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Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts

Through compelling exhibitions, events, community programs, and youth development, we actively challenge both artists and audiences to new levels of dialogue, creative pursuit, reflection, and illumination. UICA initiates conversation in response to visual art, music, film, literature, dance, and performance art featuring regional, national, and international artists.

UICA presents new gallery exhibitions of contemporary artwork from regional, national and international artists throughout the year. UICA also hosts a range of events including docent-led tours, concerts, performance art, short film series, artist receptions, and gallery talks. UICA’s movie theater shows first-run independent cinema, international films, and documentaries six days a week.

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)

Explore your own creativity with the materials provided in The Studio.


Drop-in anytime during gallery hours and explore your own creativity with the materials provided in The Studio. This open-source space is the perfect destination for an afternoon or evening of creative fun with friends and family. 

Access to The Studio is free with gallery admission.

Gallery Admission
Members: Free
Adults: $5
Five and under: Free

Hours:
Tues-Sat: 12–9pm
Sun: 12–6pm
Mon: Closed
UICA is closed on University Holidays

The Studio at UICA

The Shop at UICA carries handmade home goods, art and design books, and artwork by local artists.

The Shop at UICA carries handmade home goods, art and design books, artwork by local and regional artists and designers, as well as a selection of art supplies.

Gift Memberships and Gift Cards available at the Guest Services Desk.

Interested in selling your work in The Shop at UICA?

The Shop at UICA

Enjoy stunning views of the city on The Terrace at UICA presented by BISSELL.
Open seasonally.

The Bissell Outdoor Terrace is open to guests seasonally. 

Enjoy breathtaking views of the city after you’ve visited the galleries or rent this space for your own, private event.
Learn more at uica.org/rent-UICA.

UICA thanks Bissell for their generous support of this space.

The Terrace at UICA - presented by BISSELL

The Theater at UICA shows independent, international, and documentary movies Tuesday–Sunday.

Go Underground. Experience UICA's Independent Movie Theater.

The UICA Movie Theater shows independent, international, and documentary movies in downtown Grand Rapids Tuesday–Sunday year round. Audiences can see critical favorites, festival award winners, and special one-night screenings of classic films in UICA's 195-seat theater, with a state-of-the-art, Dolby© certified movie viewing experience. Theater equipped with T-Coil.


$4 - UICA Members, $8 - Public
⟶  Gallery admission is included with your ticket.

Visit uica.org/movies to see what's playing and for details about showtimes.

UICA hosts a range of film-focused programming year-round including Open Projector Night, the Local Director series, and nations premieres of first-run films.

The Theater at UICA

UICA features multiple gallery exhibitions of work from regional, national and international artists.

Enjoy four floors of contemporary art galleries when you visit the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. UICA features multiple gallery exhibitions of work from regional, national and international artists throughout the year and hosts a range of events including concerts, performance art, artist receptions, gallery talks, an annual Holiday Artists’ Market, and other programs that nurture our creative community. 

Since its incorporation 40 years ago, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) has offered the West Michigan community innovative experiences in the latest art forms and exposure to the newest creative ideas. Today, we present programs in visual arts, film, dance, literature, performance art and music, and provide artists with studio and exhibition space, sales support, and educational opportunities all under one roof. UICA provides a forum for inclusive community dialogue, challenges stereotypes, and promotes arts and cultural awareness.

Michigan’s largest multidisciplinary contemporary arts center has grown into a custom-designed facility housing one-of-a-kind galleries, a 195-seat movie theater, a community Arts Common, and performance and event spaces. Programming has tripled since 1998, and UICA’s regional, national and international profiles have risen accordingly. 

⟶ Hours
Tues-Sat: 12–9pm
Sun: 12–6pm
Mon: Closed
UICA is closed on University Holidays

⟶ Movie Admission
Members: $4
Non-members: $8
(Gallery admission is included with a movie ticket)

⟶ Gallery Admission
Members: Free
Adults: $5
Five and under: Free


⟶ Contact
P:  (616) 454-7000
F:  (616) 459-9395
info@uica.org

⟶ Parking
The City of Grand Rapids offers one hour free parking in the Monroe Center Ramp located one block northwest of UICA. The Weston Commerce parking ramp is also a nice alternative located one block south. Metered parking is also available near the UICA. While convenient, The City of Grand Rapids' Gallery Ramp, located in the same building as UICA, is regularly full with reserved parking.

