Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city known for its vibrant food and drink culture – think Flights of Flavor and Beer City USA – but it’s also a fantastic destination for health-focused travelers. Whether it’s staying active in one of our many gardens or parks, relaxing at a luxurious spa or resort, or expanding your horizons in a cooking class or yoga retreat, you’ll find many ways to prioritize wellness in Grand Rapids.
Find peace in the landscapes of Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Scuplture Park.
Photo by Experience Grand Rapids
Immerse Yourself in Natural Beauty
One of the world's 100 most visited art museums, Frederik Meijer Gardens is a stunning 158-acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1995, it features a diverse range of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world, as well as impressive sculptures by renowned and award-winning artists. . The interplay of nature and art is both calming and inspiring, particularly in the Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, which includes an authentic Japanese teahouse, serene water features and a Zen-style garden that invites contemplation and seclusion.
St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden
Find contemplative peace and healing on this free outdoor nature trail, which illustrates the life of the venerated religious figure known for his ministry to the poor and underprivileged, and his care for nature and animals. The trail is lined with 17 bronze sculptures of St. Francis, each an opportunity to pause and reflect on your own life. The pathway is ADA wheelchair-accessible and the experience is non-denominational, welcoming all people of peace, love and kindness.
Blandford Nature Center
This 264-acre oasis of nature in the city includes a Farm Garden, complete with goats and sheep, as well as eight miles of trails through unspoiled woods and meadows. It’s a perfect place to decompress and breathe in the beauty of creation. Keep your eyes peeled for deer and birds along the way and see some of the Center’s Wildlife Ambassadors from a boardwalk portion of the trail.
Downtown Grand Rapids has a vibrant cityscape perfect for a self-guided walking tour.
Photo by Dorelle Brock for Experience GR
Get Moving
Downtown Walking Tour
With a downtown that is both fun-filled and incredibly compact, it’s no wonder Grand Rapids has been named one of the most walkable cities in America. With museums, shopping, hotels, and over 200 restaurants and breweries all just steps away from one another, visitors are invited to plan a self-guided walking tour of the city or follow one of our specialized pre-planned routes. Must-see stops include the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Running Tours
For groups large and small, Grand Rapids Running Tours offer a unique way to explore the vibrant city of Grand Rapids. Led by founder and “tour ambassador” Caroline Cook, Grand Rapids Running Tours showcase the area's rich history, beautiful architecture, and scenic parks. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual jogger, these tours offer both a light workout, and a myriad of fun facts about the city. Runners should arrive prepared with appropriate clothing and running shoes.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Declared the Best River Town in America by Outside Magazine and a Top 10 Beach Town by National Geographic, Grand Rapids’ many waterways draw thousands of visitors each year. If you’re seeking an aquatic adventure that is both leisurely and exciting, stand-up paddle boarding offers a perfect way to explore Grand Rapids outdoors. Flowing through the heart of downtown, the Grand River is a popular destination for both new and experienced paddlers with paddleboard rentals available from Living Water Adventures.
Outdoor Fitness Classes
The City of Grand Rapids presents a free outdoor Summer Fitness Series each year, offering cardio, dance and yoga classes at parks and public spaces across the area. Classes run for 15 weeks from May-August, and you can just drop in and participate – no registration required. In winter, you can get a workout at Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown. This public gathering space transforms into an ice rink when cold weather hits!
Take some time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate at Celeste Salon & Spa.
Photo by Dorelle Brock for Experience GR.
Open Your Mind, Refresh Your Body
The Local Epicurean
Providing a diverse selection of Michigan-sourced gourmet foods, the Local Epicurean is a dream destination for pasta lovers! In addition to sauces, oils, and of course, small-batch pastas, The Local Epicurean’s signature offerings are their cooking courses. Guests can learn century-old traditional methods and techniques for crafting fresh pasta, cheese, butter, and more from The Local Epicurean’s knowledgeable instructors. Private courses are available, for up to 40 guests, with reservation.
Wax Poetic Candle Bar
Indulge your senses and explore your creative side with a curated candle-pouring experience at Wax Poetic Candle Bar. After choosing from more than 70 scents, ranging from traditional to seasonal, guests will select a container, pour their own one-of-kind soy wax candle, and design a unique, personalized label. This memorable yet relaxing experience is perfect for parties of up to 16 guests and is open to all ages. Wax Poetic also offers premade candles, candle-making kits, and other gifts.
Spas
Looking for luxury and relaxation? Grand Rapids is home to a variety of spas offering services that range from massages and facials to body treatments and wellness classes. Our spas provide a tranquil atmosphere for guests to unwind and rejuvenate. Whether you're looking for a quick escape or a full day of indulgent pampering, Grand Rapids has a spa to suit your needs. Local favorites include in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, and Beaubien Holistic Care, known as Grand Rapids “Natural Medical Spa.”
Farmers Markets
From late spring through fall, Grand Rapids’ many farms and farmers markets are open to visitors looking to peruse fresh produce or pick their own. Shoppers can browse through stalls filled with colorful fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and unique crafts. These farms and markets are also a hub of community activity with live music, food trucks, and cooking demonstrations. has an on-site restaurant serving farm-fresh food and its own beer, wine and cider, while is a family orchard with a food counter, bakery, and handcrafted wines and ciders. Both are open year-round!
Juice Bars
Grand Rapids is home to a growing number of locally owned juice and smoothie bars catering to health-conscious visitors with a focus on fresh flavors and Michigan-sourced ingredients. Sip smoothies under the disco ball at LGBTQ-friendly Good Judy's Market & Juice Bar or try the popular “Fruition Bowl” at sister-owned Fruition GR (with locations in Ada and Uptown Grand Rapids).
The City of Grand Rapids presents a free outdoor Summer Fitness Series each year.
