Area Information

ABOUT GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Get ready to be wowed - Grand Rapids never fails to surprise visitors with the huge variety of things to see and do here: World-renowned art, museums and historic sites for cultural vacationers. World-class golf, recreation and beaches for nature lovers. Incredible farm-to-table restaurants for foodies and wholesome "playcation" fun for families.

It's all topped off by the most vibrant downtown between Chicago and Cleveland - all the benefits of a big city with none of the hassle.

Photo Credit: Experience Grand Rapids

"EXPERIENCE GRAND RAPIDS" WEBSITE

EXPLORE AREA ATTRACTIONS

Click here to explore local area attractions with some of the local favorites listed below: https://www.experiencegr.com/things-to-do/

	Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park This 158-acre attraction features the most comprehensive outdoor sculpture collection in the Midwest, indoor and outdoor gardens, largest tropical conservatory in the state, nature trails, guided tram and five acre Children’s Garden.
	John Ball Zoo John Ball Zoo has been delighting Grand Rapids residents and visitors since 1891, when a small menagerie of animals – known as the “Ball 40” – began to be assembled on land donated by namesake John Ball, one of the city’s founding fathers. The zoo has expanded by (antelope) leaps and (tiger) bounds since then, but it still occupies its original location on the city’s historic West Side. It is one of Michigan’s most visited cultural attractions.
	Museums Few cities the size of Grand Rapids can match the depth and breadth of our museum facilities. Downtown alone contains six museums within a few blocks of each other: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum  Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives  Grand Rapids Art Museum  Grand Rapids Children's Museum  Grand Rapids Public Museum  Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts

AREA INFORMATION

	Getting Around Grand Rapids/Ground Transportation Getting around Grand Rapids is simple.  There are two free modes of transportation around Grand Rapids, The Rapid and DASH
	Shopping Grand Rapids is one of America's leading entrepreneurial cities - and it's evident in the quantity and quality of our shopping choices. Local storeowners presenting one-of-a-kind finds. Brand-name retailers offering mass-market goods. And everything in between. It's a great place to shop Click here for a local shopping guide and map
	Dining Two unique factors make Grand Rapids dining extra special: We're located in the middle of one of the world's best growing regions. And we're home to one of America's finest culinary schools. The result is an astonishing variety of fresh, farm-to-table cuisine for every taste and budget - downtown, around town and along the lakeshore. Click here for a local dining guide and map
	Weather Average temperatures in Grand Rapids in August are highs of 81 °F/27 °C and lows of 60 °F/15 °C Click here to view local weather

Travel Visa Information
United States citizens do not need a U.S. visa or passport for travel to Grand Rapids, MI.  If you are not a US citizen, you may need a visa for entry into the US. 

Once you register for the conference, you can request a letter indicating that you will be attending the conference. 

For additional information regarding visas and/or passports, please visit http://travel.state.gov/

Shuttle Service from the Airport:
Experience Grand Rapids will be providing EMC SIPI Symposium attendees complimentary (one way) airport transportation from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on the dates and times below; transportation will be by full-size motorcoach departing from the airport every hour, to take the shuttle please exit through door #2 (across from the Delta Ticket Counter).

Sunday, July 30th:  10:00AM – 8:00PM
Monday, July 31st:  10:00AM – 8:00PM

If you are traveling outside of the dates and times noted above please review alternate options noted below.
 
Ground Transportation

• Click here for all Ground Transportation available from the airport.
  • Metro Cab: Cost and Reservations
  • Rideshare: To catch your rideshare at GFIA, exit the terminal through door #2 (across from the Delta ticket counter), and go to the Rideshare Shelter on the boulevard. This is the designated pick-up/drop-off point for all rideshare vehicles.