⟶ Biking
Bike racks are located on Division in front of the gift shop and inside the City parking structure off Commerce.

In 1977, a group of Grand Rapids artists formed a non-profit organization to create a venue for challenging new forms of artistic expression. A founding member of the National Association of Artist Organizations (NAAO), the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts began with an emphasis on visual arts, but programming soon expanded to include literature, music, drama, dance and film. From the start, UICA was run by volunteers and still retains a strong support base in the form of hundreds of program committee members, special events volunteers, and artists who participate in annual fundraisers such as Holiday Artists’ Market and Live Coverage.

In 1979, UICA’s first home on Front Street was demolished to make way for a parking lot for the new Gerald Ford Museum. The organization moved to an urban industrial building on Race Street, where UICA came into its own in terms of community support, funding and a higher state profile. Volunteers and artists transformed the building into galleries, studios, offices and performance space. In 1980, it won the William F. Thrall Award for excellence in architecture design from the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids. About the same time, UICA received its first grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Since, then, it has received regular funding through the MCACA and ACGGR as well as support from the National Endowment for the Arts and local foundations and corporations.

In 1991, UICA moved again when its Race Street home was torn down, and it rented a temporary facility at 88 Monroe in the central business district with the goal of finding a permanent location. Over the next seven years, a dedicated group of volunteers, aided by UICA’s one-person staff, worked tirelessly to raise $2.75 million to purchase and renovate a historic structure at 41 Sheldon Boulevard SE in downtown Grand Rapids. The organization moved to its home on Sheldon in 1998.

In 2006, UICA completed an exceptional merger with the ArtWorks organization. This growth enhanced UICA’s programming with a dynamic range of personal and workforce development programs for youth aged 14-19.

In 2011, UICA’s new facility allowed us to present an even more dynamic array of contemporary art, new media, and experimental design/architecture projects. UICA’s building at 2 Fulton West features unique galleries on four floors, a state-of-the-artmovie theatre, a 1,000 sq. ft. Youth Studio, and a 3,000 sq. ft. Art Commons. UICA is part of the mixed-use Gallery at Fulton, designed by Built Form. Taking advantage of the physical and cultural resources available to it to present the forefront of contemporary arts and culture, UICA contributes to attracting and retaining creative, urban-oriented professionals in West Michigan. Finally, UICA activates the Division Avenue corridor and offer a vibrant anchor to the emerging Avenue for the Arts.

In 2013,  UICA merged with Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. This partnership allows UICA to operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of KCAD, which lends operational and administrative support for its programs and events. UICA retains its own Directors and staff of program professionals who are responsible for curation, implementation and development.

The Galleries at UICA

UICA Exit Space Project is a dynamic experiment that connects artists with community and public spaces.

Connecting Contemporary Art with Public Spaces. Explore Grand Rapids' Outdoor Gallery.

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Michigan’s largest contemporary arts center, is host to the Exit Space Project (ESP), a dynamic experiment carried out by contemporary artists who investigate ideas, images, and conversations within public space. The first volume of the Exit Space Project featured public works and street artists from the Midwest. The second wave of the Exit Space Project highlights and continues to support local and regional artists on an on-going basis.

The essence of ESP continues to evolve into the public space on sanctioned utility boxes, bus stops, buildings, and construction sites among other venues throughout West Michigan. With respect to the somewhat indefinable genres of street art and public art, all mediums are considered in mural formats, including paint, wheat pasted prints and posters, and 3D installations. Artists are welcome to explore the variety of concepts and complexities that is street art, and the idea of it as an art movement. We do not seek to define street art, but hope to showcase all that it is and can be.

To date, UICA has raised over $80,000 to support public art in Grand Rapids, and is in the process of curating a number of public murals throughout the city. Thanks to the generous support of the Grand Rapids community, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Herman Miller Cares, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, new public murals were installed in several locations beginning summer 2015.

UICA Exit Space
2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids, MI

Retaining Wall of I-196 Exit Ramp,
North Division Street, Grand Rapids, MI

Lincoln Park Lodge,
1120 Bridge ST NW Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Ballet Co.,
341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI (see back of building from Grandville Ave. or Wealthy Ave.)

