The Hopewell Native Americans occupied the Grand Rapids valley over 2,000 years ago. Ottawa Native Americans also moved into the area about 300 years ago and settled in villages along the river. The Ottawa Tribe traded fur pelts for textile goods and European metal when the British and French arrived in the area.
Baptist minister Isaac Macquarie arrived in Grand Rapids in 1825, and Detroit-born Louis Campau established a trading post in 1826. Campau became the most important settler by 1835 when he bought what is now the Grand Rapids downtown business district from the federal government for $90. In 1838, Grand Rapids was incorporated as a village and later a city in 1850.
Commercial gypsum mining operations in Grand Rapids began in 1841 and made the area the largest plaster seller in the world. The gypsum mines became what is now Millennium Park and the Mines Golf Club. The area also played a major role in the wood furniture industry. This evolution led to the emergence of 44 furniture companies and the city being referred to as "America’s Furniture City."
Presently, Grand Rapids is a popular tourist destination offering access to state parks, national parks, beaches, and landmarks. Tourists can enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. Three hundred miles of sunny shorelines give easy access to 22 beaches along Lake Michigan, which is a great place for sunbathing and picnicking. If you prefer hiking, head to the dunes at PJ Hoffmaster Park, which will also reward you with a scenic view. Anyone seeking a day out kayaking should consider visiting Millennium Park located along the Grand River. It is the largest urban park in Grand Rapids and offers rental kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and paddle boats.
The Emberlight Festival takes place in August. Visitors can witness world-class art within the natural beauty of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula.
Each June, the Festival of the Arts brings thousands of people together to celebrate visual art, dance, music, film, literature, and other art forms.
The U.P. Fall Beer Festival is held every September at the scenic Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Over 600 locally crafted beers are served.
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum and outdoor sculpture park located on the eastern border of Grand Rapids. Visitors can take a tram ride through the gardens or enjoy numerous concerts throughout the year at the amphitheater.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is located in downtown Grand Rapids and is the world's first LEED Gold-certified art museum. The 125,000-square-foot building holds a wide variety of collections ranging from Renaissance to modern art. Make sure to check the event calendar to see what unique exhibits are on display when you are visiting as this schedule changes throughout the year.
John Ball Zoo is an urban park located in the southwestern part of Grand Rapids. Daily programs feature animal training and feeding. Visitors can take guided tours or stroll through the grounds at their own pace while viewing animals from the Americas, Africa and Australia
At RVshare, you will find several options that are perfect for your adventure in Grand Rapids, MI, no matter if you are looking for a quick getaway to a local campground or want to go on a road trip to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Ride in luxury in a Class A RV as you travel through the Huron-Manistee National Forest, or hop in a Class B campervan, and head down the coast to Indiana Dunes National Park to hike its 50 miles of trails.
Additionally, a Class C camper is the perfect solution if you are looking to explore areas of Grand Rapids that are in an urban environment, such as the John Ball Zoo or Grand Rapids Art Museum. This smaller vehicle offers better handling and maneuverability through congested traffic.
If you are looking to enjoy the countless hiking trails and outdoor winter activities at Muskegon State Park, a large Class A RV would be a great option as this will give you ample room to relax at the end of the day. These RVs can sleep up to eight people and offer the most amenities of all the RV types, making your stay in the wilderness more luxurious than you would have ever imagined. From Grand Rapids, you can take scenic road trips to locations like Mackinaw City, Michigan; Rolla, Missouri; and Billings, Montana.
When renting an RV in Grand Rapids, Michigan you can expect to pay around $240 a night for motorhomes and $115 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Grand Rapids, MI RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers Up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Grand Rapids, MI RV rental?Check your RV listing and ask the owner about what is included with your RV rental. Every rental may not have the same inclusions.
Can I have my Grand Rapids, MI RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery. They will drop the RV off and some will even set it up for you at the campsite. Check the listing or ask the owner to see if this service will be offered and its associated cost.