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The Grand Rapids Region is located in the state of Michigan in the United States of America. The region lies to the west of Detroit but doesn't include any of the lands in the state's northwestern half (on the other side of Lake Michigan). The destination derives its name from the city of Grand Rapids, which is the second-largest city in Michigan. Grand Rapids was once known as the "Furniture City."[1] The territory is surrounded by two of the Great Lakes, namely Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Other moderately-sized cities in the area are Lansing, Saginaw, and Muskegon. The climate in the Grand Rapids Region ranges from averages of 23 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter (January and February, primarily) and 72 degrees from June to September. Snowfall is a common occurrence in the winter. Grand Rapids is known for attractions such as Centerpointe Mall, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, and the John Ball Zoological Garden.[4]
Of the various cities that fall within the destination, Grand Rapids is the largest and has the broadest range of attractions. The number of visitors to the town is highest in February and in August. The winter travelers are most likely drawn to the snow-related activities that are possible due to the high amount of snowfall in the area. Skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing are all possible things to do. Warm-weather travelers will likely find the chill to be uncomfortable.[2]
The Centerpointe Mall is one of the attractions in Grand Rapids. It was first established in 1992 and has enough space to accommodate 40 different stores and 9 anchor tenants. The mall is open all days of the week with differing hours based on the day. The building acts as a center point for events like Santa's visits, business expos, and sales events.[5] Another attraction is the Grand Rapids Children's Museum (GRCM), which provides learning opportunities to children. Exhibits include things such as bubbles, the Buzzy Beeshive, mirrors/prisms, simplified ATMs and other financial devices, and Legos. The GRCM has welcomed over 1,500,000 visitors since its opening.[6]
For a more outdoor experience, tourists might turn their attention to the John Ball Zoological Garden. The zoo has over 1,100 animals, including species like wolves, grizzly bears, small primates, frogs, and turtles. One of the most unique aspects of the zoo is the zipline that runs over it, spanning about 300 feet.[7]
The economy of Grand Rapids is defined by a handful of different markets. Manufacturing has been one of the city's defining features since it gained the title "The Furniture City" in 1876. Footwear, plastics, cleaning equipment, and office products are examples of some of the things that are produced in the Grand Rapids Region. Steelcase Inc. makes its home in Grand Rapids, and the company is the world's leading manufacturer and designer of office systems.[3] The two Great Lakes that surround the Grand Rapids Region are open to activities like boating, swimming, water skiing, and more—depending on specific cities and beaches.
The climate of the Grand Rapids Region fluctuates pretty extensively over the course of any given year. From March to May, the average high temperature ranges from about 79 degrees Fahrenheit to 34 degrees. During these spring months, tourism is at its highest due to the higher number of available outdoor activities. Summer is warmer, though most people will find the temperatures to be comfortable. It is the winter in the Great Rapids Region that is more extreme compared to other destinations in the United States. The average high temperature from December to February is typically between 39 and 29 degrees. It is likely to see rainfall or snowfall during this time—on average, 6 to 7 times per month. February, in particular, is the month with the highest average snowfall, coming out to be over 8 inches for that month each year.[2]
The Grand Rapids Region covers a large portion of the southeastern half of Michigan. The region is encompassed by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, with the inland boundary of the area, including the land up until Lansing, Michigan. For the most part, the territory is covered in fertile ground and thick foliage. Small lakes and other bodies of water are familiar sights in and around the Grand Rapids Region. Two prominent examples are the Houghton Lake and the Higgins Lake, at the center of Michigan's southwestern half. Notable geographic features include the Roscommon State Forest Area, the Atlanta State Forest Area, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are a fair amount of hills spread throughout the Grand Rapids Region, though the elevation differences are slight enough that agriculture and construction are still possible. The Grand River is a river that runs through the city of Grand Rapids and has occasionally been the source of floods.[1]
The Grand Rapids Region is home to many animals that are common to the United States, such as squirrels, rabbits, possums, and raccoons. More unique and endangered species include the gray wolf, the Karner blue butterfly, the northern long-eared bat, and the rufa red knot. Endangered and/or threatened plant species include Pitcher's thistle, lakeside daisy, Houghton's goldenrod, and the Dwarf lake iris.[8]
The Grand Rapids Region has a population of over 1,000,000. Roughly 57% of the nearby citizens are white, with significant percentages of black and Hispanic populations as well (18% and 17%, respectively).[4] The territory was initially inhabited by the Hopewell Indians over two thousand years ago. Not much is known of their specific history, other than that they had large burial mounds. The Ottawa Indians moved into the area more recently—about 300 years ago. When the European settlers arrived, the Ottawas were prepared to trade fur pelts to them. A Baptist minister named Isaac McCoy was the first permanent European settler in the Grand Rapids Region, arriving in 1825. He was shortly followed by Louis Campau in 1826, who established himself as a notable trader and land manager. By 1838, the settlement achieved the status of "village." In subsequent decades the city expanded both geographically and in terms of its population.