Additional locations coming soon. Visit uica.org/exit-space-project to learn more.

UICA Exit Space Project

Chicago

New York

Grand Rapids

Inspiration

Virginia

Tucson inspires a sense of freedom among all who visit. Freedom of thought and expression. Freedom to discover and explore. And the freedom to be yourself.

Tucson

Boston

Austin

UICA presents new gallery exhibitions of contemporary artwork from regional, national and international artists throughout the year. UICA also hosts a range of events including docent-led tours, concerts, performance art, short film series, artist receptions, and gallery talks. UICA’s movie theater shows first-run independent cinema, international films, and documentaries six days a week.

Experience Grand Rapids

The number of available single-tracks and trails grows each year. You don’t have to be a serious biker to enjoy our local single-tracks either. Each mountain bike trail is designed to minimally impact the local environment and to provide a really fun recreational activity for trail users at any level!

Mountain Biking in GR

Learn why Grand Rapids has become such a vibrant cycling community.

You don't have to travel far to find great mountain biking in and around Grand Rapids. There is an abundance of mountain biking options within a 20-minute drive of downtown! From family-friendly beginner riding to advanced riding for experts, there's something for everyone.

My City Bikes Grand Rapids is the official guide to beginner biking in Grand Rapids, MI. The app is where you'll find local cycling routes for sightseeing, transportation, road biking, and mountain biking in and around Grand Rapids. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.

Biking Overview

Architecture Grand Rapids

Here is a sample of Grand Rapids wonderul historic architecture.  Five buildings are within walking distance of each other, including the Art Deco Grand Rapids Trust Building, the Adams style Historic Pantlind Hotel,  the Neoclassical Civic Auditorium, Italianate Flat Iron Building, and Modern City-County Buildings.   Also don't miss the Frank Lloyd Wright Meyer May House in the Heritage Hill Historic District and the D.A. Blodgett Home for Chidren on Cherry Street and sample that neigborhood's trendy shops and restaurants.

Seven Buildings to See in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids oldest (1860) commercial building displays whimsical sculptures in the ground floor window.

The Flat Iron Building, Grand Rapids oldest commercial building,  was restored to house the legal offices of Smith Haughey Rice &Roegge.

BUILDING DETAILS: Grand Rapids is home to several classic mid-to-late-Italianate-styled buildings on Monroe Center.  The 1860 Flat Iron Building draws immediate attention because of its attractive bullnose shape and stone-trimmed rounded corner entry at Monroe Center and Ottawa NW.  Defining features include elaborate roof brackets and window trim. Varying paint shades delineate the different building sections.

The Monroe Center street level floor has always been a mixed-use space showcasing commercial wares with large plate-glass windows.  Today the window of the main floor lobby of the legal offices of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge draws the attention of passersby with two beloved sculptures - the law clerk balancing a pencil on his nose and the disapproving older partner looking on.

HISTORY:  The Flat Iron Building was constructed 1860 by Moses Vail Aldrich, a well-respected businessman and community-minded public servant who was Grand Rapids Mayor from 1868-1870.  It was built originally to house Ledyard & Aldrich, the banking enterprise of Moses Aldrich and his father-in-law William B. Ledyard.  The main level of the building has, for over one hundred and fifty years, been the home of various retail operations.  The upper floors were vacant from about 1940 until its recent restoration.

The Flat Iron-Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge

Rock out at these five downtown Grand Rapids music venues. Whether you’re in town for the night or a Grand Rapids native, you’re sure to find awesome live music all over the city. Here are just five out of 100+ suggestions for live music in the downtown area. Cover image: 20 Monroe Live.

Live Music Downtown Grand Rapids

The city’s go-to for live local music and arcade nostalgia in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

You might think that the first thing you'd notice about a bar known for live music is the stage. Think again! Before you hit the music venue at Pyramid Scheme, you'll have to go through the growing collection of pinball machines. They're not just for show either. Pyramid Scheme hosts the Grand Rapids pinball league: the first Monday and Wednesday of every month. The league was started in 2012 to give people the opportunity to play competitive pinball in Grand Rapids, all skill levels allowed.

