Although Grand Rapids, Michigan, has roots dating back to the 1800s, it’s become a modern hot spot for fans of music, art and beer. Of course, the history remains — one neighborhood you’ll explore in particular feels more like visiting an open-air museum, thanks to the impressive display of historic architecture.
Since the city is so compact, all of the attractions are within minutes of each other, making Grand Rapids an ideal destination for a long-weekend getaway.
You’ll be able to enjoy museums, sample Beer City’s famous breweries and tour a 19th-century home designed by a renowned architect all in the same day. Few destinations can nail quite such a cool factor while maintaining that small-town charm.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Explore Museums and Lots of Breweries
Get ready for a full day of activities. Start by fueling up with breakfast at Littlebird, where the latkes with smoked salmon are an excellent choice. Another perk of making this your morning meal spot?
You’re next door to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, which features an impressive collection of U.S. and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries. There are self-guided tours available, as well as guided options for groups of 10 or more.
Once you’re ready for a change of scenery, take a stroll through the nearby Rosa Parks Circle — a popular ice skating rink and concert space with art honoring the park’s namesake — on the way to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum (you’ll also cross the picturesque Gillett Bridge to get there).
This niche set of exhibits features moments from throughout the lives of, you guessed it, President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. Some highlights: photos of President Ford’s childhood in Grand Rapids, examples of White House entertainment during his time there and an exhibit showcasing some of his campaign materials.
Pop back over the bridge for lunch at San Chez Bistro for Spanish tapas and brunch fare. From patatas bravas and empanadas to cinnamon French toast and vegetarian biscuits and gravy, there’s a wide variety — and something for even the pickiest of eaters.
Once you’re finished, make an 11-minute walk to the La Grande Vitesse, or “the grand rapids,” an abstract sculpture created by Alexander Calder in 1969.
After all that walking, it’s time to get a firsthand look at why Grand Rapids is known as Beer City. Your first stop is Atwater Brewery, housed in a restored 1923 building. Grab a flight and give all four of the housemade IPAs a try.
Continue your beer journey at HopCat, where the beer list feels never-ending. This pub offers local brews, as well as beers from other spots around the country. Grand Rapids Brewing Company is your last stop for a Gardener’s Elixir — a saison inspired by the beers that would provide refreshment to farmhands way back when. This particular brew has notes of hibiscus flower, sage and banana.
For dinner, get yourself to the French-themed Margaux inside the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, where you’ll be ensconced in the flavors, sights and smells of the Bordeaux region in France, with an incredible wine list and menu items like steak frites, steak tartare and crab Louie.
Top off the night by making the short walk over to Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar, where singing along is highly encouraged. And don’t forget to bring your list of song requests — the live pianists are always open to a challenge.
Saturday: Pour Your Own Souvenir
After a full day of activities, start with a later breakfast at the famous Wolfgang’s Restaurant, where you would be making a huge mistake if you didn’t order the house hash browns. From here, take some coffee to go and make the 10-minute walk to Wilcox Park, a small neighborhood park with plenty of athletic courts, to enjoy some time in nature.
Make your way toward Lake Drive and Wealthy Street, stopping in at any shops that pique your interest, like Spirit Dreams, a boutique catered toward holistic wellness and work from local artists.
If you need a snack, pay a visit to Yesterdog, a vintage-style restaurant slinging all kinds of hot dogs, whether they’re topped with cheddar, chili or sauerkraut.
After your sausage fix, head to Wax Poetic Candle Bar to pour your own candle (talk about a great souvenir). The staff will walk you through the two-hour experience, which kicks off with container selection and a stop at the fragrance bar and doesn’t end until you’ve slapped on your custom label.
Finished candle in hand, hop over to Harmony Brewing Company for another great beer sample from the city — flavor profiles span a grapefruit-forward IPA to a fruit juice seltzer.
For the day’s last meal, settle in for a farm-to-table dinner at Terra GR Restaurant. The menu is a bit of a wild card, in the best way possible, offering a spaghetti bolognese alongside a mushroom French dip.
Before heading back to the hotel, make a late-night stop at Buffalo Trader’s Lounge. The bar serves up Prohibition and pre-Prohibition cocktails like the French 75 and daiquiri in a 1970s-inspired lounge setting.
Sunday: Explore Heritage Hill
Experience the historic heart of Grand Rapids by venturing just east of downtown to Heritage Hill.
The day begins with warm pastry at Nantucket Baking Company. There are a ton of options, from breakfast breads and pastries to cakes and croissants, making it a great stop for even the fussiest eaters. Take a pastry to-go for a snack as you stroll through the open-air museum that is the streets of this historic district.
Choose your own adventure: Meander the sidewalks looking at the stunning architecture, or download a self-guided walking tour brochure to learn about 37 significant local homes. The highlight will be a peek at the prairie-style Meyer May House that Frank Lloyd Wright designed in 1908.
All that walking likely worked up an appetite, so grab some casual American fare at the Commons, a retro-inspired restaurant serving up comfort food (mac and cheese, Tater Tots, wedge salad) — and whoopie pies.
From here, it’s time to check out some local shops like Martha’s Vineyard, which is home to a unique selection of wine that draws people from all over the state. If hops are more of interest, check out O’Connor’s Home Brew Supply to learn about making your own beer — you can’t beat the Beer City experts for 101 advice.
After a rest at the hotel, it’s off to dinner at the Tiki-themed Max’s South Seas Hideaway. Arrive early for a drink at the bar — the cocktail menu deserves to be lingered over with options like the “Navy Grog,” a mix of rum, lime, grapefruit juice and allspice.
For dinner, start with the coconut-fried shrimp and a few sushi rolls before moving on to the catch of the day. After dinner, head right back to that bar for a nightcap.
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