Grand Rapids is making a fresh push to lure metro Detroiters west for an easy, car-friendly getaway this winter and spring - and to spotlight a wave of downtown riverfront investment debuting this year.
“I’m originally from metro Detroit and I moved here a number of years ago,” said Kate Lieto, Vice President of Marketing for Experience Grand Rapids. “I’m always surprised how many people haven’t been to Grand Rapids or don’t come here regularly. It’s a really easy drive... 2 hours and 21 minutes from where I sit to downtown Detroit. So super easy drive, quick and really a fun getaway for a weekend.”
Lieto said the city is leaning into the season with World of Winter, a downtown festival she called the largest and longest of its kind in the United States.
“We really decided a number of years ago to just embrace the cold,” she said during an appearance on Live in the D. “Our downtown authority started World of Winter. It’s the largest and longest winter festival in the United States. We’ve got over 20 large-scale art installations... really beautiful at night, really fun to walk around and explore.” The festival’s events - from walking tours to ice sculptures - are outdoors and free, she added. “We have a really large refreshment area in downtown Grand Rapids, which means that you can get a beverage from one of the participating restaurants or breweries and legally walk around with it outdoors while you experience World of Winter.”
Looking ahead, Lieto pointed visitors to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the region’s most visited attraction, about a 10- to 15-minute drive from downtown. “The butterflies are blooming - that exhibit starts March 1, and that’s included with admission,” she said.
Grand Rapids is also in the midst of “over $1 billion of river-centric investment” downtown, Lieto said, including the new Acrisure Amphitheater opening in May.
“It’s a 12,000-seat amphitheater right on the river downtown, walkable to all of the hotels, restaurants [and] breweries,” she said.
To watch the segment, click on the video above. To find out more about things to do in Grand Rapids, click this link.