Grand Rapids has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to put down roots, start a new job, continue your education, or are simply curious about what there is to do in Michigan’s second-largest city, here’s a look at this grand and growing place:
A vibrant arts and culture scene
You could spend the entire year enjoying all the arts and culture that Grand Rapids has to offer.
Catch a concert at Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, The Intersection, GLC Live at 20 Monroe, St. Cecilia Music Center, and other venues big and small. The Acrisure Amphitheater is expected to open for concerts and other live performances in 2026.
Performing arts are well-represented by the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Ballet, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Circle Theatre, Broadway Grand Rapids and more.
Many bars and restaurants throughout the area host live music nights, and the city plays host to a number of music festivals.
Immerse yourself in local history at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, then head across the street to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is home to a collection of more than 7,000 pieces, and regularly hosts temporary and traveling exhibits. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features breathtaking indoor and outdoor botanical gardens, 50+ world-renowned sculptures and a popular summer concert series.
Each summer, Festival of the Arts offers up a veritable buffet of art, food and music. In the fall, ArtPrize brings spectacular works of art and thousands of visitors to the city.
World-class science and health care
Grand Rapids’ Medical Mile is a world-class health care and health sciences corridor that includes Van Andel Institute, Corewell Health, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Valley State University Health Campus and others.
Also nearby and adding to the city’s health-care renown are Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, University of Michigan Health-West and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.
Interested in joining VAI? View current job openings ➔
Great food and craft brews
With hundreds of restaurants, bars and cafés, Grand Rapids is a foodie paradise. The city also claims the mantle of Beer City USA, with more than 40 craft breweries in the area.
Craft distilleries are growing in number, too, and Michigan as a whole is known for exceptional wines and wineries.
Outdoor recreation, all year round
Grand Rapids has all the perks of city living with the added benefit that nature is never far.
Hundreds of miles of trails wind throughout the region. Millennium Park, which sits partly within Grand Rapids city limits, is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
The Grand River that flows through the city offers ample opportunity for fishing, boating and kayaking — and plans are underway to restore the city’s namesake rapids.
Looking to beach it? Lake Michigan is a short drive away and boasts more than 1,600 miles of coastline. The gorgeous beachtowns of Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland and Saugatuck are all within an hour’s drive of Grand Rapids.
In the winter, hit the slopes at Cannonsburg Ski Area or strap on your skates and head to the downtown ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle.
Getting around town — or out of it
Part of Grand Rapids’ allure is the ease of getting around the city — or, when wanderlust strikes, getting out of it.
The Rapid bus system offers public transportation throughout the city and surrounding area, including two bus rapid transit lines. They also operate free downtown shuttles.
Bicycling is a breeze here; there is a vast network of bike lanes, as well as paved and mountain-biking trails.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers 100+ daily flights, including more than 30 nonstop routes. Amtrak’s Pere Marquette line operates daily round trips between Grand Rapids and Chicago.