Southwest Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Southwest
Popular places to visit
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Let your kids run wild at the sand pits and tree house while you inspect the sculptures and floral displays in this park’s various gardens.
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
John Ball Zoo
Visit the native and exotic animals who live at John Ball Zoo during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Take a holographic tour of Ford’s White House and see a piece of the Berlin Wall in this tribute to the 38th president in the town where he was raised.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The sleek design of the modernist building reflects the gorgeous contemporary artworks within. Learn how to make art fun in the workshops and camps.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Lining the streets of this old residential area are more than 1,000 houses of 60 different designs. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece among these historic homes.
Activities
Fun Gnocchi Making Class With local Chef in Grand Rapids
Our pick of the best Southwest Hotel Deals
The Center Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
"Don’t ask for accessibility, u won’t get it! Only ten cars in parking lot but no accessibility rooms for a wheelchair user. How much sense is that? To many third party site buying out rooms!"
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Clean room. The staff was great!"
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Airport North by IHG
"Clean, quiet"
Reviewed on 10 June 2026
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
"Hot tub was perfect temperature but needed cleaning. Breakfast poor choices, most of hotel vacant. Unable to see out window (was blocked) in room."
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
"The pool was cold and the hot tub didn’t work."
Reviewed on 7 June 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
"Great experience start to finish. Front desk staff was friendly and helpful. Hotel was very clean. The pool is nice. The breakfast is the typical free hotel breakfast, make your own waffles. Dining area was clean and large. Easy parking in the back. 5 min drive to Meijer Gardens."
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Our guide on where to stay in Southwest
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.
Kentwood
Kentwood is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Woodland Mall or Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve.
Heartside
Heartside is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Van Andel Arena and Grand Rapids Art Museum while in the area.
East Grand Rapids
Visitors to East Grand Rapids like its restaurants and lake views, and Canepa Tennis Center is a sight worth a stop.
John Ball Park
While visiting John Ball Park, you might make a stop by sights like John Ball Zoo and Public Museum of Grand Rapids.
