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We’re all going through a lot right now -inflation is higher than it’s been in decades and gas prices are steadily rising. Where can we catch a break? Instead of cutting back on recreation, there are still plenty of free things we can take advantage of throughout Michigan. And if you’re within the Grand Rapids area or are planning a trip there, you need to check out these 20 free things to do in Grand Rapids.
And if you’re visiting Holland, read my article on the 10 free things to do in Holland!
20 Free Things to Do in Grand Rapids Map
1. Grand Rapids Art Museum
First, plan a visit to the Grand Rapids Art Museum during Meijer Free Tuesday and Thursday Nights. The Meijer Foundation covers the cost of admission every Tuesday from 12-6pm and on Thursday evenings from 5-9pm.
However, there are other ways to receive free admission particularly if you are or have an active duty military personnel in your family or carry an EBT card. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a participant in the Museums for All Program and is a Blue Star Museum.
2. Calder Plaza
Another great free thing to do in Grand Rapids is check out the famous sculptures at Calder Plaza. The bright red, massive La Grande Vitesse by Alexander Calder was installed in 1969 and is a part of Grand Rapids’ logo. Annually, the city hosts the Festival of Arts and uses the Calder as a backdrop for one of its main performance stages. Throughout the year, several other events and attractions are hosted around the Calder. It is also a great spot in town to bring lunch as there are picnic tables on the plaza.
Historically, ‘the Calder’ was controversial when its installation was first announced. While it cost $128k to purchase and install, part of this cost was picked up by the National Endowment for the Arts – Art in Public Places program.
And just a short walk away is another monumental, and fun, sculpture. Located on the lawn of the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building is Motu Viget by Mark di Suvero. Installed in 1977, Motu Viget is actually the motto of Grand Rapids – ‘strength in activity’. And what a fitting name of this sculpture as there is a 7 foot tire swing attached to its industrial steel beams. Many a generation of Grand Rapids kids have swung on that giant tire swing. Make your mark and stop by for a swing during your next visit downtown!
3. GRR Viewing Park
I also recommend checking out the airports arrivals and departures schedule to plan when you should arrive. We timed it so we saw 4 planes take off back to back! Then 2 land, and a couple more take off – all within 30 mins.
What’s great about the viewing park at the Ford Airport are the picnic tables, bathrooms, and shaded area – that will come in handy in the summer!
4. Ken-O-Sha Park
Located in southeast suburban Grand Rapids is Ken-O-Sha Park which consists of a nature-scape playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, and both paved and natural trails. The paved trail is 1.5 miles long and is both bike and stroller friendly. In fact, this park is one of the starting locations of the 2.7 mile paved Plaster Creek Trail that winds its way through southeast Grand Rapids along the Plaster Creek.
The natural trails at Ken-O-Sha Park are 3 miles total and wind through wooded areas. What makes this trail especially interesting are some of its unique features such as ‘the big rock.’ This rock is left over from the glacial period, and this one was probably picked up far from its origin and carried by the glacier until it ended its journey here.
Another interesting attraction is located along the paved trail – a nature amplifier! Installed in 2020, this wooden amplifier is big enough for you to crawl into to listen to the sounds of nearby nature. It’s facing the creek so you’ll pick up on the sounds of rushing water, rustling leaves, or wind going by.
5. Mural Spotting
Another one of my favorite free activities in Grand Rapids is going mural spotting. Grand Rapids is a city rich with art! All throughout its downtown and spilling out into its several neighborhoods are colorful murals. Several are leftovers from Art Prizes’ past, but many others are commissioned by local businesses and organizations. Often, murals keep popping up so this is one free thing to do in Grand Rapids you can keep repeating while seeing something new!
The website GR Kids put together this helpful Google map to all the murals in and around Grand Rapids. It is continuously updated, which is helpful!
6. Grand Rapids Walking Tours
Want to go on a FREE tour of downtown Grand Rapids? Thanks to Downtown GR Inc, you can through Grand Rapids Running Tours. Now, just because ‘running’ is in its name, doesn’t mean you’ll be running. (Although the operator holds specific tours for runners!)
The founder, Caroline Cook, hosts a variety of themed tours that change each month and cover topics like history, culture, entertainment, and anything trending at the time. If you visit Grand Rapids in March, for example, there are women’s history and art themed walking tours. Each tour lasts between 60-90 minutes. And all tours start at the lobby of the JW Marriott hotel.
These walking tours are welcome to all ages! If you do have smaller children, toddlers, or infants, you may want to use a stroller to ensure you keep up with the group. However, pets are not allowed on these tours.
7. Attend one of the many free events held annually
There are a number of free, annual events held in Grand Rapids throughout the year. The most popular annual (or biennial) events are the World of Winter, Festival of the Arts, and ArtPrize.
