10 Things Everyone In West Michigan Must Do

Having in born and raised here in West Michigan, you would think that you eventually run out of new things to do around here. But that's one of the best things about West Michigan; there is always something to do.

While it's nice there is always something new to do, there are a few things that everyone should experience to be able to call themselves a real West Michigander. What experiences, you ask? Well, let's get into that.

Visit ArtPrize

Of course, if you mention a definitive West Michigan experience you have to start with THE West Michigan experience: ArtPrize. Grand Rapids has become known globally for its massive city-wide art competition that takes place every other September. ArtPrize is happening NOW, so swing by GR and see some incredible art.

Attend A Whitecaps/Griffins/Rise/Gold Game

West Michigan has accumulated quite the arrangement of professional sports teams, with LMCU Ballpark being home to the West Michigan Whitecaps and Van Andel Arena housing the Grand Rapids Griffins, GR Gold, and GR Rise. The Griffins have been a staple in GR for years, having won many championships. The Gold (basketball) and the Rise (volleyball) are both relative newcomers. Each offers fun experiences to accompany their games.

Go Ice Skating At Rosa Parks Circle

Rosa Parks Circle in Downtown Grand Rapids turns into an ice skating rink every single winter that welcomes both amateurs and professionals for an afternoon of fun to good music and wonderful vibes. Check out the massive Christmas Tree and ice sculptures while sipping hot coco.

Go To A Drive In Movie Theater

The Getty Drive-In located in Muskegon, Michigan features four large screens owned by Celebration Cinema. Audio is played through car speakers via the radio. It was created in the 1940s and today it shows first-run movies (recent releases). Plus, each ticket is a double feature and as the nights get shorter the earlier the movies start. Learn where all the drive-in theaters around the state are here.

Get Stuck on the S-Curve

The most iconic section of US-131 that carries traffic north and south through downtown Grand Rapids. It is 1.2 miles long and is the biggest part of 131...which means it is an absolute nightmare during rush hour, or if you're trying to leave a big event. Being stuck on the S-Curve is a right of passage living in West Michigan.

Visit Fredrick Meijer Gardens

Having recently been voted the #1 sculpture park in the entire country, stopping by Fredrick Meijer Gardens is a no-brainer. If you live in West Michigan, you simply must stop here. Whether it be for the botanical garden, an outdoor concert, the sculpture park, or even to see the yearly butterfly exhibit, FMG is a staple of West Michigan.

Apple Orchards

Fall time in Michigan means it is apple-picking season at one of Michigan's many premier apple orchards. Whether you're picking the apples, enjoying some apple cider, or going to a corn maze, visiting one of our nationally known orchards is part of Michigan life.

Grand Haven Musical Fountain

Grand Haven has lots to offer. Home to the United States Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Festival happens every summer, the riverwalk is gorgeous, and you can't go to Grand Haven without stopping at Pronto Pup.

But perched is the Musical Fountain that offers a free 30-minute water, light, and music-filled experience that will leave everyone in awe. The Fountain started in 1962 and is still going strong.

Michigan's Adventure

Per Pure Michigan:

From the big thrills of Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk to the little thrills of Camp Snoopy and meeting Charlie Brown and Snoopy, Michigan's Adventure has the kind of fun you are looking for in a place where the fun never ends!

Tulip Time

Last but not least on this list is Holland's annual Tulip Time. Entering its 94th year, Tulip Time celebrates "tulips, Dutch heritage, and the Holland Community". The 8-day festival features over 6 million tulips and is visited by millions of people every year. Seeing and smelling this festival is a must.

Did we miss any experiences? Let us know.