2-Day Grand Rapids Getaway | Michigan Edition 👀🎣

Took a 2-hour drive from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids over Labor Day weekend! The city has a good scale, but it felt surprisingly quiet – downtown was almost empty! 🚗💨 Day 1: John Ball Zoo + Grand Haven 🌇 John Ball Zoo: Highly, highly recommended! 🐯🦛 Student tickets are around $15. The animals are well-cared for and super active – not just lying around! Saw hippos up close for the first time, plus patrolling tigers and brown bears – so dynamic and engaging! Grand Haven: I absolutely love small towns! 🏖️ Brought snacks and chilled on the beach for sunset by the lighthouse – stunning views! 🏙️ Nearby is an RV park where people picnic and relax (Americans really know how to enjoy life! 🥹). The tiny downtown has just one street – tried Dairy Creme for ice cream 🍦 and a popular hot dog spot with long lines! Dinner at Snug Harbor: Great lakeside terrace with a chill vibe 🌊. Ordered two pasta dishes – delicious and generous lobster portions! 🦞 Ended the night with a musical fountain show – felt like the whole town showed up! So cozy and fun. Day 2: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park + Public Museum Sculpture Park: A nice spot with large greenhouses and outdoor themed gardens! 🌿🗿 The blend of sculptures and plants is creative and worth a visit. But honestly, it was so hot that day – the park is huge, and I struggled a bit! 🥵 (As a bio major, I’ve already studied enough plants 😂). Public Museum: Loved this! 🏛️ Three floors with different themes: First floor: Old Grand Rapids street scenes – vintage and photogenic! 📸 Second floor: Spent ages in the currency exhibit with my bf – they even ancient Chinese coins! 🪙 Felt like time travel! Also a great spot to photograph the Blue Bridge! 🌉 Grand Rapids is perfect for a relaxed, low-key trip – 2 days is plenty! 😊 #Michigan #LakeMichigan #InternationalStudent #TravelGuide #Grand Rapids #WeekendGetaway