For a time, Grand Rapids was world-famous for its production of furniture. Currently, Grand Rapids still has a notable influence when it comes to the production of office furniture.[3] In fact, the city was so famous for its furniture that it was nicknamed "Furniture City." Many furniture items were placed on display at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.[1] The city of Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan behind Detroit. The Grand Rapids Region has a few notable businesses, including Spectrum Health, Mercy Health/St. Mary's, Perrigo Company, and Meijer Inc.
The Cottonwood Inn Bed and Breakfast is located a short distance outside Holland, Michigan. The building is two stories tall with three rooms available for rent with one additional room available upon request. The Cottonwood is very close to many areas to hike and bike in the area and is a short drive from the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Bikes are provided free of charge from the inn. There are many things to do in the area surrounding the inn in the towns of Holland and Saugatuck, which are both about a ten-minute drive away. Holland, in particular, has many different parks with water access and restaurants where guests can eat. It is also the location of a famous tulip festival which is held each year at the start of May that draws many people to the area.
...Read MoreThe Hop and Vine Inn is located near Fennville, Michigan. There are 15 units in the main two-story building. Some of the suites function as a townhome with a first and a second floor, while others have only one or two rooms. The inn operates as a standard bed and breakfast between May and October. However, the inn can be rented as a large group venue year-round in what the owners refer to as an "inn takeover." For an inn takeover, the entire inn is reserved by one group, such as a family reunion or wedding. The owners, Amber and Dan, strive to make The Hop and Vine Inn a family-friendly bed and breakfast and to offer guests a memorable experience. The area around the inn is also the home of many notable festivals, such as the Tulip Time festival in nearby Holland.
...Read MoreCandlelite Inn Bed and Breakfast
Candlelite Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in Ludington, Michigan, a port city on Lake Michigan. The business is open year-round and offers seven guest rooms. According to the owners Melanie, and her two sons, Chris and Kyle, breakfast is "a star of the show," and they offer a flexible schedule for the meal, allowing guests to choose when and where they would like to eat breakfast. The owners have fresh baked desserts and other treats available daily. Throughout the year, the business hosts a variety of events, with some of the more prominent events being a Fourth of July barbecue and New Years party. With her sons, Melanie has been running Candlelite Inn Bed and Breakfast since 2007.
...Read MoreSherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast
The Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast is located in Saugatuck, Michigan, right next to Lake Michigan. The property has many mentionable attributes that have helped provide memorable experiences for guests. Perhaps the most unique feature of the bed and breakfast is the six rooms that the guests of the property are able to rent out. All six of them are themed according to a different country or culture, containing authentic decorations and antiques pertinent to the place or theme that the room is meant to portray. The staff, led by the co-owner Noelene, strive to keep the property clean and up to date and try their best to make every visitor's stay as unique and memorable as it can be.
...Read MoreThe Borchers AuSable Canoe & Kayak with the Riverside Bed & Breakfast is located in Grayling, Michigan, on two acres of land. It has a total of four rooms available for guest reservation, each being themed around the AuSable River. Every room offers queen size beds, cable television, and a private bathroom. Breakfast is served each morning, typically at 8:00, and consists of an egg dish, breakfast meat, and a fruit salad. According to Justin, one of the owners of the bed and breakfast, most of the guests who stay at the property are there for the boat rentals that the business offers. For an additional fee, guests can rent a canoe or kayak and float down the AuSable River along pre-established routes at their own pace. Justin attributes much of the success of the business to the previous owners and the work they did to maintain the property.
...Read MoreLudington House Bed and Breakfast
Ludington House Bed and Breakfast is a Queen Anne Victorian house in Ludington, Michigan. Eight distinctly-themed guestrooms with queen beds are available for travelers, including two premium suites with fireplaces, jetted tubs, and walk-in showers. All rooms are located on the second and third floors of the house, while the first floor is designated for the common spaces, namely the parlor and the breakfast room. The home also has a front porch and a back patio with a fire table and room for six guests. Guests mostly book a romantic getaway or a relaxing vacation, but the owners are also open to renting the spaces for events such as business meetings, retreats or seminars, and even elopements. There is "natural beauty" to enjoy; Lake Michigan and its beaches, Hamlin Lake, the State Park’s woodlands, and dunes. The town offers shops, galleries, restaurants of quite a variety, frequent live music venues, historical museums and architecture, and farmer’s markets. Just outside of town, there are golf courses, wineries, and orchards.
...Read MoreThe Au Sable Riverview Resort is a lodging establishment that is located on the fringes of the city of Grayling in Michigan, right on the edge of the Au Sable River. Due to having the Au Sable River within walking distance from the property, river activities are a popular thing to do while guests are staying at the resort, especially fly fishing. Some of the cabins date back to as early as the 1940s, giving them a more rustic atmosphere. The six cabins have a wide range of maximum capacities. The standard cabins can house up to four people at a time, while The Lodge is capable of sleeping a maximum of 20 people per night, giving guests with larger groups a more accommodating place to stay.
