanau County is full of quaint, small lake towns with art galleries and local charm such as Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor and Leland. You can enjoy yourself by going to the beach, visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, exploring the local wineries or heading over to the Leelanau Sands Casino. Right next door to Leelanau County is the bustling lake front town of Traverse City which is the Cherry Capital of the World. And you will be lucky enough to be in Michigan during the National Cherry Festival which is a fun filled weeklong event for the entire family. For further information on these citites and activities please visit:
Leelanau County (www.leelanauchamber.com)
Traverse City (www.visittraversecity.com)
The National Cherry Festival (www.cherryfestival.org)