A New Way to Ride the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Iconic Carousel
The iconic Spillman Carousel at the Grand Rapids Public Museum has a new feature that makes it possible for more visitors to experience the nearly century-old attraction.
A Point of Pride: John Ball Zoo Earns International Recognition
There are some things about Grand Rapids that feel so familiar we can forget how unusual they are. John Ball Zoo is one of them.
Grand Rapids Public Museum Opens Its Archives to the Public
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s latest chapter is taking shape just beyond its familiar exhibition halls.
Fall Into Nature
Fall is officially on its way, and Blandford Nature Center is making it a little easier for families to get outside outside and enjoy it.
Four, Three, Two, One—Blastoff!
Ever since the U.S. put men on the moon, outer space has captured the imaginations of generations of children, inspiring make-believe missions, moon bases and spacecraft bound for distant worlds.
Bridging Ada’s past and present
Covered Bridge Park officially opened Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, giving Ada a new public space along the Thornapple River with plenty to do — and, perhaps more importantly, plenty of reasons to stick around.
There’s no place like Spark!Lab
There’s no place like Holland — especially if you’re a Wizard of Oz fan.
GRPM: Still buzzing with adventure
Families looking for one last dose of fun before the school year begins have plenty of reasons to head downtown.
Planetarium pairs stellar visuals with new listening experience
What happens when you combine a planetarium, spectacular night-sky imagery and a brand-new album?
Celebrate America’s birthday by stepping into the past
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, one West Michigan destination is marking a milestone of its own.
Otterly delicious: Zoo, distillery toast otter habitat with new drink
Long Road Distillers is marking the opening of John Ball Zoo’s expanded otter habitat with a limited-release canned cocktail inspired by the species that calls it home.
Museum spotlights famous faces, local places
Out along Ottawa Beach Road, just before the steady flow of cars reaches the shoreline, a small brick building quietly marks one of Ottawa County’s oldest stories.
Hello, riverfront! Summer starts here
A new way to experience the Grand River is arriving at the Grand Rapids Public Museum this summer.
Deep dive into the unknown at GRPM’s new ocean exhibition
Grand Rapids is about to dive deep into the mysteries of the ocean.
Where glass blooms: Chihuly returns to Meijer Gardens
At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park art and nature have always shared the spotlight.
Spring into wonder at John Ball Zoo
Zoo lovers and conservation supporters have two exciting opportunities this spring to experience magic and make a difference.
Reach for the stars at Veen Observatory
The Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association are partnering to bring the community a season of stargazing and space history.
In otter news… John Ball Zoo opens with a splash
John Ball Zoo will open for its 2026 season on Friday, March 20, welcoming visitors back with new animals, expanded exhibits and a full slate of events.
Museum brings new life to old streets
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is inviting visitors to step deeper into the city’s past with the expansion of its beloved Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit, set to open May 2026.
Spring (and syrup!) is in the air at Blandford Nature Center
For more than half a century, families in Grand Rapids have welcomed spring with a visit to Blandford Nature Center’s Sugarbush Festival, now in its 56th year.
NEWSLETTERS
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE
