Built up around the Grand River, Grand Rapids is a vibrant, modern city with an industrial heritage, and was the one-time capital of furniture making in the US. Today, Grand Rapids is a busy commercial center, home to some 200,000 residents, and a popular destination amongst tourists to the area, situated just a half-hour drive from Lake Michigan.
The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a massive expanse of botany and green space, interspersed with an array of diverse and interesting sculptures from some of the world's most recognizable artists, including Rodin and Degas.
Lake Michigan is located just outside the city, and as one of the great lakes is a popular destination for visitors, and a draw to the area in its own right. Popular for water sports enthusiast, boating and fishing, the Lake is one of the region's main attractions, and one of the largest bodies of water in the country.
