Visit Downtown Grand Rapids
Visit Downtown Grand Rapids
A short trip off campus down Fulton Street brings you to downtown Grand Rapids, the vibrant heart of West Michigan. This dynamic urban center unites culture, food, entertainment, and community. As the region’s largest downtown, its walkable core offers something for everyone.
What to EXplore
Experience GR: Things to Do
Experience the energy of downtown Grand Rapids through year-round festivals, live music, sporting events, and cultural attractions. From ArtPrize to concerts at Van Andel Arena, there’s always something happening in the heart of the city.
Experience GR: Places to Eat
Grand Rapids offers a diverse dining scene, featuring everything from local cafés and food halls to award-winning restaurants. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a night out, there’s an option for every taste.
The Place to be
Discover a walkable downtown filled with public art, scenic river views, and unique shops. Explore museums, markets, and gathering spaces that make downtown Grand Rapids a hub of creativity and community.
What to Experience
Grand Rapids ranks in the "Top 10 Underrated Food Cities in the U.S.," according to the Websturant Store Blog. With so much to offer, visit local, historic, and excellent options, 2 miles from campus, including:
- Founder's Brewing Company
- Tupelo Honey
- Social House
- Hopcat
- Sundance Grill
- Leo's Seafood & Restaurant
- Scholar
- Social Misfits
& so much more!
Home to around 70 stores in the downtown area, many of which offer a wide range of unique items, from clothing and comic books, to anything you desire, including:
- Arts Marketplace
- Gazelle Sports Downtown
- Grand Rapids Downtown Market
- Oh, Hello Paper & Gifts
- The Aroma Labs
- Vault of Midnight
- Decaydence Vintage
& so many more!
- #1 Best College Location in Michigan (Niche, 2025)
- #1 "City on the Rise" in the U.S., where hiring is accelerating, job postings are surging, and talent migration is reshaping local economies (LinkedIn News, 2025)
- #1 Safest in Michigan (Wallet Hub, 2022)
- #1 Best to Raise a Family in the U.S. (Rocket Homes, 2022)
- #2 Remote-Ready Cities in the U.S. (Livability, 2021)
- #2 Most Beautiful and Affordable to Live in the U.S. (Travel + Leisure, 2023)
- #10 Top for Young Female Professionals (Pheabs, 2023)
- #18 Best U.S. for Starting a Career After College (Coworking Cafe, 2023)
- #20 Best to Live in America (U.S. News & World Report, 2023)
More to Explore
Visit Lake Michigan
Experience the beauty of the Great Lakes with a quick trip west to Lake Michigan, where miles of beaches and dunes await less than an hour away.Lake Michigan Information
Visit John Ball Zoo
Located less than 5 miles from the heart of campus is John Ball Zoo, one of the nation's oldest and most vital urban zoos. Visit the 2,000+ animals and 220+ species from around the world during the season and check out the Spring Lantern Festival of Lights! John Ball Zoo
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Located about 2.5 miles away from Aquinas College is Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Internationally renowned for its sculpture collection and its amphitheater for summer concerts. Featuring over 200 pieces by classic and contemporary masters, as well as its tropical conservatory, Japanese garden, Michigan farm garden, children’s garden, and other specialty habitats. Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Find your Niche
Van Andel Arena
Catch a concert, sporting event, or a family show at Grand Rapids most premier entertainment destination. Home of the Gold basketball team, the Griffins hockey team, and the Rise women's volleyball team.
Outdoor Activity
Biking, fishing, trails, parks, and sports, whatever it may be, there is something for you. There are over 100 miles of groomed mountain bike and fat bike trails here in Grand Rapids, or, if fishing is your thing, catch salmon and steelhead in the Grand River.ArtPrize
ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural festival held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan, every fall. Aquinas students, faculty, and staff have been featured in this one-of-a-kind event. Whether you're an artist, an art enthusiast, or a curious visitor, ArtPrize offers something for everyone.