What Grand Rapids’ City Flag Actually Looks Like

Grand Rapidians, we've been living a lie.

For years, most of us have believed that the official Grand Rapids, Michigan, city flag was the one we see often - a bright blue background with the yellow circle overlaid by La Grande Vitesse (aka 'The Calder Statue', aka 'That Big Red Thing'). But it turns out that isn't our official city flag at all.

Get our free mobile app

WESOWE via Amazon.com

When you think of the Grand Rapids city flag, you think of the one above, right?

What is the Official Flag of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan?

While that flag does display the official city logo (which is different from the official city seal, and that'll become important in a minute), which was designed by the same man who designed the Fish Ladder back in 1982, it's not the official flag of the city.

The official city seal (which is also on the official city flag) dates back to the birth of the city itself. It was designed 175 years ago, in 1850, by then-City Clerk Aaron Turner. (Yes, that means that Grand Rapids turns 175 years old this year.)

Getty Images

According to the City of Grand Rapids,

The seal depicts a hand reaching down from the clouds holding the scales of justice. The motto “Motu Viget,” means “strength in activity.” Centered on the seal is the American eagle protected by a shield. At the eagle’s feet are the points of arrows.

(Fun fact: 'Motu Viget' is also the name of the steel sculpture that the giant tire swing hangs from in downtown Grand Rapids.)

I'll be honest, I don't know that I've ever seen the official city flag in use anywhere in the wild (though you can purchase it on Amazon). It doesn't mean it isn't out there - maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Luckily for me, a City Commission meeting was live streaming as I was writing this, and I spotted one in the background right behind City Manager Mark Washington.

The City of Grand Rapids via YouTube

So, it appears that it does get used, but mostly in a very official capacity.

UP NEXT: Some of the Best Playgrounds You Can Find in Grand Rapids ⬇️

Personally, I prefer the symbol that we're all used to seeing, especially since it aligns with the logo that we see on things like street signs, maps, and parking structures downtown.

Some of the Best Playgrounds You Can Find in Grand Rapids

My son and I love going to playgrounds around Grand Rapids, and these are some of the best ones we've found so far.

Gallery Credit: Laura Hardy

These Music Stars Stopped at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Their Way to the Top

Intersection photographer Benjamin Howell has been sharing his photos of artists who play the intersection for almost a decade. These are some of the biggest acts who hit the stage in Grand Rapids on their way to the top.

Gallery Credit: Benjamin Howell