.png)
"Grand Rapids is No. 8 on the list [of America's Best Towns to Visit] thanks to its vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation."
- CNN Inagural List of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024
Nestled on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids, Michigan, beckons with its unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Explore its bustling downtown filled with diverse dining options, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene. With stunning parks, picturesque riverfront pathways, and countless outdoor recreational opportunities, Grand Rapids offers a perfect getaway for those seeking adventure and relaxation alike. Come discover why Grand Rapids is hailed as Michigan's hidden gem. Visit Experience Grand Rapids for information on attractions, events, and things to do!
Airport Information:
Named America’s Best Small Airport and one of North America’s top guest-experience airports, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) offers 100+ daily flights with direct flights to 30+ cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore-Washington, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, and Tampa.
Air service is provided by Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, Sun Country and United Airlines. The airport is in the midst of a $500 million project to expand, modernize and enhance its amenities. In 2023, these efforts were recognized with Airport Service Quality Awards for North America’s best airport serving 2-5 million passengers, easiest airport journey, most enjoyable airport, cleanest airport and airport with the most dedicated staff. USA Today named GRR America’s Best Small Airport the same year. Travelers enjoy quick passage through the airport but they can also take advantage of seven restaurants, four retail stores, several business centers and lounges, family restrooms, therapy dogs, a Military Welcome Center and much more.
Getting to the Prince Conference Center from the Airport:
Taxis and rideshare (Uber or Lyft) are the most convenient options for getting from the airport to the Prince Conference Center. The Rapid bus system also services Gerald R. Ford International Airport, but will require a transfer to get to the Conference Center.
More information about ground transportation to/from the airport can be found by clicking here.
Grand Rapids is also the hometown of INPCS Executive Director Brennan Summers. Here are his picks for top restaurants and must-see attractions!
Brennan's Favorite Restaurants
- Max's South Seas Hideaway - Experience a unique, world-class immersive tiki experience with outstanding food and a great atmosphere
- Amore Trattoria Italiana - Award-winning chef Jenna Arcidiacono brings a taste of old world Italy to Grand Rapids. Voted Best Chef, Best Service, Best Fine Dining, and Best Italian in Grand Rapids. Make sure to tell Chef Jenna that Brennan sent you!
- Roam by San Chez - Explore various countries without leaving Grand Rapids with street food small plates from around the world.
- Hancock - Serving up Nashville hot chicken (and regular fried chicken!) and honest-to-goodness made-from-scratch picnic sides, all out of a cool remodeled historic space.
- Brewery Vivant - Visit the world’s first LEED certified microbrewery housed in a refurbished historic funeral home in the East Hills neighborhood. Enjoy rustic European-inspired beers along with outstanding locally sourced dishes. Don't miss the duck nachos!
- Forty Acres Soul Kitchen - Forty Acres celebrates the history, resilience, and success of the African American community with classic soul food, a superior dining experience, quality sourcing and leadership, and an unapologetic story to tell so that everyone can taste what has made this country.
- Myrth - Located in nearby Ada (about 15 minutes from the Prince Conference Center), Myrth features wood-fired pizza and creative handmade pastas from a James Beard Award-winning chef. Plus, his wife is a neurologist!
- Hopcat - They may have 10 locations across 3 states, including 2 locations in Grand Rapids, but it all started at their downtown Grand Rapids location.They feature beer, cocktails, and craft food made from scratch - but especially beer: they were rated No. 3 on BeerAdvocate's list of "Best Beer Bars on Planet Earth". Make sure you try the cosmik fries!
Must-See Attractions
- ArtPrize - ArtPrize® is the most attended public art event in the world and takes place in Grand Rapids for several weeks every fall; it happens to coincide with this year's INPCS Annual Meeting. Visitors can count on seeing over 650 works of art from international artists displayed all over downtown Grand Rapids in venues ranging from hotels to bars to retail shops to outdoors and everything in between. Visitors can vote for their favorites and help decide how the $600,000 in prize money is awarded.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - proudly ranked among the most-visited art museums worldwide and named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by readers of USA Today in 2023 & 2024, their collection showcases over 200 captivating sculptures, inviting you to experience the perfect blend of art and nature. Don't miss the Japanese Garden!
- Lake Michigan - If you've never been to a Great Lake before, it has to be seen to be believed. One visit and you'll see why the Lake Michigan area has been called the "Third Coast" of the United States. Featuring amazing sandy beaches and some of the largest dunes in the world, it really shouldn't be missed! Holland State Park, less than an hour drive from the Prince Conference Center, is Brennan's favorite place to enjoy the lake - especially at sunset!
- Gerald Ford Presidential Museum - Grand Rapids is one of only 12 cities in the U.S. to host a Presidential Museum. It includes a scale replica of the Oval Office, as well as the Cabinet Room. It's also where President and Mrs. Ford are buried.
- Grand Rapids Downtown Market - Brennan couldn't decide whether this belonged under Restaurants or Attractions, but regardless of where it's listed, it's a food lover's paradise! The indoor Market Hall offers 17 food merchants and restaurants, year-round public events, award-winning event space, 4,954 square feet of commercial kitchen—all under one roof! Make sure you check out Love's Ice Cream - their Amaretto Cherry Vegan Gelato might be the best ice cream Brennan has ever had, vegan or otherwise!
