By Courtney Sorrell
For those seeking a healthy variety of cultural attractions and activities, Grand Rapids is an ideal city. With the John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and more all located in the heart of downtown, there’s plenty of opportunity to learn about the history of the city, admire inspiring works of art and contribute to great causes. But with so many things to do and see, it can be difficult to develop a plan to manage it all. Thankfully, Experience Grand Rapids offers the Culture Pass GR, which is valid for three days of admission into seven Grand Rapids attractions. The pass also includes discounts at a dozen more locations. Priced at just $24, the Culture Pass GR is the perfect way to experience ample fun in GR for a minimal cost.
If the prospect of visiting seven attractions in three days seems overwhelming, don’t worry! We’re here to help with highlights from a few of the included locations.
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St. W.
Lions, tigers, a snow leopard and a wolf, oh my!
At John Ball Zoo, large mammals are crowd favorites, but the avian inhabitants are spectacular too. Flocks of pelicans and flamingos greet you at the entrance, while penguins steal the show in the aquarium. Outside, the seven chimpanzees have one of the largest habitats in the country (3.5 acres).
John Ball Zoo features many different animals to see and learn more about, including everything from red pandas to snow leopards.
The zoo is compact enough to see in an afternoon, yet offers high-quality programming and education. Keep an eye out for the awesome volunteer docents who are excited to share their animal knowledge. Set aside roughly 3 hours to see the majority of the zoo, and keep in mind that animals are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)
101 Monroe Center NW
Currently on display, Nicholas Krushenick’s “Iron Butterfly” brings high-contrast color and ‘60s-style cheer to the GRAM’s walls. Look also for Maya Lin’s grand “Flow” exhibit.
When you’re not attending via the Culture Pass GR, a generous gift from Meijer helps ensure the museum is free to visit on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. You can also take advantage of an innovative way to meld art and movement on Thursday nights with donation-based yoga. The monthly event is led by Rock Perks partner AM Yoga. For the smallest art aficionados, the museum offers Discovery Clubs, story times, sketching tours and drop-in art studios on Saturdays.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St. NW
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a school field trip favorite for a reason — there’s something for everyone! In the main hall, “Finny” the finback whale greets you with an 80-ton grin.
A perennial favorite exhibit, “Anishinabek: The People of This Place,” provides an opportunity to learn about the original inhabitants of the Grand Rapids area, including the Ottawa, Potawatomi and Chippewa. Their stories are told through hundreds of decorative arts, clothing, weapons and tools.
The wide variety of exhibits on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum mean that there's something to see for everyone.
“TOYS!” is a new interactive exhibit of toys and games to spark the spirit of play and imagination. Toys across generations — including everything from paper dolls to Hot Wheels and My Little Pony — are on display along with a 1980s-style arcade.
Some attractions have a small additional fee that’s well worth the investment. Make lifelong memories by taking a spin on the antique carousel or by marveling at a showing at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium.
Note: Photos on this page are courtesy of John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum.
