With a population of over 200,000, the bustling city of Grand Rapids is the second largest in the state of Michigan. It’s home to many things: two art museums, a state of the art zoo, and more craft breweries than any other city in the state. If you’re looking for a great destination to escape to this year, look no further than Beer City USA itself. This article will share why visiting in the autumn season is the best time to go, how to best plan your trip, and top fall things to do in Grand Rapids for couples, solo travelers, and families!
This post was created in paid partnership with Experience Grand Rapids. The content in this article contains affiliate links that I may make a small commission off if clicked on, at no cost to you. All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own.
Getting to Grand Rapids
Close proximity to Lake Michigan as well as nearby attractions such as the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Gardens and the neighboring town of Holland put Grand Rapids on a global map. As a result, it remains one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Thankfully, the city is easily accessible to visitors with plenty of direct flights and drivable highways. This takes the stress out of planning so you can enjoy all the fun fall things to do in Grand Rapids!
Twenty-Five miles east of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids is less than a five hour drive from major Midwest cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Milwaukee. We drove from Northwest Kentucky via booking a rental car, and the total drive time was 7.5 hours including rest stops.
Nearby airports include the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), which is 14 miles from the city, and the Muskegon County Airport (MKG) which is 38 miles from the city. Most major airlines offer easy routes to both airports including American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. If you choose not to reserve a rental cal, you can also book a round trip private airport transfer service for you and your travel companions. This service picks up from the airport and drops off at your Grand Rapids area hotel, and returns you back to the airport.
Research flight options from your closest airport to Grand Rapids using Skyscanner, Southwest Vacations, to find the best routes and prices. Don’t forget to book travel insurance ahead of your trip if you need it! My go-to plans are with Safety Wing or World Nomads.
Where to Stay in Grand Rapids (Booking.com)
There are plenty of amazing lodging options if you’re visiting during the fall season and looking to stay in downtown Grand Rapids. However, one property stands above the rest. On the city’s bustling Monroe Avenue, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown towers above the banks of the Grand River and is a prime location.
Accommodation Details
Featuring charming urban style decor and spacious suite-style rooms, the property is a great place to call home during your time in Grand Rapids. It’s outfitted with a number of impressive and welcoming amenities. Rooms range from single King Studio Suites to the King Presidential Suite. For exercise enthusiasts, Two Room Fitness Suites with Pull-Up Bays are available.
For smaller groups or families, Two Room Two Queen Suites are available that each include a full kitchenette and pull out sofa for additional sleeping arrangements. These rooms also include a sizable balcony with stunning views of the Grand River. It’s truly the best place to call your home away from home during a Grand Rapids Adventure.
Hotel Amenities
From free bikes and a fitness center to a convenient lobby store and a complimentary nightly cocktail reception, it makes for the ultimate home away from home. The Embassy Suite’s made-to-order breakfast is one of the best in the hospitality industry. Homemade pastries, fresh fruit, assorted coffees, and an omelet station offer something for everyone. If exploring the local food scene is on your Grand Rapids itinerary, the property is a five minute walk from most downtown restaurants and bars.
Book A Stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids
You can book your own stay and view current nightly rates and room availability at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown, by making a reservation on Booking.com or Expedia for the best deals!
10+ Fall Things to Do in Grand Rapids
There’s no bad time to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan. But I must say that the late summer months fading into autumn is my favorite season! There are so many fun fall activities to enjoy in the Grand Rapids area. From pumpkin patches and picking your own apples, to drinking apple cider at a cider mill, taking wagon rides, or booking a guided ghost tour, it’s a city fun for the entire family.
1. Explore the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Gardens
Grand Rapids is home to one of the world’s most significant sculpture and botanic garden experiences. The Frederik Meijer Gardens has been a space of outdoor refuge and learning for more than 13 million visitors since opening in 1995. This 158-acre indoor and outdoor sculpture garden houses five indoor themed gardens, a Japanese Garden, nature trails, a boardwalk, a permanent sculpture collection, and multiple meeting rooms. The indoor campus also houses a library, a café with handmade sandwiches, soups, and desserts, and a gift shop featuring works from local artists. During warmer weather, the gardens even host concerts with live music, which highlights national and international musicians.
