Plane tickets from Philadelphia to Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan is a bustling city with a rich and vibrant history. From its humble beginnings as a small trading post to its current status as a major city in the Great Lakes region, Grand Rapids has had many changes over the years. This article explores some of the cultural and historical highlights of this amazing city, including its ranking as one of America’s best cities for young professionals and its distinction as Beer City USA. Learn about the cozy neighborhoods, exciting nightlife, and rich history of Grand Rapids as you read on.

Getting to Know Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in the US state of Michigan, with an estimated population of 200,876 in 2019. It lies in the Eastern Time Zone, so the time is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-5). English is the primary language spoken in Grand Rapids. There is also a significant multilingual population. In 2016, 35 percent of the city’s population identified English as a second language, with the majority being Spanish, followed by others such as Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese. The US Dollar is the official currency in Grand Rapids. However, many businesses also accept the Canadian Dollar. There are also a few ATMs that dispense both currencies. All major credit cards are accepted in the city.

Climate and Weather

Grand Rapids is located in West Michigan, near the shores of Lake Michigan. The climate here is considered to be humid continental, with hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. The average temperature throughout the summer ranges from between 68 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with hot, humid days in July and August being the most common. Rainfall is usually heavy throughout this time, with thunderstorms common. The average winter temperatures range from 22 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with December and January being the coldest months. Snowfall is usually significant during this time, and it's common to get large snowstorms from December through February. The average annual precipitation in Grand Rapids is 32 inches, and mainly falls between April and October. Temperatures tend to get colder as you move further north, with Lake Michigan providing a moderating influence on the climate in the city.

Touring Grand Rapids: Airport and Transportation

There are two airports in Grand Rapids: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) located about 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, and Kent County International Airport (MKG) located about 10 miles Northeast of Grand Rapids. You can get from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to downtown Grand Rapids using the Rapid Bus #14, which costs $1.50 (less for discounted fares). The bus travels from the airport to downtown Grand Rapids in about 25 minutes. Unfortunately, there is no currency exchange at either of the Grand Rapids airports.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Grand Rapids

  1. Grand Rapids is home to a world-renowned art community, including the world-renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
  2. Grand Rapids is also home to many historical sites, such as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives.
  3. Grand Rapids is known as "Beer City USA", boasting dozens of award-winning microbreweries. The city is home to a variety of beer-theme attractions, such as Founders Brewing Co., the HopCat, and the Founders Brewing Co. Beer Garden

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