Grand Rapids Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Getaways

Okay, so you find yourself in Grand Rapids, maybe even with a weekend to kill. Sure, Grand Rapids has its own breweries and art scene. But, is that you might be itching for something more? Good news then; some amazing day trips are within easy reach, promising a whole load of fresh air, captivating scenery, and memorable adventures. Forget a long vacation – these spots are close and manageable for something short, maybe even like your schedule! Each destination boasts its own unique charm, so let’s explore some of what they offer and some handy tips for something you might consider something even just a little easier. Here’s a list of spots worth planning a day out, perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers wanting to see more of West Michigan.

1. Holland, Michigan: A Touch of Dutch Delight

First off, roughly a 30-minute drive southwest of Grand Rapids you get to find Holland, Michigan, which then offers you that sort of taste of Europe without needing you to use up that passport! Windmills are common there; this location has its identity as a charming spot with strong Dutch roots, just that bit better at the sight of them and so they add a bit to this trip. Windmill Island Gardens is certainly a major attraction, showing the “De Zwaan” windmill, that really adds an extra touch with such nice views that are quite incredible too.

Holland’s downtown location is a great place to explore. Shops sell all sorts of crafts and other gift-like items that you would consider buying yourself too, or maybe get a friend one as a token. Don’t forget to check out the variety of restaurants and breweries too; all the stores are there, even those small-time establishments. So maybe this one can show you the town in style!. Take a little walk on the boardwalk, this might just prove that that sight is beautiful and calming on top of it too. If going on Lake Michigan just to the West is much too dangerous then this spot can offer great views and just a general peaceful scene. So, there is that much here that shows why it is well loved, if you ask the tourists at least.

Things to Do in Holland

• Visit Windmill Island Gardens: Go and see De Zwaan windmill, with gorgeous gardens around it to give a stunning, vibrant setting.
• Stroll Downtown Holland: Check all sorts of amazing stuff at cool boutiques and all manner of eateries.
• Relax at Holland State Park: Feel that beach calling and the pier so much.

2. Saugatuck/Douglas: Art, Beaches, and a Bit of Charm

A bit to the south of Holland sits Saugatuck and Douglas. Okay, so, together this pair brings so much. An exciting art life combined with some of Michigan’s better beaches – but is there a case that shows it is better in this region? Saugatuck especially shows art studios and galleries that are worth seeing; so it might bring inspiration. You get that coastal air on Lake Michigan too.

Oval Beach is constantly ranked very high in beach rankings; something about it draws people in. You might think that walking to the top of Mount Baldhead and that breathtaking views are something you will not soon forget! It makes for a really fun walk and gives back tenfold in terms of reward. So go and spend sometime on Butler Street, a place where so much character lives in shops and cafes that makes walking so worth it, like it being its own type of art gallery! Douglas brings more charm with more galleries and places like the farmer’s market too.

Things to Do in Saugatuck/Douglas

• Visit Oval Beach: Spend so much time there, constantly rated top beaches by national companies.
• Explore Art Galleries: Look at all those great galleries of Butler Street and nearby spaces.
• Climb Mount Baldhead: Climb those steps and just stare over Lake Michigan!

3. Grand Haven: Sun, Sand, and Pier Walks

A touch to the Northwest, somewhere on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, you will find Grand Haven – maybe with the intent on catching the sound of the iconic lighthouse. This place is almost really for that feel of a classic beach city, so if you have kids it could be for you. Their boardwalk just runs so long that you may feel like you could explore it forever with shops and treats abound that any could enjoy. The beach is almost pristine in conditions, being ideal for people wanting to feel the soft sand under foot and just getting hit in the face with the water a bit!

The Grand Haven Musical Fountain runs on the weekends to just that of amazement to people – they always put on really quite amazing shows, very dazzling really. There’s almost always things happening here like these great shops to dine at, bringing fun into walking around. The Grand Haven State Park is really the jewel with all of this bringing beauty and peace. Overall, there’s a real magic to Grand Haven that’s calling you to walk along that beach that is so calm!

Things to Do in Grand Haven

• Stroll the Boardwalk: Go down that great walkway lined so much with shops that are quirky and some so good for eats.
• Visit Grand Haven State Park: A super well-regarded place that lets folks just lay on that lake front with some golden beach.
• See the Musical Fountain: Really wonderful for something that you could never foresee, with it having times that are set on all the weekends.

4. Fenn Valley Vineyards: Wine Time!

Want something different, something so not related to those beach like ones from the Lake Michigan spot, why not go see the Fenn Valley Vineyards that is just in the way to Saugatuck. Just spend the day tasting really wonderful wines that this area makes so that this place is so beautiful on tours and a sight to behold.

The vines could seem very quite like a masterpiece by nature with great, tasting wines. See every thing they provide from those classics they supply from wines to brand something from where they get all these grapes and ways of putting the grapes in a juice bottle that looks interesting, and taste quite neat. This place is definitely one to calm and one you need to check on so don’t waste the effort in doing so sometime here!

Things to Do at Fenn Valley Vineyards

• Wine Taste: Really make the effort in finding the wide choice there!
• Get Tour Views: So many tours showing land’s best features are for something fun like seeing so much vines.
• Picnics on Land: So much fun with some cheeses and some views.

5. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Nature and Art Together

Right there just close-by that is Grand Rapids shows itself, it offers nature and arts with ease because you go on a drive somewhere a bit different just because of what this Park does. Almost it does wonders of natural garden beauty mixed with art.

Look close at everything at the park – those kinds of themed areas could feel amazing while having some fun around them. There almost all sorts of displays and some programs running to make things amazing for any kind of people like they also keep up their park looking neat and well-thought-of – really worth taking trips there!. So put on your calendar!

Things to Do at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

• Go for Tour and Walks: Walks mean things to gaze out or things to exercise so walking has the fun!
• Showcase to Young People: Shows off places with amazing look but also can be education for kids!