Escape from Ann Arbor: 48-Hour Trip to Grand Rapids! 🚗💨

Grand Rapids – Michigan’s second-largest city – is nestled along the Grand River northwest of Ann Arbor. With its vibrant local vibe, it’s the perfect weekend getaway for Ann Arbor folks looking to unwind! This trip included four people, one car, and two relaxing days. 🚗 Journey: It’s a 2-hour drive from Ann Arbor. I recommend departing an hour before lunch or dinner. On the way, you can stop in Lansing for Chinese food or desserts – same on the return trip! 🥢🍨 🏠 Accommodation: We do NOT recommend Red Roof – our room had a strong odor and wasn’t very clean. Instead, try Drury Inn & Suites Grand Rapids (5175 28th St SE)! Around $200/night, it’s clean, comfortable, and just 15 mins from downtown. 🛌✨ 🎡 Attractions: Fish Ladder Park 💲 Free A landmark park in downtown along the west bank of the Grand River. Here, you can watch Michigan’s longest river flow powerfully north to south 🏞️. Many anglers fish along the banks – some even wade into the river! Perfect for picnics and sunset strolls. 🌅🧺 Grand Rapids Public Museum 💲 General $12 | Student $5 This downtown museum exceeded expectations! It covers a wide range of exhibits. The first floor features a 1:1 replica of a historic Grand Rapids street – complete with a century-old gun shop and porcelain store! My favorite was the arcade exhibition hall 🕹️: $10 in tokens lets you play classic games for an hour. We spent 30 mins on 3D pinball! 😄 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 💲 General $18 | Student $13.50 A sculpture park in northeast Grand Rapids with indoor and outdoor sections. The indoor hall has a glass ceiling where a beam of sunlight shines in ☀️, shifting throughout the day – super atmospheric! The indoor area features contemporary art and a greenhouse 🌺🌵, while the outdoor sculpture garden blends Eastern and Western styles. Don’t miss the Japanese Garden and the massive American Horse statue! 🐎🎨 💰 Total cost per person: ~$200 Grand Rapids is a slow-paced city ideal for relaxing with friends after a busy week. Highly recommend! 😊 #Grand Rapids #Michigan #WeekendGetaway #UniversityOfMichigan #TravelDiary #ExploreGR