Must-See Exhibits
– Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. One of the most interactive gardens in the country, children can learn about fossils, sculpture art, and geography of the Great Lakes. The exhibit also includes tree houses, a log cabin, a sensory garden, and a butterfly labyrinth.
– Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. The beautiful 8 acre traditional Japanese Garden features waterfalls, walking trails, elevation changes in the landscape, a rock garden, and a functioning tea house. Visitors can even take part in special Japanese tea ceremonies on select days.
– University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions. Every November through early January, indoor and outdoor displays are adorned with more than 300,000 Christmas lights. Children can enjoy visits from Santa and an active model train display.
Plan Your Visit
The Meijer Gardens are open 362 days of the year. Tickets cost $18USD for adults, and $13.50USD for seniors (65 and over) and students (with student ID). Children ages 3 to 13 years old are $8.50USD, while children under 2 years old are free. Learn more about the exhibits at the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Gardens as well as hours of operation, membership pricing, and special events. It’s fun for the whole family and absolutely worth a visit!
2. Walk on the Wild Side at John Ball Zoo
Since 1891, the 103-acre John Ball Zoo has found its home — and its many animal habitats — on Grand Rapid’s west side. With more than 220 species and 2,400 individual animals, the park welcomes 600,000 visitors annually, playing a significant role in Kent County’s economic development.
Since opening in 2014, John Ball Zoo has provided educational programs on wildlife conservation to disadvantaged children and adults throughout the region. The zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Grand Rapids for many reasons, one being the unique collection of wildlife. It’s especially popular with kids due to its petting zoo, and fun events like Zoo Goes Boo in October.
Must-See Exhibits
– Van Andel Living Shores Aquarium. Explore the coast of Patagonia, mingle with Magellanic penguins, and watch eels and exotic fish in a 400,000 kelp forest tank and tide pool.
– Africa. View chimpanzees, bongo antelope, warthogs, lions, and hornbills at one of the largest habitat displays in the nation. Take a camel ride, and admire the meerkats in their SITES Gold certified outdoor habitat.
– The Funicular. Head to the lower depot to take a ride on the funicular to the top. Enjoy a breathtaking view of downtown Grand Rapids while you work your way through the habitats comfortably. Tickets cost $4 for non members, $3.20 for members.
Pro Tip: While not an exhibit, ordering a strawberry or pineapple Dole Whip Wine sundae is also a must. Must be 21+ to enjoy responsibly).
Plan Your Visit
Admission rates vary depending on the dates of visit and age. Discounts are available for veterans and active military as well as students and seniors. Children under two years old are free. Learn more about ticket prices, current exhibits, hours of operation, and upcoming special events at John Ball Zoo.
3. Apple Pick & Wine Sip at Robinette’s Apple Haus
Known as a West Michigan staple since 1911, Robinette’s Apple Haus + Winery offers the freshest baked goods and produce, locally sourced wine, and fresh fruit. The family-owned and operated orchard attracts visitors from near and far seasonal activities like apple picking and pumpkin picking. From U-Pick apples and hayrides, to corn mazes, nature trails, and petting zoos, there’s no better way to experience fall fun than a day spent at Robinette’s!
Robinette’s Tasting Room
For wine connoisseurs, Robinette’s offers wine tastings of more than 20 hand made wine blends and hard ciders. Using Michigan fruit for most of their blends, new and unique flavors appear on the wine tasting menu frequently.
Other flavors are staples such as the best-selling Chocolate cream wine, the Strawberries + Cream, and mulled wine in the colder months. Don’t pass up a bottle of the Chocolate or Cherry Chocolate cream wines — both are perfect to add to coffee or to have as a dessert wine! Reservations for wine tastings are not required, but are recommended for larger groups. Learn more about special seasonal activities, current food and beverage menu items, and hours of operation at Robinette’s Orchard.
4. Admire U.S. History at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
For history buffs, a visit to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a must. The museum boasts 44,000 square feet of memorabilia, art, and official documents from the life and presidency of America’s 38th President. Throughout two stories of pictures and video documentation, visitors learn of Ford’s early life from his time in the U.S Naval Reserve in World War II and as a star football player at the University of Michigan.