...Read MoreThe Rosemont Inn is located in Douglas, Michigan, on a little over 2 acres of property across the street from Lake Michigan. The inn has been in operation since being built in 1901 by the Byron family as a boarding house. Since then, the property has had a total of four different owners, with the current owners being Kerry and Tammy Cunnion, who bought the establishment in 2021. The inn is two stories, has a total of 14 rooms available for reservation, and features common areas such as a pool, spa, the Lakefront Room, and the dining room where breakfast is served every day. According to Kerry, the property is often referred to as a romantic getaway, especially since the property does not allow children.
...Read MoreRamsdell Inn is located in Manistee, Michigan, in the same building as TJ's Pub—a local restaurant. The ten rooms that comprise the property are located throughout the top three levels of the five-leveled building. Notable amenities of the inn include full bathrooms for each room, a few fireplaces, and various king-sized beds. According to the owner of Ramsdell Inn, one thing that is unique about the property is the variety of decorations between different units. One of the first purposes of the building was to serve as a bank for the town. Some of the original components of the bank remain, including a vault.
...Read MoreSituated between Lake Michigan and the Black River, Waters View Inn offers 16 units for visitors to rent. Since 1883, back when it was first constructed, the property has always been an inn. Every room is named after a historical figure of South Haven. Kristina, the current owner, and Sarah, the operations manager and chef, have the goal to create a family-friendly atmosphere and maintain the building's historical significance. Breakfast is served every morning at the inn, with one of the most popular dishes among guests being the French toast. A number of visitors come to the area for attractions such as biking, visiting the nearby shops downtown, and engaging in water activities on Lake Michigan. The wineries and breweries near Waters View Inn additionally draw in a handful of tourists.
...Read MoreAlways a Holiday! Bed and Breakfast is located in East Tawas, Michigan. The old Victorian style home has two stories with five bedrooms, three of the rooms are available for rent. Every room is themed with different décor such as chic, contemporary, and old town inspired. Brenda Hawkins the owner of the property offers guests a homemade breakfast every morning, along with complimentary cookies and beverages throughout the day. The Always a Holiday! Bed and Breakfast is open year round with a peak in visitors during the summer months.
...Read MoreHorton Creek Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Horton Creek Bed and Breakfast is located in a forest-like area, within driving distance of the cities, Charlevoix, Boyne City, and Petoskey. Owned by Jeanie and her husband David, the home has been in operation as a bed and breakfast for twenty-two years. It was converted into the hospitality industry from a personal place of residence. The home has seven different rooms that guests can reserve. A complimentary breakfast is served at the bed and breakfast, and the meals vary each day. Additionally, free desserts are offered at night for those who are staying on the premises. Patrons can participate in a variety of activities in the surrounding areas such as golfing, festivals, and going to the beach. The owners strive to create a comfortable environment for visitors.
...Read MoreDutch Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Dutch Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in a residential neighborhood in Holland, Michigan. There are five units available for reservation in the establishment. The inn was developed in 1987 and is owned by Bob and Pat Elenbaas. Bob and Pat cook a full hot breakfast every morning, which guests can take to their room or eat in the dining area, living room, or sun porch. The Tulip Festival in Holland takes place near the bed and breakfast and attracts many guests during the summer months. The Dutch Colonial Inn Bed and Breakfast is open year-round.
...Read MoreThe Jordan Inn is located near Lake Charlevoix in downtown East Jordan, Michigan. The property sits on about an acre of land and includes 11 units available for reservation. Among these units is an apartment that can sleep up to seven people, along with ten other bedrooms. Nick, one of the managers, remarks that the staff strives to make the inn a "home away from home" for their guests. The business is family owned and has been that way for over 25 years. There are various attractions close to the inn, such as Boyne Mountain, Lake Charlevoix, and several bike and snowmobile trails. The inn is open year-round, with the busiest season being in the summer due to the number of tourists visiting Lake Charlevoix.
...Read MoreThe Maplewood Hotel is located in Saugatuck, Michigan, near Lake Michigan. Those who have stayed at the hotel are known to remark how they enjoyed the walking distances to the city's heart. The establishment is currently owned by Catherine Simon, who has been running it for the past 31 years with the help of Clarissa, her innkeeper. The hotel is three stories and has 15 rooms total. All of the rooms fall into Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and the Suites categories. Each day breakfast is served to patrons from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 8:15 AM to t10:00 AM on Saturdays. The building often has music playing from the player piano located in the back of the house. It is common for guests who stay at the property to visit popular attractions in the area, such as Oval Beach and Saugatuck Dunes State Park.
...Read MoreThe Looking Glass Beachfront Inn, situated across the street from the Grand Haven State Park Beach in Grand Haven, Michigan, has five rooms available seasonally from April through November for guest reservations. All of the rooms are located on the second floor of the three-story house, with beach views from each unit. The first floor is comprised of common areas such as the dining room, living room, family room, and front and back decks, while the third floor is the innkeeper's private quarters. The house sits atop a dune, and the property backs up to a wooded ravine area. Each morning, breakfast is served at 9 AM and consists of a hot dish as well as fruit, cereal, oatmeal, and tea options. The bed and breakfast provides equipment for guests to use at the beach, namely beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. The business has been in operation since 1998, and the current owners have run the establishment for the past six years.
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