Top 10 Reasons to Visit

There are thousands of reasons to visit Grand Rapids and Michigan’s West Coast. Here are a few of our favorites for 2008.

1. Eye Candy

Newsweek’s architecture critic hailed the Grand Rapids Art Museum as one of the world’s six best buildings unveiled in 2007. The museum houses more than 5,000 works of art in its permanent collection, ranging from Durer prints to Picasso paintings. This year’s special exhibits include tributes to Andy Warhol(through June 15) and photographer Gordon Parks (June 27-October 12).

2. Scream Therapy

Shivering Timbers at Michigan's Adventure

Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park debuts Thunderhawk, the first suspended looping roller coaster in all of Michigan. Riders soar through the air with their feet dangling below them along a winding course with five inversions and a top speed of 50 mph.

3. Garden Party

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the Midwest’s biggest tourist attractions, features Michigan ’s largest tropical conservatory as well as indoor and outdoor specialty gardens. Special exhibits this year include Art of Africa through May 4; Degas in Bronze: The Complete Sculptures May 30-August 31; and Monet: The Gardener May 30-August 31.

4. Lion Eyes

John Ball Zoo opens one of the nation’s largest lion exhibits in June. Modeled after the forested Lake Manyara area of Tanzania, where lions climb trees, this exhibit includes a two-story viewing deck that provides a bird's-eye look at both the lions and the Grand Rapids skyline.

5. Boating Bonanza

The January 2008 issue of PowerBoat Magazine named West Michigan one of America ’s Top 10 places for performance-boat enthusiasts. No wonder - you're never more than six miles away from a body of water here. Bring your own boat or rent/charter one!

6. The Near East

Marie Catrib's

Just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Grand Rapids is East Hills – a compact, walkable business district lined with refurbished historic buildings housing homegrown dining and shopping options. Some of our favorites: Marie Catrib’s, a Mediterranean-style restaurant and deli; The Green Well, Michigan’s only European-style gastro pub; Mangiamo!) an Italian restaurant in an 1875 mansion; and Global Infusion, an eclectic marketplace of organic and Free trade coffees, teas, herbs and handcrafted goods.

7. Mall Mania

Woodland Mall

Two of Michigan’s biggest shopping malls are located right here in Grand Rapids. RiverTown Crossings has more than 100 stores, including Macy’s, Younker’s, Pottery Barn, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Coach. The 110+ stores at Woodland Mall include Apple, Coldwater Creek, Ann Taylor, Hollister, Williams-Sonoma, Brookstone, JCrew and Swarovski.

8. Dutch Treat

Windmill Island Gardens

Nelis’ Dutch Village is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2008. This theme park recreates a 19th century village from the Netherlands, complete with shops, gardens, canals, windmills, music and dancing. Nearby Windmill Island Gardens features 36 acres of manicured gardens, dikes and picnic areas.

9. Four-Season Beaches

Golden-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and glorious sunsets make the Lake Michigan shoreline a summer sensation. But every season is a winner along the lakeshore: spring fishing is fantastic, fall colors last longer and winter ice formations provide spectacular scenery.