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The Grand Rapids Region is located in the state of Michigan in the United States of America. The region lies to the west of Detroit but doesn't include any of the lands in the state's northwestern half (on the other side of Lake Michigan). The destination derives its name from the city of Grand Rapids, which is the second-largest city in Michigan. Grand Rapids was once known as the "Furniture City."[1] The territory is surrounded by two of the Great Lakes, namely Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Other moderately-sized cities in the area are Lansing, Saginaw, and Muskegon. The climate in the Grand Rapids Region ranges from averages of 23 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter (January and February, primarily) and 72 degrees from June to September. Snowfall is a common occurrence in the winter. Grand Rapids is known for attractions such as Centerpointe Mall, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, and the John Ball Zoological Garden.[4]
Of the various cities that fall within the destination, Grand Rapids is the largest and has the broadest range of attractions. The number of visitors to the town is highest in February and in August. The winter travelers are most likely drawn to the snow-related activities that are possible due to the high amount of snowfall in the area. Skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing are all possible things to do. Warm-weather travelers will likely find the chill to be uncomfortable.[2]
The Centerpointe Mall is one of the attractions in Grand Rapids. It was first established in 1992 and has enough space to accommodate 40 different stores and 9 anchor tenants. The mall is open all days of the week with differing hours based on the day. The building acts as a center point for events like Santa's visits, business expos, and sales events.[5] Another attraction is the Grand Rapids Children's Museum (GRCM), which provides learning opportunities to children. Exhibits include things such as bubbles, the Buzzy Beeshive, mirrors/prisms, simplified ATMs and other financial devices, and Legos. The GRCM has welcomed over 1,500,000 visitors since its opening.[6]
For a more outdoor experience, tourists might turn their attention to the John Ball Zoological Garden. The zoo has over 1,100 animals, including species like wolves, grizzly bears, small primates, frogs, and turtles. One of the most unique aspects of the zoo is the zipline that runs over it, spanning about 300 feet.[7]
The economy of Grand Rapids is defined by a handful of different markets. Manufacturing has been one of the city's defining features since it gained the title "The Furniture City" in 1876. Footwear, plastics, cleaning equipment, and office products are examples of some of the things that are produced in the Grand Rapids Region. Steelcase Inc. makes its home in Grand Rapids, and the company is the world's leading manufacturer and designer of office systems.[3] The two Great Lakes that surround the Grand Rapids Region are open to activities like boating, swimming, water skiing, and more—depending on specific cities and beaches.
The climate of the Grand Rapids Region fluctuates pretty extensively over the course of any given year. From March to May, the average high temperature ranges from about 79 degrees Fahrenheit to 34 degrees. During these spring months, tourism is at its highest due to the higher number of available outdoor activities. Summer is warmer, though most people will find the temperatures to be comfortable. It is the winter in the Great Rapids Region that is more extreme compared to other destinations in the United States. The average high temperature from December to February is typically between 39 and 29 degrees. It is likely to see rainfall or snowfall during this time—on average, 6 to 7 times per month. February, in particular, is the month with the highest average snowfall, coming out to be over 8 inches for that month each year.[2]
The Grand Rapids Region covers a large portion of the southeastern half of Michigan. The region is encompassed by Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, with the inland boundary of the area, including the land up until Lansing, Michigan. For the most part, the territory is covered in fertile ground and thick foliage. Small lakes and other bodies of water are familiar sights in and around the Grand Rapids Region. Two prominent examples are the Houghton Lake and the Higgins Lake, at the center of Michigan's southwestern half. Notable geographic features include the Roscommon State Forest Area, the Atlanta State Forest Area, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There are a fair amount of hills spread throughout the Grand Rapids Region, though the elevation differences are slight enough that agriculture and construction are still possible. The Grand River is a river that runs through the city of Grand Rapids and has occasionally been the source of floods.[1]
The Grand Rapids Region is home to many animals that are common to the United States, such as squirrels, rabbits, possums, and raccoons. More unique and endangered species include the gray wolf, the Karner blue butterfly, the northern long-eared bat, and the rufa red knot. Endangered and/or threatened plant species include Pitcher's thistle, lakeside daisy, Houghton's goldenrod, and the Dwarf lake iris.[8]
The Grand Rapids Region has a population of over 1,000,000. Roughly 57% of the nearby citizens are white, with significant percentages of black and Hispanic populations as well (18% and 17%, respectively).[4] The territory was initially inhabited by the Hopewell Indians over two thousand years ago. Not much is known of their specific history, other than that they had large burial mounds. The Ottawa Indians moved into the area more recently—about 300 years ago. When the European settlers arrived, the Ottawas were prepared to trade fur pelts to them. A Baptist minister named Isaac McCoy was the first permanent European settler in the Grand Rapids Region, arriving in 1825. He was shortly followed by Louis Campau in 1826, who established himself as a notable trader and land manager. By 1838, the settlement achieved the status of "village." In subsequent decades the city expanded both geographically and in terms of its population.
