Emmy Surface (’23)There’s so much to do in Grand Rapids. It’s small enough to get around easily but big enough that there’s always something going on. Every time I go out with my friends, we find more we want to explore.
Explore Our Beloved City Through the Eyes of a Student
Grand Rapids is one of the fastest growing Midwest cities in the United States. With annual events like ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts and more, Grand Rapids has put itself on the map in recent decades as a hub of culture and commerce. With a population of just over 200,000, it has a big city feel with hometown hospitality.
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CU is located 5 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, Mich.
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Grand Rapids is the hometown of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States.
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The population of Grand Rapids is just over 200,000 individuals.
History
Founded in 1826, Grand Rapids used to be the home of fur traders and lumberers who used the Grand River to transport their goods. Later, it became one of the top furniture manufacturers in the country and remains one of the top five to this day. Residents of Grand Rapids have made valuable contributions throughout history in the areas of commerce, aviation, information technology and health care, and the city was also the hometown of the 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford.
Things to Do in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is home to many attractions, like the Grand Rapids Art Museum, John Ball Zoo and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Around every corner, you’ll find coffee shops, restaurants and other local hotspots like the Fulton Street Farmers Market and Cannonsburg Ski Area.
Nearby Hotels and Lodging
At the heart of Grand Rapids is hospitality. The “hotel district” of Grand Rapids is recently developed and newly renovated with brand new hotel buildings right in the heart of downtown. There are also hotel and lodging options on the East Beltline within a few minutes drive of Cornerstone.