Outdoor Attractions in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Year-Round Arts, Music & Exercise Activities in Michigan
Sep 21, 2009
In the past, if Grand Rapids been known for anything other than notions of harsh Michigan winters, it has been known for its place in the furniture industry, cultural contributions and the artistic collections of a few notable families. But the people of Grand Rapids are opening up and sharing their rich tradition of artistic and cultural offerings. And with the addition of one of the most impressive sculpture gardens in the country, and a citywide commitment to public art, music, and cultural events, Grand Rapids has actively turned itself into a notable hub of outdoor activities, regardless of the season.
Blues on the Mall and Alexander Calder in Downtown Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids knows that it’s not enough to just slap some art downtown and hope people will come and see it. As part of their attempt to revitalize the downtown area, organizers make a concerted effort to have something special going on all the time.
At Rosa Parks Circle, (just a block off the riverfront walking area and mere steps from shops and restaurants) visitors can drop in and take advantage of the city’s summer “Blues On the Mall” series. These free open-air concerts have been going on one night each week (typically Wednesdays from 6:30PM – 9:00PM) for more than a dozen years, and are a great place to meet people and really get to know the character of the city. Check online for the most up to date schedule of performers and times.
During the winter months Rosa Parks Circle is converted into an ice skating rink, giving visitors the chance to test your twirling skills with the locals, or watch the kids take those first wobbly steps, and all within easy reach of the city’s main attractions.
For sculpture fans, Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse sits in a spacious plaza between Ottawa Ave and Monroe Ave. just south of Michigan St. This towering red metal structure is a visible symbol of the commitment to public art in the downtown corridor.
Frank Lloyd Wright and the Architectural History of Heritage Hill
A walk through the picturesque tree-lined streets of Heritage Hill (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is the perfect way to get a feel for the Grand Rapids of yesterday. With 1,300 homes dating as far back as 1848, including such treasures as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Meyer May House (at 450 Madison Ave., SE), and the Voigt House Victorian Museum (at 115 College Ave., SE).
Situated at the edge of the growing train/trolley line, Heritage Hill was “the” place to build during Grand Rapids’ formative years. The 60 architectural styles represented in this neighborhood testify to the wide range of the area’s citizenry. In its heyday Heritage Hill was home to lumber barons, teachers, judges, and legislators. Much of that same diversity is still seen in the owners of today; they are an eclectic mix of professionals, crafts and trades people, artists, singles, and families who invite visitors to stroll through this unique piece of Grand Rapids’ past.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
In a nod to Henri Moore, who preferred to have his sculptures surrounded by nature rather than architecture, department store magnate Frederik Meijer’s greatest gift to Grand Rapids is the exquisite Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Set on 125 acres of wetlands, woodlands, meadows, and botanical gardens, this stunning blend of art and nature sits just outside of downtown Grand Rapids.
Whether out and about on the grounds or exploring the central building (which includes a café, gift shop, greenhouses, and numerous small galleries and display spaces) visitors are immediately struck by the diversity of this collection, and its careful integration with nature. Much of the main building is lit through large open windows that overlook the park’s outdoor gardens and greenhouses. This has the effect of bringing nature indoors and drawing the visitor’s eye inexorably outside.
Whether strolling through the garden or taking one of the tram tours, the collection is simply stunning. Curators and landscape specialists have created intimate grottos that maximize the impact of each and every piece of sculpture. Turning a corner into a small grassy blind visitors suddenly find themselves alone with the works of Degas, Rodin, or Moore. The feeling is so intimate as to be embarrassing.
With work’s like Nina Akamu’s giant bronze horse the sculpture park has a truly unique allure for children and is a fun way to introduce even the youngest of them to “art”. Beyond this, the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden boasts swinging bridges, interactive sight, smell, and sound games, well-crafted instructional signage, and a working model of the Great Lakes in which the kid in all of us can float boats and gain an understanding of the area’s geography.
With so much to keep visitors occupied outdoors, Grand Rapids, Michigan is blessed to have not only the access to great works of art, music and architecture, but the community support necessary to sustain the city’s collection and cultural heritage. As Grand Rapids grows and continues to showcase its cultural offerings look for the city to debut new works of public art, and offer more outdoor cultural activities downtown and throughout the city.
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