Travel Information
Brief History
The Grand Rapids area was first settled in the 1820s by missionaries and fur traders, who generally lived in reasonable peace alongside the Ottawa tribespeople who had their settlements near the Grand River. The official founder of Grand Rapids itself was Louis Campau, who arrived in November 1826 to trade with the Indians. Yankee immigrants and others began immigrating from New York and New England in the 1830s. During the second half of the 19th century the city became a major lumbering center and the premier furniture manufacturing city of the United States. The city also became a center of Dutch immigration in the 19th century.
What to do in Grand Rapids
As Michigan's second largest city, there is no shortage of activities in the Grand Rapids area. Two recommended activities are:
For a full listing of activities see: Visit Grand Rapids Guide
.