Ford’s impressive political career remains on display throughout the museum. A replica of his Oval Office features real furniture and historic documents and photos. Another exhibit displays artifacts from the 1976 election as well as public and Head of State gifts. And, perhaps the most impressive exhibit is a stunning dress and gown collection from First Lady, Betty Ford.
Plan Your Visit
Temporary and seasonal exhibits and programs are also ever-changing at the Ford Presidential Museum. These include a popular train display at Christmas, holiday story times for children, and exhibits that educate visitors on important moments in American history. The museum is also the resting place of President Ford and his wife Betty, so respects can be paid to both for a life of service during your visit. Learn more about current exhibits, hours of operation, and membership to the Presidential museum.
5. Spend the Afternoon at a Nearby State Park
Michigan has no shortage of beautiful parks and landscapes, and Grand Rapids is no exception. In fact, the greater Grand Rapids area is home to dozens of parks and state parks — all of which are accessible by car in less than two hours.
A couple of the more popular parks include Holland State Park in the neighboring town of Holland Michigan, and Muskegon State Park in the town of North Muskegon. Holland State Park is home to “Big Red”, Michigan’s most photographed light house. For the best view of it, walk along the boardwalk to the north pier, and take in the views of Holland Channel and Lake Michigan from Ottawa beach.
For more beach time and different scenery, drive five minutes North to Tunnel Park to find 22-acres full of trails, playgrounds, picnic grounds, and a pristine beach. See the full list of state parks within driving distance of Grand Rapids.
6. Cheers Over a Craft Beer
It’s not a trip to Grand Rapids without a proper visit to one of the city’s more than 80 nearby breweries. With a population of just over 200,000, Grand Rapids has the most craft breweries of any other Michigan city, hence its nickname “Beer City USA”. Some local favorite brew spots include Brewery Vivant, Arvon Brewing Co., and The Mitten Brewing Company (pictured below).
What to Order
Each brewery has menu items they are most known for, but you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. Read below for a mini brewery guide:
- Brewery Vivant: Order a Farmhouse Ale (their flagship beer) or a brew from their Adventure Series. For food, don’t pass up the famous duck nachos.
- Arvon Brewing: Avron is most known for its fruited sours and New England Style IPA’s. Order the Tropical Ice Cream Parlor with Coconut Lime soft serve, or the Orbital with free dried strawberries, chocolate, and vanilla.
- The Mitten Brewing Company: The brews are the stars at Mitten, but the food deserves its own spotlight as well. Order a Pizza Flight which comes with a sample of six different pizzas from the menu. The Chicken And Waffles and the Pesto Chicken are favorites.
7. Enjoy a Day Trip to Holland, Michigan
Known as a place “for all seasons”, the quaint town of Holland, Michigan sits 30 miles southwest of Grand Rapids. Most popular for its annual tulip festival, Holland is full of numerous other activities for all age groups and interests. It’s a great way to spend a day — or even a weekend — outside of the city.
8. Explore the Windmill Island Gardens
For a day trip, the best way to enjoy Holland in any season is to start with a visit to Windmill Island Gardens. First, grab a few Blueberry Blizzard donuts from the adorable Dutch bakery, Deboer Bakkerij.ij.
Home to a 251-year-old Dutch windmill called De Zwann, it’s the oldest working windmill in America. Visitors can climb inside the windmill to the top for amazing views of the gardens and surrounding town. Replicas of historical buildings, costumed guides, and an original 1928 Amsterdam street organ round out the experience. Meander the gift shops full of traditional Dutch foods and handmade goods and take a piece of Holland home.
9. Lunch at Boatworks
After exploring the gardens, grab a lunch of hot crab dip and a cup of seafood chowder at Boatworks. Enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Michigan while you dine. Lastly, stop at Holland State Park for a photo opportunity with the iconic “Big Red” Lighthouse on the way back to Grand Rapids.
10. Eat Dinner at Butcher’s Union in Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids is chocked full of amazing restaurants, breweries, and bars. Many restaurants offer special seasonal menus, which makes exploring the culinary scene one of the best fall things to do in Grand Rapids. In the middle of it all, is the upscale gastropub called Butcher’s Union. Serving a meat and whiskey-heavy menu, diners can find much more to savor, including craft cocktails, fresh seafood, freshly baked breads, salads, and made-from-scratch desserts.
