Preview: Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second city, in both size and in psyche. Quieter and more reserved than Detroit, it is still a surprisingly vibrant urban area, with lots of appeal for weekend visitors. The city owes its development to the hydropower provided by the nearby Grand River and to the abundant lumber in nearby forests. By 1900, Grand Rapids was legendary for its high-quality furniture, a reputation it maintains. (For years, it was known as the Furniture City.) Two Grand Rapids giants—Steelcase and Herman Miller—are responsible for most of the office furniture used across the United States. There is, however, much more to Grand Rapids than furniture. Today’s city is an eclectic blend of old and new, liberal and conservative. The renovated downtown boasts a burgeoning entertainment district with a full plate of new restaurants, a second high-rise hotel, a riverwalk park, Museum Row, and a skywalk that links downtown landmarks. It all adds up to a city that has become one of Michigan’s fastest-growing travel destinations, no longer just a pit stop on the way to the Lake Michigan shoreline. The detailed itinerary in this chapter is a driving tour that features extensive recommendations for sightseeing attractions, recreational activities, lodging, restaurants, shopping, and more.
© Copyright Khristi Sigurdson Zimmeth published by The Globe Pequot Press all rights reserved.
Duration: Two nights
Best Time to Go: Year-round
This travel guide comes from:
Quick Escapes: Detroit Guide Book
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