Grand Rapids on the Grand River

The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park offers displays indoors and outdoors. The gardens showcase flowers and tranquil green spaces. The outdoor sculptures are surrounded by trees and waterways and there are winding paths to walk.

The five-story Lena Meijer Conservatory has a tropical setting with exotic plants from all over the world and indoor sculpture galleries with bronze sculptures by internationally renowned artists.

The Meyer May House was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and was built in 1908. The house is open to the public with the original and reproduction furniture. There are 108 windows and skylights. You can see a film that tells the history of the house and the restoration of the property.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum collections here include items from the 38th U.S. President’s childhood and college years. Other exhibits include items and information relating to his political career, from his 1976 presidential campaign, and gifts given to him while he was in office. There are exhibits dedicated to First Lady Betty Ford and their children. The museum also has temporary exhibits from the Presidential Library System, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Archives. The museum hosts educational programs and community events.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum gives children the chance to explore, learn, and play. Among the highlights is Little Grand Rapids where children can imagine being grown-ups in their own little city. There are play areas with games like Legos and Lincoln Logs. The museum hosts activities like art and costume-making, storytelling, and other activities.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum offers exhibits that are related to the people and the history of Michigan. You can take a walk down a Grand Rapids street from the 1890s. There is a Spillman carousel from 1928 and a walk-through recreation of a working furniture factory from the early 20th century.

Grand Rapids Art Museum is housed in a LED Gold Certified green building in downtown. Here you’ll find over 6,000 artworks. The permanent collection includes 19th and 20th-century prints, paintings, photographs, and sculptures. In the galleries, you can see decorative arts and modern art and design. There are also temporary collections on various themes. There is also a new series of exhibits highlighting contemporary Michigan artists. The museum also has an extensive research library and special archives with photos, drawings, and prints dating from the 1400s to the present which can be viewed on request.

Blandford Nature Center has wooded areas, fields, streams, and ponds. It operates as a wildlife rescue caring for injured wildlife. Some animals live at the center because they can no longer survive in the wild. These animals are referred to as “wildlife ambassadors” and are part of presentations to educate the public. There are programs for both adults and children that offer close-up interactions with nature and wildlife. The Blandford Farm features community gardens and children can learn about farming and sustainable agriculture.

John Ball Zoo is home to animals from all over the world. There is a wide range of close-up experiences and animal interactions between the visitors. You can feed spider monkeys, bears, penguins, and pelicans. You can see chimpanzee training sessions and learn how to handle small animals like reptiles, birds, and mammals. There are also African animals like lions and tigers, and tropical animals like the sloth and also a pair of bald eagles.

Fish Ladder Sculpture is a five-step concrete environmental ladder built by local artiste Joseph Kinnebrew. It was built to help salmon jumping over a six-foot dam reach the spawning grounds and also provides unique artwork for the public to enjoy. People can watch migrating trout, steelhead, and salmon making their way upstream.

Heritage Hill Historic District was the first neighborhood in Grand Rapids. It has become a recognized Historic neighborhood. There are self-guided walking tours of the area highlighting 37 of its finest homes. Some of the buildings were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Downtown Market Grand Rapids is just the place to mingle with people and enjoy the many different foods. You can get a quick bite, a full meal, or tasty treats. You can experience all kinds of food including pizzas, authentic Detroit BBQ, Vietnamese food, and traditional Mexican. The fish market has a raw bar and catch-of-the-day menu. It is a delight to walk through and experience the scents, sounds, and sights.