First, the World of Winter kicks of in early January and runs through mid March. This event encourages locals and visitors alike to embrace winter by walking around downtown Grand Rapids to explore large-scale art installations. There are also free concerts and performances throughout the festival held at popular venues like Calder Plaza or even, at one of the installations itself. And finally, don’t miss Valiant Ice, a week long mini celebration that’s a part of World of Winter that showcases ice sculptures all over downtown Grand Rapids.
Next up is the Festival of the Arts, held in June. This festival is a massive block party connecting Rosa Parks Circle to Calder Plaza. Throughout festival there are a few stages for all kinds of musical performances, dance troupes, acrobats, bands, and more to perform. There are tents where local artists showcase and sell their art. And finally, my favorite part of festival is trying out a variety of multicultural and ethnic foods! While the food isn’t free, watching the performances is!
And finally is the biggest event of all – ArtPrize! ArtPrize is a giant draw to those interested in visiting Grand Rapids and tourists come from all over the world during this now, biennial event held in the early fall. During ArtPrize, the city’s public spaces and local businesses are transformed into free, public galleries to check out and vote on art from amateur artists the world over. Local museum’s such as the Ford Museum and GRAM, which typically charge admission, are free to visit to check out the art hosted inside. During ArtPrize’s off year, Project 1 runs, which features a number of large installations throughout the city.
8. Meyer May House Tour
A true hidden gem in Grand Rapids is the Meyer May House. This incredible home was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. And yes, it is free to tour! Built in 1908-9, the Meyer May House is a Prairie style home in the Heritage Hill neighborhood of Grand Rapids. It stands out because all the houses surrounding it are built in a classical or Victorian style of architecture. Named after Meyer S. May who had the house built, he owned May’s clothing store in Grand Rapids. May owned the house until he died in 1936, where it was then sold and lived in by a series of owners until the mid 1980s.
In 1986, the house was added to the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites. And in 1985, multinational office furniture manufacturer Steelcase purchased the house and began researching it in order to restore it to its natural state – to just as when May moved in. By 1987, the restoration finished and the house opened for tours.
Tours are held every Sunday from 12-3pm and Thursday from 10-1pm. Each tour lasts about 1.5 hours. Please make sure to book your tickets online in advance as they fill up quick.
9. Fish Ladder Park
An additional free thing to do in Grand Rapids is visit Fish Ladder Park. Not only is the fish ladder functional, helping migrating fish go around the powerful current of the Grand River, but it is architecturally appealing. It was built by Joseph Kinnebrew in 1974.
This park is easy to access with a free parking lot and restrooms here. It’s also a great spot to access the walking trail that runs along both sides of the Grand River or to watch local fishermen out in the water. The best time to visit to see fish using the ladder is mid-February to late April to see Steelhead and September through late October to see Chinook and Coho salmon.
10. Lookout Park
One beautiful, scenic spot to enjoy in Grand Rapids is Lookout Park. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the few picnic tables here or enjoy the view from the swinging benches. While there is only street parking available here, it’s not difficult to find parking in this neighborhood.
11. Go on a walk along the Grand River
Running parallel on either side of the Grand River is a paved sidewalk for people to use to enjoy a nice, relaxing walk. There are also many interesting sights to enjoy as marked on the below map. I recommend trying this walk out either during the weekend or after 5pm during the weekdays. That’s because during those times, the downtown Grand Valley parking lots are free to park at!
The route you’re going to want to take after parking is staying along the Grand River past the Public Museum and Ford Museum. Walk all the way down to the 6th Street Bridge. Then cross that historic bridge and make your way back until you reach the pedestrian blue bridge. Along this route, you’ll see so many things like murals, fountains, sculptures, and more! All are indicated on the map below.
12. Proven Trails
Did you know there’s a sand dune just outside of Grand Rapids? Yes! It’s right in the middle of Provin Trails!
Besides the sand dune, which provides a fun play area for kids in the summer and sledding hill during the winter, there is a roughly two mile natural trail. This trail becomes a cross country ski trail during the winter. With a number of mature pine trees, Provin Trails is also a popular place for people to hang out with their hammocks. Another fun fact, Provin Trails is right next to Robinettes so once you’re done hiking, stop by for a donut or two!
13. Wander Around Downtown East Grand Rapids
While I cannot guarantee you won’t end up spending money while in East Grand Rapids, it is free to wander around and explore. East Grand Rapids is separate from Grand Rapids proper and has it’s own downtown known as ‘Gaslight Village.’ Its called that because of the classic gas lanterns that frame Wealthy Street. There are a plethora of boutiques, restaurants, and recreational opportunities to enjoy in downtown East Grand Rapids. Even a walk around Reeds Lake is a popular free activity many locals enjoy.
14. Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Nature Gardens
Another free place you’ll want to keep going back to to explore is the 100+ acres that make up the Calvin Preserve. Here you can visit the 21 themed garden beds that all contain local plants and flowers. There are also natural trails to enjoy with bridges, boardwalks, ponds, and more! Before you go, print out this vertebrate checklist and trail guide to go on your own scavenger hunt. See which animal friends you can find!
If you’re able to visit during the week, you may also pop into the Bunker Interpretive Center for free! Inside the center there are frogs and turtles, educational displays, books, and other toys for children to play with.
Parking is also free for visitors at the preserve and nature center parking lots.
15. St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden
Like the Instagram post above says, the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden is 11 acres and has 16 bronze sculptures along a prayer path. Each sculpture has information about the life and ministry of St. Francis as well as a bench to spend some time reflecting here.
Recently, the sculpture garden closed down for some construction but will soon reopen just in time for spring’s flowers.
16. Millennium Park/Kent Trails
Another fantastic free thing to do in Grand Rapids is spend some time hiking or biking at Millennium Park. This park is one of the largest urban parks in the US at over 1400 acres. Within it, there are 14 miles of paved trails and several miles of natural trails. For the children, there’s also Kids’ City, a large playscape broken out for kids of different age groups. Pack a picnic and enjoy it at one of the many picnic tables nearby the Grand River. There are six miles of riverfront to enjoy here!
And if you’re a biker, Millennium Park is a great place to start if you plan to bike the Kent Trails. Millennium Park’s Trails also connect it with nearby Johnson Park and John Ball Park and Zoo.
17. Grand Ideas Garden
This free thing to do in Grand Rapids is best to do in the late spring through early fall as it is an outdoor garden. Located outside the MSU extension office in Grand Rapids is the Grand Ideas Garden. Here there is a short brick laden trail that winds around a variety of beautiful plants and flowers. Within it there is a little waterfall that flows into a pond where you may even spot a frog or turtle. It’s a great little hidden gem in the area.
18. Leslie Tassell Park
While many people enjoy Cascade Peace Park, I personally love Leslie Tassell Park along the Thornapple River a little more. It’s quiet and picturesque with mature hardwood trees and beautiful landscaping. Within the park is a small trail that runs along the river with a public fire pit, sculptures, fountain, picnic tables, and benches. Check it out when you’re out exploring the far east end of 28th street!
19. Calvin University’s Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum
Another free find on Calvin University’s campus is the mineralogical museum – how unique! Are you a gemstone lover or know someone who is? Then you need to plan a visit to the Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum. At this museum there are over 300 mineralogical specimens such as gold nuggets, copper leaves, fossils, and more. There are also special exhibits featuring Michigan rocks, minerals and fossils, and Minerals of the Bible.
The museum is open Wednesday to Friday when school is in session. While you may chose to explore it on your own, there are also student led docents that give tours.
20. Studio Park
Studio Park is a relatively new space in downtown Grand Rapids that combines a movie theater with restaurants, lodging and more. In the middle of all that is the Studio Park Piazza. During the day, the green space is open for people to relax and enjoy with outdoor games available to play. Often there are fun public performances taking place like comedy acts, live music or sporting events broadcast live. Check out the Studio Park event page for ideas of what’s going on when you stop by!
Planning a Trip to Grand Rapids? Here are my Favorite Places to Stay!
There are so many options of places to stay within Grand Rapids. Recently, the Hotel District was formed and several new hotels were built to accommodate the increased demand in traveling to Grand Rapids. Major annual events like ArtPrize put Grand Rapids on the map as well as the area’s booming economy drawing several job seekers to move here.
- First is the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, which is an iconic classic in Grand Rapids. If you visit during the winter, take advantage of it being on the skywalk to get around much of downtown, particularly if you plan to attend an event at the Van Andel Arena or DeVos Place. Whether you stay here or not, you must wander through the entrance off Monroe Avenue. Once inside, you’ll be amazed at the gorgeous chandelier and art deco designs.
- Another fabulous choice is the JW Marriott, Grand Rapid’s top hotel. It is on the pricier side, but it is the city’s most luxurious hotel. There’s an indoor pool, spa, shops, and highly acclaimed restaurants.
- The Finnley is Grand Rapids’ newest hotel, having opened in the fall of 2021. This boutique hotel is located on the corner of Monroe Center and Ionia. While the hotel doesn’t have a pool or any ‘lobby amenities,’ it outdoes itself in its room designs. The rooms are furnished with high end finishes like cocktail sets, a bluetooth record player, and a vintage-style Frigidaire miniature fridge.
- And finally, who can forget checking out which vacation rentals in the area are available? I’m a huge fan of going that route as well – especially if you’re traveling with an infant or toddler.
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Interested in more idea’s of things to do in Grand Rapids? Check out my list of the top 10 things to do in Greater Grand Rapids. And plan a day trip to one of my favorite neighborhoods in Grand Rapids – Eastown!
from Michigan with Love,
Jackie
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