Southwest Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Let your kids run wild at the sand pits and tree house while you inspect the sculptures and floral displays in this park’s various gardens.
John Ball Zoo
Visit the native and exotic animals who live at John Ball Zoo during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Take a holographic tour of Ford’s White House and see a piece of the Berlin Wall in this tribute to the 38th president in the town where he was raised.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The sleek design of the modernist building reflects the gorgeous contemporary artworks within. Learn how to make art fun in the workshops and camps.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Lining the streets of this old residential area are more than 1,000 houses of 60 different designs. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece among these historic homes.
Our pick of the best Southwest Hotel Deals
The Center Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
"We booked a hotel with a pool, hot tub, and a bar. Having those 3 amenities were the main reasons we selected this hotel. The bar was not open either night we were there. That made it very inconvenient for us. The pool area was dirty and only one jet worked in the entire hot tub. Then in our room ..."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
"Clean Hotel and friendly staff"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
"No hot breakfast, they closed the bre"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
"Convenient location and staff were welcoming."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Holiday Inn Express Grand Rapids Airport North by IHG
"The hotel was very clean and well kept."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Everything was great!"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest
Roosevelt Park
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Roosevelt Park and surrounding area, you can visit Downtown Market and Van Andel Arena.
Heartside
Heartside is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Van Andel Arena and Grand Rapids Children's Museum while in the area.
Black Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Black Hills and surrounding area, you can visit John Ball Zoo and Downtown Market.
Heritage Hill
While visiting Heritage Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Hill Historic District and Voigt House Victorian Museum.
Garfield Park
Garfield Park might not have many top sights, but Downtown Market and Van Andel Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.