Twilight Zone and Attack on Mars are among the classic crowd favorites. Or check out the newer Wizard of Oz pinball machine.  

The Pyramid Scheme ~ Grand Rapids, MI Photos: Drake Harper

If pinball doesn’t grab your attention, the music will. During the week, you can catch acts that just played in Detroit or Chicago and are looking for an extra gig. This means you can catch a more intimate show from a band after they just played larger venues in bigger cities.

Live music night at Pyramid Scheme. Photo from Pyramid Scheme. 

There's not a bad seat in the house here. Photo from Pyramid Scheme.

There is a huge pool of talented musicians in Grand Rapids who share the stage with many nationally touring acts as well. It's a great intimate spot to discover your next favorite artist. While Pyramid Scheme hosts live music about 4-6 days a week, don't worry if you catch them on an off day - this bar also boasts a great jukebox!

Get up close and personal with your favorite acts at Pyramid Scheme. Photo from Pyramid Scheme. 

This 420-person capacity venue is primarily standing room only. However, two raised platforms on either side of the floor means that there isn't a bad seat in the house as far as line of sight goes. With no barriers to the stage, this is the ideal spot for fans who like to get close to the action. 

The Pyramid Scheme

Field & Stream Magazine named Grand Rapids the nation’s 6th best fishing city. You can cast your line in the Grand River that runs through downtown, try your luck in dozens of outlying rivers and lakes, or charter a boat to fish the coastal waters of Lake Michigan.

Fishing GR

Grand Rapids and Kent County have plenty of lakes and rivers to fish on all year round.

A great place to start is the Grand River, which runs right through downtown Grand Rapids. You’ll find steelhead, salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout, catfish, bass and walleye in the Grand River, and it also offers the largest annual migration of steelhead in the Great Lakes region.

You’ll also find the big guys—salmon and steelhead—as well as many other species, in the Rogue River , located in nearby Rockford, and the Flat River, located in nearby Lowell. The Rogue River is also a popular waterway for fishing brown trout and rainbow trout, both of which the river is stocked with annually. The Flat River is great for catching smallmouth bass, as is the Thornapple River.

Area anglers can also catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, northern pike, channel catfish, flathead catfish, brook trout, perch, walleye, and the aggressive muskellunge in nearby rivers and lakes.

Popular local lakes include: Murray, Myers , Reeds,  Big Pine Island , Wabasis, Campau , Lime, and Lincoln .

Fishing on the "Big Lake", or Lake Michigan

If you want to fish the big lake, or Lake Michigan, take a quick trip to nearby Holland, Grand Haven or Muskegon where you can stand on the scenic piers and reel in your catch. If you’re up for adventure and want to head out farther on the big lake, there are plenty of charter boats for hire.

Where to Fish

Culture Pass GR is your ticket to explore the abundance of art and culture in Grand Rapids. With this pass, you’ll receive admission into many cultural attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts. See the best of Grand Rapids today!

Grand Rapids Culture Pass

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts builds creative community by fostering new forms of expression, promoting collaboration, and providing genuine experiences with contemporary art. UICA features gallery exhibitions of work from regional, national, and international artists throughout the year. They also host a range of dynamic events including concerts, performances, artist receptions, and gallery talks. UICA’s 195-seat film theater shows independent cinema, international films, and documentaries six days a week.

Check out a movie next time you stop by. Photo courtesy of UICA.

The UICA began as an organization founded by a group of artists in 1977 and moved into this building in 2011. Unlike many GR museums that blend the old with the new, UICA has no permanent collection-- they only host exhibitions, and artists can apply to have an exhibition here. The eclectic shows feature contemporary artists both local and international, and celebrate design as well as fine art.

Hands on at UICA. Photo courtesty of UICA.

Live performances. Photo courtesy of UICA.

All exhibits at UICA are temporary and rotating. Photo courtesy of UICA.

Though it's known for its galleries and cinema, the UICA is not just a place to look and watch. It also includes an "Art Commons" that offers art classes for kids an adults and even an open studio that visitors can use to make their own art. In addition to established artists, their exhibitions highlight work by recent graduates and emerging artists in the local area. 

In the Studio. Photo courtest of Carbon Stories UICA. 

Building community through creativity. Photo courtesy of Carbon Stories UICA.

