Grand Rapids At a Glance

Quick Facts and Everything You Need to Know About Grand Rapids, Michigan. The city of Grand Rapids is an independent territory located in the state of Michigan, belonging to the Kent County. Grand Rapids is the 2nd largest city in Michigan and has a considerable amount of visitors annually for their heritage landmarks and local events. Because of that, we've brought together a few fun facts about the city of Grand Rapids you should know!

History & Etymology

Grand Rapids has a rich origin history from being established in 1826 during the tail end of settlement civilizations to its incorporation into the United States in 1850 and its status today as an independent town. From the festivities and events that the city holds on a regular basis, to the fantastic local diners and bars both the locals and tourists enjoy, Grand Rapids is home to a diverse populace and elaborate culture and history.

Population Statistics and Numbers on Geography

With a land area of 44.76 sq mi and a water area of 0.88 sq mi, Grand Rapids holds a total population of 201,013. Ranking 2nd in the state of Michigan and 115th in the whole United States, the city of Grand Rapids is made of a particularly varied mix of people, originating from all walks of life and backgrounds. And with GRR only a ways off from the heart of the city, it's not shocking that Gerald R. Ford International Airport sees hundreds and thousands of people coming and going into Grand Rapids every day, whether for work or pleasure.

Culture and Popular Establishments

Coming from a complex history as a city and part of the state of Michigan, Grand Rapids hosts a lot of the leading restaurants and world-renowned hotels. Go over our Top 5 lists of the city's premier dining experiences and fanciest hotel rooms for when you're in Grand Rapids. And while you're here in the area, you might as well go to some of Grand Rapids's most popular landmarks to make the most of your trip here, like the Frederik Meijer Gardens, Provin Trails, and Grand Rapids Public Museum. Whether you're an art aficionado, want to enjoy a nice day out in the park, or want to take your kids to see and learn about animals in the zoo, Grand Rapids has got the place for you!

After, if you would like to unwind and enjoy a chill night in, you can explore some of the city's most well-known bars and joints to get a little downtime and relaxation after a long day. If you time your vacation just right, you might even be able to catch one of our annual festivals and events. If you're a sports fan, you could even catch a game or two at Grand Rapids Stadium.4 Whether you come here regularly for work or are visiting on a holiday, we're sure you'll enjoy your stay at Grand Rapids.

Click here to find out the best places to visit in Grand Rapids, Michigan