Experience Grand Rapids: plan your trip with verified accessibility info!
Enjoy hotels and activities with photos and measurements for a worry-free stay.
Hotels
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Activities
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Restaurants
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Let’s plan an experience you will cherish forever!
The collaboration of Wheel the World and Grand Rapids wants to inspire people with disabilities to travel and enjoy unforgettable experiences with family and friends.
There is a world out there and our mission is to help everyone explore it without limits!
Experience Grand Rapids: a destination of discovery and inclusion
Grand Rapids welcomes visitors with world-class attractions, vibrant culture, and a commitment to accessibility. Named one of America’s 10 Best Towns to Visit by CNN and America’s Best Beer City by USA Today, it offers world-class experiences. Attractions like Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and John Ball Zoo accommodate mobility, visual, auditory, and sensory needs.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Grand River with a universal canoe/kayak launch at Riverside Park. Nearby Lake Michigan beaches offer all-terrain track chairs for access to sand, water, and trails. Recognized as a Top 10 City for People with Disabilities by WalletHub, Grand Rapids is committed to inclusion.
Discover more about Grand Rapids' accessibility initiatives here.
Getting around Grand Rapids
Some of the accessible transportation options are:
The DASH – Free downtown shuttle: operated by The Rapid and provided by the City of Grand Rapids, DASH offers a completely free and accessible way for locals and visitors to explore downtown. All buses and stops include the same accessibility features as The Rapid, ensuring a convenient and inclusive transit experience.
The Rapid: Grand Rapids’ public bus system offers reliable and accessible transportation throughout the city and surrounding areas. All buses are equipped with ramps, priority seating, and securement areas for wheelchair users, ensuring an inclusive transit experience for all.
Autonomous Vehicle Grand Rapids: operated in partnership with public and private sectors, AVGR complements the city’s DASH West bus service. Designed with accessibility in mind, it includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles to ensure inclusive transportation.
Find all the accessibility info we mapped with the destination's tourism office
Some of the accessibility features we measured include:
Room: entrance, spaces, bed and closet
Bathroom: access, interior, toilet, shower and sink
Building access, lobby, breakfast area and common spaces
Tips when traveling
Best time to visit
Grand Rapids offers four distinct seasons, each with its own charm. Spring brings blooming flowers and warming temperatures, perfect for outdoor adventures. Summer offers warm days, ideal for parks and lively festivals. Fall showcases colorful foliage and crisp air, great for hikes and orchard visits. Winter turns the city into a snowy wonderland, perfect for winter sports and cozy attractions. No matter the season, visitors will find something special to enjoy.
Climate
Grand Rapids experiences warm summers from late May to mid-September, with July highs averaging 82°F—perfect for exploring parks and enjoying outdoor festivals. Winters are cold and snowy, with January highs around 31°F, what makes it a great time for cozy indoor attractions. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and vibrant foliage, ideal for hiking and enjoying the city’s natural beauty. The best time for warm-weather activities is mid-June to early September.
Events
Grand Rapids hosts lively events year-round! In September, ArtPrize transforms downtown into an open-air gallery, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually. January brings the World of Winter Festival, America's largest winter festival, featuring art installations and live performances. In March, LaughFest offers a community-wide celebration of laughter with stand-up comedy and family-friendly events.
Recommendations
Grand Rapids offers over 200 downtown hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, all within a compact, accessible area. Art enthusiasts can explore the Grand Rapids Art Museum's collection of 5,000 artworks, including over 3,500 prints, drawings, and photographs. The city boasts more than 75 parks, so there are lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you're seeking cultural attractions or natural beauty, Grand Rapids caters to every interest.
Learn more about Grand Rapids through our blog notes
Accessible Grand Rapids: What to Do and Where to Eat
9 min read
Top Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Grand Rapids, MI
6 min read
Our Accessible Travel Experience in Grand Rapids, Michigan
6 min read
Do you have any doubts? Check these frequently asked questions.
Do you offer accessible experiences?
Your hotel, restaurant, transportation or accessible experience can be mapped and offered by Wheel the World.