The UICA is also part of GR's annual "ArtPrize" event which brings artists from around the world to show their newest work. For the most recent ArtPrize, UICA sponsored three public art projects in three different GR neighborhoods.

American’s Best River Town. America’s Best Mountain Biking Town. America’s 6th Best Fishing City. One of America’s Top 10 Waterfront Towns. 

The “Grand Outdoors” video series introduces you to a few of the many ways you can play, relax and have fun in the fresh, clean air of Grand Rapids and Kent County. Take a look – then come explore our outdoor offerings for yourself!

The Grand Outdoors

Get a glimpse into some of the outdoor recreation opportunities available to Grand Rapids visitors.

American’s Best River Town. America’s Best Mountain Biking Town. America’s 6th Best Fishing City. One of America’s Top 10 Waterfront Towns

A lot of people associate Grand Rapids with big-city excitement. We’ve certainly got plenty of that. But we’re also fortunate to enjoy a spectacular natural playground – one that’s earned kudos like those above from the experts at Outside, Field & Stream, and National Geographic Adventure magazines.

The “Grand Outdoors” video series introduces you to a few of the many ways you can play, relax and have fun in the fresh, clean air of Grand Rapids and Kent County. Take a look – then come explore our outdoor offerings for yourself!

Get a glimpse into some of the outdoor recreation opportunities available to Grand Rapids visitors. Meet locals who are inspiring and empowering others to boat, paddle, fish and bike the area. Learn how an already-thriving outdoor adventure scene is getting even better. Click to watch now!

The Grand Outdoors: Overview

The Bissell Outdoor Terrace, 📷 Carbon Stories

Guests enjoying a guided tour of the galleries

Guests enjoying the works on view at UICA

Dean Van Dis Photography, UICA Galleries 

VAMONDE

With a huge variety of craft beer and spirits, a burgeoning art scene and museums galore, plus outdoor markets and hip little neighborhoods, Grand Rapids is one of the coolest cities out there. So much to do and see. So much to eat and drink. So many pictures to post for a record number of likes! Plan your visit and see why Grand Rapids is truly so very grand. Cover photo credit: puremichigan via Instagram.

Instagrammable Spots in Grand Rapids

Salvaged bits of tile, glass, and other reused materials come together to create this colorful mosaic

Since 2009, ArtPrize has transformed the face of Grand Rapids while offering the largest cash prize to artists worldwide. In a dating-app style process, participating artisans match with local venues that have agreed to display their work. Then, Grand Rapids locals and visitors vote for the piece they like most. 

Bricolage is art created with available and salvaged materials, like this mosaic. Photo from joellequinn via Instagram.

Shards of tile and glass create different textures on the mosaic. Photo from mightyinthemitten via Instagram.

Whether you take a photo up close or from a distance, there's always something new and interesting found within Imagine That! Photo from elizabethleighetc via Instagram.

Light reflects off the ArtPrize award-winning mosaic. Photo from matteabee via Instagram.

Imagine That!, a mosaic created by artist, teacher, and Grand Rapids native Tracy Van Duinen, won second place in the inaugural ArtPrize competition. He received $100,000 for the honor, and in turn donated the mosaic to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, on whose building now proudly stands. With it's hidden symbolism, messages, and brightly colored tile and mirrored glass, it continues to delight children and adults alike.

Pose in front of the mosaic for a visually interesting shot. Photo from bscseniors via Instagram.

The 100-foot long mosaic is done in bricolage style. French for "Do-it-yourself," bricolage uses salvaged and broken materials to create art. Van Duinen's learned bricolage mosaic techniques during a sabbatical after winning the Golden Apple Award for teaching. His passion is community-based mural-making. 

Cover photo credit: Fellowship of the Rich via Flickr.

Imagine That! Mosaic

Searching for the most legit brunch spot, one with old school vibes and huge portions? A refined, quaint cafe with a rich history? A Turkish coffee like that summer you backpacked  Europe? Delicious dishes that meet everyone's dietary restrictions in a totally Instagrammable environment? Kitschy mugs of coffee and killer Eggs Benedict? Grand Rapids has it all and more. The hardest part is deciding which place to hit first!

Grand Rapids Brunch Spots

Breakfast and tapas bringing the flavors of Spain to Grand Rapids every day.