For a time, Grand Rapids was world-famous for its production of furniture. Currently, Grand Rapids still has a notable influence when it comes to the production of office furniture.[3] In fact, the city was so famous for its furniture that it was nicknamed "Furniture City." Many furniture items were placed on display at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.[1] The city of Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan behind Detroit. The Grand Rapids Region has a few notable businesses, including Spectrum Health, Mercy Health/St. Mary's, Perrigo Company, and Meijer Inc.
Dunes Harbor Family Camp is located in Mears, Michigan, an unincorporated community found in Golden Township, Michigan. Golden Township is located in Oceana County, a county known for its production of asparagus.
...Read MoreHenry's Landing
Henry's Landing is a campground and RV park that is located in Scottville, Michigan, situated on the Pere Marquette River near Lake Michigan. The business offers a total of 45 units, ranging from RV spaces to tent sites. The campground has kayaks and canoes available for rent, and there is a store that sells a variety of supplies, including fishing gear, food, drinks, and some hygiene products. Guests can take advantage of the amenities that are found in the campground, including a playground, a volleyball court, a basketball court, and several games of cornhole. According to Tess, one of the owners, fishing in the river tends to be a popular activity, especially during September, as that is when the salmon run occurs. Henry's Landing is pet-friendly as long as they are kept on leashes. The campground first opened in 1974, and at the time, the owners were Jim and Freda Henry. It was later passed down to their grandson, Josh, and his wife, Tess Henry, in 2010.
...Read MoreCran-Hill Ranch is located in Rodney, Michigan. Cran-Hill Ranch is a Christian campground focused on helping youth camps and families have life-changing experiences and adventures. There are summer camps at Cran-Hill and sites available for families to enjoy a unique camping experience.
...Read MoreCoolwater Campground
The Coolwater Campground, located in the Manistee National Forest near Wellston, Michigan, offers fifty-four tent and RV sites, as well as two camper cabins for reservation. The two camper cabins have electricity and heat but no running water. One of the cabins can sleep six guests, while the other has room for four patrons. The fifty-four RV and tent sites are a mixture of water and electric, electric, or "rustic" sites. Twenty of the available sites have water and electric hookups, while there are fourteen with just electric hookups and twenty "rustic" sites with no hookups. The owner notes that all of the sites can be reserved for either tent camping or RVs, depending on what the guest is looking for. Each site is also equipped with at least one picnic table and a fire pit. Also on the grounds of the campground are a basketball court, volleyball court, and access to the Manistee National Forest.
...Read MoreWhispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Located on the outskirts of Pentwater, Michigan, Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake encompasses 12 acres of land near Lake Michigan. Currently, under the ownership of Jeff and Lisa Hoffman and Fred Manning, the property offers 90 RV and tent sites as well as 3 cabins for visitors to occupy. The owners strive to keep their guests entertained by hosting several events throughout the campground's open season and providing several on-site activities, namely horseshoes, a playground, and a community-use firepit. According to Lisa, one of the owners, one of the most popular celebrations held at Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake is Christmas in July. This event gives guests the opportunity to adorn their site with Christmas-themed decorations in a competition against other campers who choose to participate.
...Read MoreThe Salmon Run Campground, located in Grant, Michigan, has a total of 92 spaces available for guest reservation. These spaces include 2 cabins, 5 tent sites, and 85 RV sites. Each of the RV spaces has water and electricity hookups of 20 and 30 amps—with a few additional sites having 50 amps—as well as a fire pit and a picnic table. The RV spaces can be further classified as either "island view" sites—spaces where patrons have direct access to the Muskegon River—or "river view" sites, which have views of the river but not direct access. Melinda, one of the owners of the property, reports that generally, the island view lots are the most popular among visitors. Also found on the grounds of the campground is a camp store that sells snacks, drinks, slushies, ice cream, water shoes, waterproof phone cases, and other similar items. There is also a pool, arcade, and volleyball court.
...Read MoreFinn Road Campground and Boat Launch
Located south of Lake Huron, Finn Road Campground and Boat Launch is an RV park in Essexville, Michigan, owned by Hampton Township. The campground has 57 back-in RV sites with full hookups, cement pads, a grass plot, picnic tables, and fire pits. Additionally, the park features a bathhouse, an office, a rentable pavilion, and a playground. One of Finn Road Campground's most prominent attractions is Lake Huron, which the manager says is a common location to fish for walleye. For those who take an interest in lake recreation, a boat launch that extends into Lake Huron is located directly north of the RV sites. Other attractions include the U.S.S. Edson, Bay City, and a golf course down the street from the campground. The property itself also hosts various activities, such as two races that are open to the public in May and September, a Halloween trick-or-treating activity, and events during the summer.
