The city of Grand Rapids, MI is thriving and well-known for many things, including its craft beer scene, beautiful parks, and dynamic cultural environment. For those who love nature, history, or delicious food, this RV itinerary will take you to the top attractions so you can have an unforgettable two days in Grand Rapids.
Vacationing in style and comfort with all the necessities close at hand is possible when you rent a recreational vehicle for your Grand Rapids itinerary. In addition to providing a comfortable home-on-wheels, an RV allows you to see a wide variety of sights at your leisure, so you can make the most of your two-day vacation without having to constantly repack.
Search RV rentals in the Grand Rapids area.
Preparing for Your Grand Rapids RV Trip
Renting an RV in Grand Rapids opens up a world of possibilities, from spacious and convenient drivable motorhomes to smaller and more maneuverable towable trailers. You can improve your vacation experience with each option’s distinct features. Even first-time RVers can confidently begin an RV journey by booking an RV through RVshare, where you can easily locate and choose the perfect RV for your needs.
Use these helpful tools to reserve your RV with confidence and start planning your journey:
• How to Rent an RV or Motorhome for the First Time
• A Parent’s Guide to RV Travel With Young Kids
• The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Michigan
Once you get your RV booked, you’ll need to find and reserve a campsite. The Woodchip Campground has full hookups and a family-centered atmosphere, while the picturesque Steamboat Park Campground is closer to downtown and offers beautiful river views. For those seeking a more rural experience, you’ll find it at Hungry Horse Campground, which offers a tranquil, forested location along with modern conveniences. Making an early reservation at your campsite guarantees a cozy and easily accessible spot to unwind after a day of city exploration.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Grand Rapids.
Day 1: Beginning Your Exploration of Grand Rapids
Morning: Sunrise and Serenity at Fish Ladder Park
The tranquil and beautiful location of Fish Ladder Park, where you can see fish navigating the unusual fish ladder, makes it an ideal spot to begin your two-day RV excursion in Grand Rapids. As you unwind and take in the serene riverfront scenery, which highlights the local engineering brilliance, it’s the perfect place to set the tone for the day’s adventures. Opening at 6 a.m., Fish Ladder Park gives you the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Grand River during June and July, when the sun rises early.
Lunch: Relax and Refuel
Indulge in a delightful lunch at The Mitten Brewing Company while you explore Grand Rapids by RV. The restaurant has a laid-back vibe and serves unusual, tasty homemade pizzas and sandwiches. Its handy downtown location, warm, vintage decor, and selection of local beers make it an ideal stopover for hungry travelers.
Afternoon: The Perfect Afternoon Retreat
Millennium Park’s large green spaces and magnificent shoreline make it the ideal place to spend an afternoon relaxing and enjoying outdoor activities. Walking paths, picnic spaces, and recreational facilities abound in the park, making it the perfect place to spend a few hours. You can enjoy beautiful views of the lake and the park’s natural surroundings as you stroll the 3.5-mile Millennium Park Trail, which winds its way around the lake.
Setting Up Camp:
First things first when checking into an RV campground: stop by the office to register, get your site assignment, and pick up any maps or other information you might need. After finding a suitable spot, hook up your RV to the water, power, and sewer systems. You can also install extras like awnings and patio furniture at this stage. Before you settle in, make sure your site is stable and level. A few parks even go so far as to bring RVs straight to campsites, so you can pull in and start having fun right away.
Dinner: Campfire Dinner or Farm-to-Table
After you’ve got your campsite all set up, nothing beats a hearty supper cooked over a campfire. Some creative ideas for a campfire meal include nachos in a foil packet, pizza cooked over an open flame, kebabs made with grilled vegetables, or bananas paired with s’mores. An interesting change of pace from regular campfire meals would be to eat at The Sovengard, a Grand Rapids restaurant famous for farm-to-table food and creative menu items served in a warm, inviting setting.
Day 2: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Morning: Discovering Local Cultural Treasures
As you begin your day, make sure to stop by the Grand Rapids Public Library. This architectural marvel and cultural center will provide you with a one-of-a-kind look into the city’s literary landscape. Spend a peaceful morning perusing its displays and artifacts as you wander around its quaint rooms. Be sure to view the historical exhibits and art installations that showcase the library’s importance to the neighborhood.
Lunch: Savoring Creative Local Flavors
If you’re looking for a hidden gem with an innovative menu and a dedication to using ingredients from the area, have lunch at The Green Well. It’s here that you can indulge in a delectable “Green Well Burger” or a refreshing beet and goat cheese salad while you unwind in a serene, environmentally conscious atmosphere. Locals and tourists alike love this restaurant because of its commitment to sustainability and its use of fresh flavors.
Afternoon: Experiencing Architectural Elegance
Spend your afternoon with a tour of the Meyer May House, a historic monument and architectural treasure that offers guided tours to showcase its stunning Frank Lloyd Wright design. The magnificent renovation and breathtaking interiors of the house offer a fascinating look into American architecture from the early 20th century. Aside from being a visually stunning way to conclude the afternoon, this one-of-a-kind experience is also informative.
Evening: Immersing in Contemporary Art
Indulge in an evening of discovery at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and see exhibitions and installations that will push your thinking to the next level. You’ll enjoy a dynamic cultural experience thanks to its dynamic and ever-changing showcase of modern art. Its interesting courses and activities provide fresh perspectives on the regional art scene.
Day 3 and Beyond in Grand Rapids
A lot of people spending two days in Grand Rapids choose to extend their stay, and for good reason: there’s so much to do!
If you decide to stay longer, consider hitting up some of these best local attractions:
• The 300-acre Calvin University Ecosystem Preserve is another hidden treasure that’s home to a variety of ecosystems, from forests and marshes to prairies and more. This serene outdoor retreat is ideal for visitors who want to take in the scenery on foot while also seeing some of the local fauna.
• Young visitors can learn through play at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, which features interactive exhibits and spaces for imaginative play. It’s the perfect vacation spot for families thanks to its wealth of educational and creative opportunities.
• Experience the life and legacy of the 38th President of the United States via meticulous exhibitions, personal artifacts, and historical documents at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum. The museum provides an in-depth examination of Ford’s presidency and the impact he had on the United States.
Winter Activities
Ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle and trail hiking in the snow at Blandford Nature Center are just two of the many wintertime activities available in Grand Rapids. These events offer a lively and festive way to celebrate the season while taking in the sights and sounds of winter.
Indoor Activities
There are many indoor things to do in Grand Rapids to pass the time, such as visiting the Grand Rapids Public Museum and its interesting exhibitions or going to a concert by the Grand Rapids Symphony. Whatever the weather throws at your RV, these indoor options will keep you warm and entertained with cultural activities.
As you wrap up your Grand Rapids itinerary, you’ll have discovered a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and outdoor fun that makes this city truly special. This city offers a wide variety of possibilities to ensure that your RV journey is unforgettable, from local favorites and hidden secrets to seasonal activities.