Food and beverage items on the menu change seasonally, but there are a few favorited items that remain staples: the “Salmon from the Faroe Islands” with capers, baby shrimp, and marble potatoes, and the “Peppercorn Slab Bacon” with Michigan maple syrup. Currently, Butcher’s Union does not take reservations, but seats are offered on a first-time-first-serve basis. Learn more about current menu and hours of operation at Butcher’s Union.
11. Sample World Cuisine at ROAM by San Chez Bistro
Grand Rapids is surprisingly home to a bustling International food scene, especially downtown. From Ethiopian food to Korean inspired dishes, endless options can be found on nearly every street. However, in the kitchen at ROAM by San Chez, you’re likely to find a little bit of everything. Featuring a blend of European, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisines, ROAM creates a truly unique dining experience.
What to Order at ROAM
ROAM serves breakfast, brunch, tapas, and specially crafted cocktails. Menu items rotate, nothing will disappoint (try the hash balls and the Kimchi Bokkeumbap to start). For dessert, try the Boozy Ice Cream and the Mango Sticky Rice. Learn more about San Chez’s current menu and hours of operation.
Conclusion: Fall Things to Do in Grand Rapids MI
Fall time is the perfect time to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan. From fall festivals and farm animals to apple orchards and beautiful fall colors, it’s the perfect place to spend a long weekend. It’s a great time to enjoy mild to cooler temperatures and seasonal activities like a haunted house, the farmers’ market, and an autumn themed food festival — especially if you have children!
Things to Know Before You Plan Your Grand Rapids Trip
Grands Rapids is a wonderful city to visit any time of the year. However, here are some important tips and answered FAQ’s to help you find the best fall things to do in Grand Rapids:
- Pack clothes that can be layered. Depending on the season, the weather in Grand Rapids can be unpredictable. During the fall months, it’s best to pack clothing items you can layer, as well as warm socks, a light coat or jacket, and comfortable boots or walking shoes. Visit my Amazon Storefront to shop all my favorite travel clothing items and accessories for your trip!
- A rental car is recommended. While Ubers and public buses (known as Rapid) are available, driving is the fastest and easiest way to explore the city and surrounding towns.
- There are plenty of parking lots and parking garages throughout the city that are affordable and easy to use. The city even has an online interactive parking map that you can find here.
- Visit more than one brewery. Beer is a huge part of the culture in Grand Rapids, and taking advantage of that is a must.
Travel Resources for a Visit to Grand Rapids
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The food in this post looks amazing! Thanks for taking photos to share with us.
Aw thank you so much! I had such a fun time and hope others get to go and enjoy it too.
I never realized how much there was to do in Grand Rapids! And that zoo looks awesome. The food looks delicious too!
Right?? I didn’t either until I went! The food scene in Holland is just amazing too — I love Dutch anything haha
Great article! Love this side of Michigan!
Thank you so much! And yes, me too!
Great article! Love this side of Michigan. Will have to check out Grand Rapids next!
I can see why you love it! So much to do and see, and the Lake is gorgeous!
My favorite activity would be visiting the outdoor sculpture garden. It looks amazing. Then I would want one of those Dutch donuts!
The Meijer Sculpture Garden was SO impressive! We spent almost an entire day there and didn’t get to see it all! I want to go back at Christmas!
My brother and sister in law live in Grand Rapids and this post reminded me that I’m very overdue for a visit. I love Brewery Vivant and the riesling from Robinette’s is the best riesling I’ve ever tasted. Fun list! Another place I recommend checking out in Grand Rapids is the Meyer May house.
How fun! I love the brewery scene there as well as Robinette’s. I couldn’t decide on which wine to bring home since it was all so delicious! Meyer May house was closed for renovations when I was there but it was on my list! Perhaps next time 🙂
Apple picking would be my favorite activity.
That was one of my favorites too! The orchard there also has great wine.
Wow, Michigan has a lot to offer. My daughter has been traveling there to see friends. I’ll pass this info along. Love that they have Dutch food. Thanks for sharing!
It’s such a beautiful state! So lucky your daughter has friends there 🙂 Thanks for passing along my blog!
I have to admit, Grand Rapids was not on my list before! Looks delicious!
I love to hear it! It really is a cool city and is in close proximity to so much! Thanks for reading 🙂