...Read MoreRussell Canoe Livery and Campground is located on the Rifle River in Omer, Michigan. The business is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, though they may allow patrons to make early or late reservations by appointment. There are 30 campsites that can be used interchangeably as RV spaces or tent spots. There are a variety of amenities that can be found across the grounds, including a convenience store, a dumping station, a laundry facility, and showers. Kayaks, canoes, and tubes can be rented to explore the Rifle River. One unique aspect of the business, according to the manager, is that they allow people to camp in April during sucker fishing season. The goal of Russell Canoe Livery and Campground is to create a safe environment for guests to enjoy the attractions in the area. Pets are allowed on the premises, and smoking is permitted outside.
...Read MoreIndian River, Michigan, is home to the Indian River Resort. In total, there are 159 accommodations available for reservations, 140 of which are dedicated to RV sites, 9 are rustic cabins, and the remaining 10 are for tent camping. Each type of unit has specific amenities, varying from picnic tables, fire pits, and a grass yard to hookups such as water and electricity. WiFi and several communal areas are available throughout the 30-acre property as well. Those who brought pets with them can utilize the on-site dog run; other common areas include a volleyball pit, horseshoe pit, laundry room, and a convenience store. The store is located next to the main office where people can purchase branded merchandise and camping essentials, among other items. Indian River RV Resort is open seasonally from May 1st to September 30th.
...Read MoreSteamboat Park Campground can be located on the northern side of Jenison, Michigan, right on the banks of the Grand River. The campground is found near downtown Grand Rapids, which has been known for being a tourist destination in Michigan. There are 65 RV sites, which line the banks of Grand Rapids, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy activities on the river without having to travel far from their temporary homes. Guests also have the opportunity to take a river cruise on the boat named The Grand Lady, which docks on the campsite grounds.
...Read MoreWild Cherry Resort is an RV resort situated on approximately 35 to 40 acres of land in Suttons Bay, Michigan. The property offers a range of accommodation options, including seasonal and daily sites. Brian, one of the owners, says that the resort prides itself on its "well-maintained" grounds and provides amenities such as water, sewer, and electric hookups. With its access to lakes, state parks, and sand dunes, Wild Cherry Resort aims to offer a "tranquil retreat," according to one of the owners. The resort operates from May to November, with the busiest period being from June 15th to Labor Day. Brian mentions that while the resort primarily caters to an older demographic, families are also welcome, with opportunities for children to explore and enjoy the natural surroundings. The owner continues to remark that the property's "claim to fame" with repeat visitors is due to them having a "quiet park."
...Read MoreLittle Eden Camp is located in the city of Onekama, Michigan. The camp is most notably designated as a Christian camp that offers not only family reservations but also youth and church groups, to name a few. On the property, there are 32 cabins, 18 hotel-style rooms, and 8 RV sites. Each type of accommodation offers different amenities, such as cabins that have kitchens and bathrooms and RV sites that have full hookups, a fire pit, and a picnic table. The camp is located next to Portage Lake, which channels into Lake Michigan. Guests are able to participate in lake activities from the property. Since 1944, the camp has been hosting patrons and is currently a year-round operation. Summer is noted by KJ, one of the managers of the park, to be the busiest season of operation for the business. KJ also reports that they have guests who have been coming to the park for over 70 years.
...Read MoreOld Pike Cottages
The Old Pike Cottages is a property located in Saugatuck, Michigan, which offers 7 cabins for guests to rent out. The cottages were originally built in 1939. When the current owners bought the cottages in 2018, they completely renovated them and added two more. The Old Pike Cottages has been open since June of 2020. It is located on Lake Kalamazoo, which is also close to Lake Michigan. Guests can take a tour of the river and Lake Michigan on the Star of Saugatuck, a paddleboat that is owned by the owners of The Old Pike Cottages. One of the things that the cottages are known for is the team that works there, who strive to help guests feel happy and relaxed.
...Read MoreLocated in northeastern Michigan, Crystal Creek Campground occupies about 35 acres of land in a rural setting. The establishment is currently under the ownership of Robert and Leslie Russell, who also own a business called Russell Canoes Livery & Campground. At Crystal Creek Campground, 120 sites are available for visitors to reserve, and a considerable number of on-site facilities, amenities, and activities are available to people over the course of their stay. In view of the property's close proximity to the Rifle River, some of the most popular activities that guests engage in are kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and tubing. Robert and Leslie hope that those staying at Crystal Creek Campground will find enjoyment on the river as well as at the campground itself.
...Read MoreVacation Station RV Park is located in Ludington, Michigan—a town on the edge of Lake Michigan. The park began in 1997, and it has been in operation ever since. There are 303 units available for patrons to reserve at the RV park, ranging from back-in and premium RV spaces to 4 rental cottages and 5 cabins. A few amenities that are available at the RV Resort include an RV and boat storage area, a fishing pond, two swimming pools, recreational activities, and access to WiFi. Additionally, events are held throughout the year, including bingo games, bike parades, and holiday parties. Overall, the staff would like guests to feel welcome and comfortable when they arrive at the resort.
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