San Chez Bistro , a unique dining venue in Grand Rapids, offers a mix of authentic European, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisine. These flavors can certainly be found on the restaurant’s brunch menu, which includes both American style breakfast and Spanish/Cuban dishes.

Start your day off with a Cinnamon Bun Skillet. Photo from San Chez Bistro.

Come to San Chez hungry to try some top-sellers like the savory Cinnamon Pecan Roll (served warm with a cream cheese glaze), Chicken and Waffle Benedict, Shrimp and Grits, Bloody Mary Hash, Monte Cristo French Toast, or Breakfast Empanadas.

Bloody Mary Bar at San Chez Bistro. Photo from San Chez Bistro. 

Interior view. Photo from San Chez Bistro. 

Customers typically come to San Chez’s brunch for the food but stay for the Bloody Mary bar, which uses house-infused vodka, a weekend-only mimosa bar, coffee cocktails, and always-on-tap sangria.

This spot has been bringing unique Spanish flavors to Grand Rapids since the 90s. Be sure to check out their breakfast. Photo from San Chez Bistro. 

San Chez’s brunch also accommodates all palettes by offering special allergy and dietary restricted menus, including gluten-free, tree-nut, vegan, vegetarian, and soy options. 

And while there are a few unique menu items offered only on the weekends, San Chez does serve brunch from 8 AM-2 PM every day of the week

San Chez Bistro

As you walk this tour you may also encounter artistic tributes to notable figures from the city's history. The Community Legends Sculpture Project is an ongoing initiative to erect 25 bronze statues honoring people who helped shape Grand Rapids.

This is just a small sampling of dozens of significant sculptures and buildings lining downtown streets. Keep your eyes peeled on your journey!

Community Legends Sculpture Project

Grand Rapids' native fallen astronaut is honored in his hometown.

Roger B. Chaffee Sculpture:
Northwest Corner of East Fulton St and Sheldon Ave NW
11 Sheldon Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Roger B. Chaffee

Get a peek at the variety of fish and fishing experiences available here.

Gifts of the Grand: Overview

Grand Rapids is a river city – America’s Best River Town, according to Outside magazine.

Grand Rapids is a river city – America’s Best River Town, according to Outside magazine. Check out this video to explore a few of the many ways visitors can take advantage of river boating and paddling just steps away from the big city. 

Alive With Water

The soaring 1928 Art Deco skyscraper bank is decorated with sculpture carved in the Terra Cotta exterior.

Grand Rapid Trust Building/City Flats Hotel 

GRAND RAPIDS TRUST BUILDING/CITY FLATS HOTEL 

The Grand Rapids Trust Building is notable for its dramatic exterior of sculpture and Terra Cotta facade, and for its interior marble staircase leading to a restored ballroom popular for special events. 

BUILDING DETAILS:
The soaring, nearly uninterrupted, vertical lines of the Art Deco Grand Rapids Trust Building are a contrast to the Italian Renaissance details of the rounded window and entry openings that soften the building's verticality. Like many Grand Rapids buildings, this building is a hybrid of styles.  The light-colored terra cotta facade is a standout in the midst of the surrounding banks designed with stone and rich, darker red and brown shades of brick.  Though scaffolding covers the building at present, the lobby is worth seeing with its elaborate marble finishes. 

Sculptural elements and decorative motifs

The handsome and iconic Native American motifs and sculptural elements, including most notably the American Indian that shapes the corner of the building, give the building a strong historic flavor.  The sculpture was designed by Corrado Parducci, an Italian immigrant and popular Michigan architectural sculptor.   

HISTORY: Wirt Rowland, the lead designer at the Detroit firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls, had already designed the colorful and decorative Penobscot Building in Detroit when he started work on the eleven-story tower of the Grand Rapids Trust Building on Monroe Center.    The Native American details are similar to motifs decorating Rowland's Penobscot Building, named for a Native American tribe from Maine.    The interior was designed by the Wilmarth Company, a Grand Rapids firm that specialized in elegant modern commercial interiors.  Today the interior marble staircase still leads to the elegant ballroom that can be rented for special events.

Grand Rapids Trust Building &City Flats Lobby

Guest enjoying concessions 📷 Carbon Stories

Field & Stream named Grand Rapids the 6th Best Fishing City in America.

