Highly Recommended

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a family-friendly destination featuring exhibits on history, culture, and science. Located along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, it offers engaging displays, a planetarium, and a historic carousel for visitors of all ages.

Family-Friendly & Educational

Western Lower Peninsula

2–3 hours

Highly Recommended

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About the Attraction

A visit to the Grand Rapids Public Museum offers a dynamic and educational experience for all ages. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Streets of Old Grand Rapids: This immersive exhibit recreates a 19th-century town, where you can walk through historic streets, offering a glimpse into the city's past with detailed shop fronts and interactive features.
Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium: The planetarium provides a range of engaging shows, from learning about constellations to exploring distant planets. The immersive visuals and surround sound make it an unforgettable journey through the stars.
1928 Spillman Carousel: Although temporarily closed for renovations until 2025, this nearly 100-year-old carousel is a beloved feature of the museum, offering nostalgic fun with a beautiful view of the river when it reopens.
Interactive Exhibits: The museum offers exhibits that span a variety of topics, including local history, science, and culture. The Finback Whale Skeleton and West Michigan Habitats exhibits are particularly popular, bringing natural history to life in engaging ways.

Whether you’re interested in history, science, or simply looking for a fun day out, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has something for everyone, making it a great destination for both kids and adults.