Recreation and Leisure
There are several great parks located throughout Grand Rapids. One great park to explore is The Rosa Parks Circle. The park was created by internationally known artist, Maya Lin. Concerts are held on summer evenings and ice skate rentals are provided in the winter at this unique monument comprised of water in its frozen, liquid and vapor states. The 143-acre Blandford Nature Center offers woods, ponds and streams preserved within in a thriving city environment. Animal exhibits and trails open every day.
Just a half-hour’s drive from the city is Michigan’s West Coast region. Visitors can experience wooded parks, dune-filled parks, sandy beaches, and even the Michigan Adventure Amusement park. Lake Michigan's charming seaside villages are also just a short drive away.
Grand Rapids is home to several professional sports teams. The West Michigan Whitecaps (minor league baseball), the Grand Rapids Rampage (arena football), the Grand Rapids Griffins (hockey), and the Grand Rapids Flight (international basketball) are just a few teams that call the city home.