Field & Stream named Grand Rapids the 6th Best Fishing City in America, due in part to the majestic Grand River that runs through downtown. Watch this video to discover the amazing fishing opportunities available on the Grand – and how you can get in on the action.

Anglers of all experience levels can find a great amount of fish in and around the Grand Rapids area no matter what season it is.

Kent County has an abundance of flowing rivers, lakes, and ponds in scenic natural settings, and our waterways are home to dozens of species of fish, some of which are fishable throughout the year.

Whether you head out in your own boat, hire a guide, or cast your line from shore, don’t wait to get in on the Grand Rapids’ area fishing action.

Gifts of the Grand

Grand Rapids Fulton Street buildings span the city's history from 1840's Greek Revival to the new modern pavilion at the Fulton Street Farmer's Market. Enjoy gorgeous architecture, coffee, baked goods, locally sourced foods and much more on this adventure.

Nine Grand Rapids Buildings on Fulton Walking Tour

WWI aerial photographer & architect Ralph Demmon designed the pylons inscribed with war veterans' names.

DETAILS AND HISTORY: Veterans Memorial Park in the heart of downtown was established in 1833 and dedicated in 1926.  Once known as the town square, this was the site of traveling circuses and grazing cows.  The small but lovely park fronts Fulton Street, Grand Rapids main east-west artery. The memorial pillars inscribed with the names of WWI veterans were designed by a World War I aerial photographer and architect Ralph Demmon who was working for the firm of Osgood & Osgood at the time.  In 1945 citizens petitioned for new pillars to be added to honor the soldiers of  WWII.  Korean War and Vietnam War veterans were honored later.   The park contains 1.6 acres of land and is surrounded by the 1860's historic Park Congregational Church and the beautiful neoclassical Ryerson Library.  The park was recently restored and an oval reflecting pond was added.

Looking across the park to the Ransome Street Apartments and Park Congregational Church

Veteran's Memorial Park

The Grand River is home to many species, including steelhead, salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout, & more

The Grand River is home to many species, including steelhead, salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout, coho, skamania, catfish, bass and walleye. Nearby waters add bluegill, bullhead, carp, crappie, sunfish, northern pike, muskie, perch and whitefish to the list

Fish Species in GR

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing hands-on exhibits that inspire learning and encourage self-directed exploration.

Exploring at Grand Rapids Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids.

Tired of bringing your kids to places where you have to remind them not to touch anything? In addition to its grown-up attractions, GR offers an entire museum of hands-on exhibits just for kids. The Grand Rapids Children's Museum opened in the 1990s with founders who believed strongly in the value of play and hands-on learning to child development. One of its oldest and most popular exhibits is the "Kidstruction Zone," where kids can put on hard hats, play with tools, and use toy trucks to haul gravel. Other exhibits include kaleidoscopes kids can climb inside of and a kid-sized rock-climbing wall.

The museum is also known for its exterior, which features colorful murals and mosaics. A great place for selfies, it may be worth checking out even if you don't have kids with you.

Pick up a bag while you're here! Photo courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids.

Cover photo credit: Experience Grand Rapids.

Grand Rapids Children's Museum

“On any given day, the Grand River is one of the best run steelhead rivers in Michigan,” says Werkman. “It gets a fantastic run of steelhead, particularly in the spring!”

Although the initial steelhead run happens in the fall, significantly more steelhead participate in the springtime run. Whether you fish from Fish Ladder Park in downtown Grand Rapids, go out on a boat of your own or with a guide, or head up to the Rogue River, there are lots of access points. “Right in downtown Rockford there are a couple of places where you can park and then walk to the Rogue and start fishing,” Werkman explains.

If you head to the Rogue River and aren’t sure where to start, you might find success with the other anglers gathered just below the Rockford Dam. Brown trout and rainbow trout are also plentiful in the Rogue, although you’ll have better luck fishing for those upstream.

“As the water starts to warm up, you’ll also find more active smallmouth bass and northern pike,” Werkman says. Many area lakes, like Reeds, Lincoln, and Murray, also contain largemouth bass.

Thanks to Michigan’s gorgeous summers, spending time on the water is time well spent.

