Grand Rapids Holiday Packages

Grand Rapids Holiday Packages

While there are no longer whitewater rapids in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the city does have tons of charm, green spaces, important history and the best nightlife between Chicago and Detroit.

Grand Rapids packages are loaded with Midwestern fun and some of the nicest folks east of the Mississippi.

Things to Do in Grand Rapids

For a place that gets pretty chilly in the winter, Grand Rapids holidays involve a surprising amount of gardens—not to mention tropical birds! Find your “wingman” at the Tropical Conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The sculpture park awaits with splashing waterfalls and pieces by world-class masters, and the Japanese Garden is sure to help you find your centre. For another outdoor experience, head to John Ball Zoological Garden, which not only has a zoo and aquarium, but a band shell with live music in the warmer months.

Next, practice your Victorian-era slang as you get afternoonified (smart) in the Heritage Hill Historic District. The 1,300 homes in this neighbourhood are really bang up to the elephant (perfect), with the oldest dating back to 1843. The styles range from Greek revival to Queen Anne, and there is even a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed, prairie-style house you can tour. History buffs will really have gigglemugs (happy faces) after this stop.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

With all that history, it’s not surprising that holidays to Grand Rapids are popular among antique-seekers. The Eastown neighbourhood, which is predictably east of downtown, has plenty of opportunity to pick up Victorian tchotchkes and retro souvenirs. Go further east to Gaslight Village for the quintessential small-town America shopping experience: cute boutiques and restaurants set among pastel, brick-front boutiques, fountains and postcard-worthy sculptures. To really shop ‘til you drop, book one of Wotif’s Grand Rapids car hire options—just make sure it’s got a big trunk, and bring an extra suitcase!

Make your holiday in Grand Rapids one to remember with an upscale meal with a view: Head downtown to the Grand River waterfront to take in the passing ships from your candlelit table. For a less-structured dining experience, check out Downtown Market, where you’ll find bakeries, breweries and vendors, as well as sit-down restaurants. Or just follow the self-guided Grand Rapids Food Trail to meet chefs and locals who can’t wait to talk about what’s on your plate (Michigan produces the second-largest variety of produce in the country!).

If you think you need to book one of our Chicago holiday packages to experience the best nightlife around, think again. You can find spectacular arena shows, Broadway-style theatres, jazz-fuelled lounges and folksy local tunes all within a few blocks in downtown Grand Rapids. (Of course, if you do want to see Chicago, now is a great time!)

What’s Next?

Your holiday self wants to get out and explore, and a visit to “The Great Lakes State” is a great opportunity to channel your inner Burke and Wills. Search for the best Grand Rapids package deals on Wotif and book today!