“Fishing becomes a little tougher in the hotter weather because the bass tend to go deeper, so it’s easier to find them if you have a boat,” explains Tom Werkman, owner guide with Werkman Outfitters , which provides specialized guide service on the Grand River and, farther north on the White River and Muskegon River.  “On the Grand River in the summer, you’ll primarily find walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike.”

If you’re fishing the inland lakes, Werkman says they might reward you with bass and possibly northern pike, as well as bluegill and perch. If you’re after bluegill in shallow water, Werkman suggests using a hook, line, and sinker with a bobber.

The Flat River in Lowell also has good public access and you can catch smallmouth bass and northern pike there during the summer months. “It’s easy to wade into it in the summer but be sure to put water shoes on. It’s pretty rocky!” warns Werkman. When you’re done, head to quaint downtown Lowell to enjoy a beer or burger.

When the air is crisp and the leaves are colorful, the migratory salmon and steelhead are plentiful in the Grand River. “We target those species of fish during the fall,” says Werkman. They’ll put up a big fight and make you work hard. “Your drag can scream and it’s not uncommon to fight a steelhead in the river for five minutes,” he says. “People come from all over the states to fish our steelhead. You could also pick up a northern pike, smallmouth bass and the occasional walleye in the fall.”

Another great option is to join the other anglers at Fish Ladder Park , where you can fish the Grand River from shore. If the river isn’t flowing too fast, some ambitious anglers wade out to cast their lines for these aggressive beauties. Just be cautious if you brave the waters–there are plenty of holes and unknown obstacles under the surface.

When you’re fishing the inland lakes in the fall, you’re also likely to find some catfish. If you have a boat, Werkman suggests trying Murray Lake. “If you know what you’re doing, you can target musky there,” he says.


Wintertime excitement is seeing a flash of chrome in the cold, dark river! During the colder months, steelhead is your primary target in the Grand River, which you can fish as long as there’s open water.

When temperatures have dropped, you’re most likely to have success if you have a boat and can go a little farther down the Grand River. However, you can still cast a line from shore at Fish Ladder Park.

Another good river to fish for steelhead during the winter is the Rogue River, again, as long as you have open water. You’ll also find brown trout still lurking there.

If you’re into ice fishing on the inland lakes, Werkman says that once you get good, solid ice, you can fish on pretty much any of them. “I typically just go near the other ice shanties,” he laughs.



Fishing by Season

JUSTINE MONTIGNY, Photographer, Ellen Rutt

Heather Day's temporary large-scale mural at UICA

Rockwell Republic  offers an eclectic brunch menu that caters to all taste buds.

Rockwell Republic  offers an eclectic brunch menu that caters to all taste buds. If you aren’t in the mood for classic breakfast foods, you can order everything from sushi to a New York strip to start your day.

Some popular menu items to look out for are the Corned Beef and Egg Sandwich, Chorizo and Potato Breakfast Tacos, and Chicken and Waffles (either traditional or spicy).

If you’re in the mood for a liquid brunch, Rockwell Republic delivers with it’s Mimosa Tray for $32 that includes a full bottle of champagne, three different juice mixers, fresh fruit, french toast sticks, tempura fried waffles, and bourbon maple syrup. 

Bloody Marys are also taken up a notch at Rockwell Republic. The restaurant’s brunch menu includes three 32-ounce “Massive Bloody Marys,” with delectable food skewered into each drink. The Americana, for example, comes loaded with a bacon cheddar burger, a pretzel roll filled with beer cheese dip, beer battered onion petals, and vegetable garnish.

Rockwell Republic also offers a Food Happy Hour menu during weekend brunch that includes a menu of $7 items, including an order of nine sushi rolls and nine other plates perfect for sharing.

Rockwell Republic

Grand Rapids is a vibrant cycling city – home to passionate riders, expert product makers and hundreds of miles of paved and natural trails. Watch to see how it all comes together to deliver exceptional experiences for street and mountain bikers.

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The Shop at UICA

2 Fulton St W Grand Rapids

Art & Theatre

Shop local. Shop handmade. Shop here.

Find hotels near this post

Related Stories

Art Around the Corner

Grand Rapids Art Museum

Detroit's Music Legacy

Grand Rapids Ballet's 2018-19 Season

Community Legends Sculpture Project

Download VAMONDE for FREE

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