Grand Rapids Magazine

06/05/2026

Look beyond Ludington’s beaches to discover historic ships, world-class fishing, local wineries, maritime heritage, and unforgettable Lake Michigan experiences around every corner.

This sponsored article is brought to you by Pure Ludington.

Look beyond Ludington’s beaches to discover historic ships, world-class fishing, local wineries, maritime heritage, and unforgettable Lake Michigan experiences around every corner.

06/02/2026

Growing up in West Michigan, it’s hard to imagine a summer without water. Some of my favorite warm-weather memories involve drifting down a river with friends, spending long afternoons at state park beaches, or puttering around the lake on a pontoon at my family’s cottage.⁠
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In a place known as the “Great Lakes State,” water is never far away. Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and boasts more than 3,200 miles of fresh-water coastline-plus thousands of inland lakes and rivers waiting to be explored.⁠
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Some might assume getting on the water requires owning a boat or hauling gear north for the weekend. But within an hour of downtown Grand Rapids, it’s surprisingly easy to rent a paddleboard for the afternoon, drift down a river with friends, or even try surfing Lake Michigan waves.⁠
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🔗 Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/look-feel/experience-1/no-boat-required/
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Writer: Kelsey Dunneback⁠
EIC: Lisa Enos

06/01/2026

Michigan’s west coast is having a travel moment. In its 2026 Summer Travel Trend Report, Airbnb named Michigan one of the summer’s top destinations, citing rising demand for lakefront stays, golf getaways, and affordable hidden gems like Saugatuck. Read the full Airbnb report HERE.⁠
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As travelers seek more authentic, experience-driven vacations closer to home, Michigan’s Art Coast continues to shine with its mix of small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and standout hospitality. Here are six West Michigan inns and B&Bs helping define the destination — from historic Victorian homes to modern lakeside retreats.⁠
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🔗 Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/travel-2/six-spectacular-michigan-art-coast-bbs/
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Writer: Kathie Sutin⁠
EIC: Lisa Enos⁠
Park House Inn courtesy photo.

05/31/2026

Grand Rapids is about to dive deep into the mysteries of the ocean.⁠
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The Grand Rapids Public Museum will host Unseen Oceans, a traveling exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History, beginning June 20. Running through Jan. 2, 2027, the immersive exhibition explores the latest breakthroughs in ocean science and the technologies helping researchers uncover what lies beneath Earth’s vast and largely unexplored waters.⁠
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Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History is considered one of the world’s leading scientific and cultural institutions. Located in New York City, the museum includes more than 40 exhibition halls, the Rose Center for Earth and Space, the Hayden Planetarium and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Its collection includes more than 30 million specimens and objects, while its scientists and researchers continue to lead discoveries in natural history, biology and Earth science.⁠
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🔗 Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/museums-attractions/deep-dive-into-the-unknown-at-grpms-new-ocean-exhibition/

05/29/2026

Grand Rapids residents will have the opportunity to help shape the future leadership of the Grand Rapids Police Department next month as the city moves into the next phase of its search for a new police chief.⁠
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The City of Grand Rapids announced two public engagement events scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, designed to give community members the chance to meet finalists for the position and provide feedback before a final hiring decision is made.⁠
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The evening will begin with a Community Meet & Greet at 5:45 p.m. on the Calder Plaza level of City Hall, located at 300 Monroe Ave. NW. A Public Forum will follow at 7 p.m. in the Commission Chambers on the ninth floor of City Hall. The forum also will air on Comcast Channel 26 and stream live on the city’s Facebook and YouTube channels.⁠
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🔗 Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/people-places/city/city-hall-opens-the-floor-on-grs-next-police-chief/

05/29/2026

Chris Cosmos has a way of making history feel personal. His latest novel draws readers into a world shaped by olive trees, hilltop caves, shared meals, and a quiet longing for what might have been. Readers of Grand Rapids Magazine may recall our earlier conversation, “Greeking Out,” which explored his novel Young Conquerors.⁠
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Cosmos’ newest work, Island of Ghosts and Dreams, continues the story he began in his 2020 novel Once We Were Here. Together, the books tell a World War II–era tale that lingers long after the final page. Published by Simon & Schuster and hailed as “riveting” by Publishers Weekly, with a nod from Read With Jenna, Island of Ghosts and Dreams follows Maria, a woman in her early 30s who joins a ragtag band of resistance fighters on Crete during the N**i occupation. The premise promises drama, but Cosmos’ real accomplishment is how completely he inhabits Maria’s perspective and the world she fights to protect.⁠

Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/people-places/voice/local-author-brings-wartime-crete-to-life-in-new-book/
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Writer/EIC: Lisa Enos⁠
Photo: Chris Cosmos

05/28/2026

Grand Rapids residents will have two opportunities this summer to go behind the scenes of the systems that supply and treat the city’s drinking water through a pair of free, hands-on events designed to educate families about where water comes from and where it goes.⁠
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The City of Grand Rapids is hosting “Water Pool-ooza” events in late May and June, offering guided tours, interactive learning stations and direct access to water professionals working in the region’s treatment and recovery systems.⁠
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The first event, Water Pool-ooza at the Lakeshore!, will take place May 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Michigan Filtration Plant. Designed for participants ages 9 and older, the event will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how Grand Rapids drinking water is sourced, treated and protected before it reaches homes and businesses.⁠
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🔗 Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/look-feel/experience-1/water-pool-ooza-a-hands-on-event-exploring-the-citys-water-source/

05/28/2026

For dog owners looking to sharpen skills, curb chaos on the leash, or finally master a reliable “come,” the city is rolling out a budget-friendly summer lineup designed with both pets and people in mind.⁠
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The Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with A Pleasant Dog, is offering a series of free and $5 dog training classes for Summer 2026, open to both Grand Rapids residents and non-residents. Sessions will be held at parks across the city as well as at Grand Rapids’ School for Dogs, A Pleasant Dog.⁠
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“We know we have a big community of dog lovers in Grand Rapids,” said Laura Cleypool, director of the department. “Our collaboration with A Pleasant Dog provides opportunities to support dogs and their owners while promoting best practices and behaviors. We’re grateful for the chance to provide low-cost and free options to support this community and help neighbors better enjoy our parks with their pups.”⁠
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🔗 Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/people-places/city/paws-and-reflect-city-launches-5-dog-training-classes/
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EIC: Lisa Enos

05/26/2026

See the otters like never before. 🦦 New river otter habitat now open at John Ball Zoo!

Plan your visit at https://jbzoo.org/

This sponsored message is brought to you by John Ball Zoo.

Home to over 2,000 animals, John Ball Zoo offers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors of all ages. Explore & discover more about John Ball Zoo today!

05/26/2026

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Grand Rapids City Commission adopted a $786 million budget for fiscal year 2027 that aims to sustain essential services, support major community assets coming online and strategically manage financial pressures in a changing economic environment. The city’s fiscal year begins July 1, and the adopted plan aims to position Grand Rapids to enter FY2027.⁠
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In a press release circulated by Grand Rapids City Hall, it was reported that Mayor David LaGrand said the adopted plan reflects a balanced and disciplined approach for the year ahead, maintaining the city’s strong financial foundation while accounting for inflation, increased personnel costs and the phaseout of one-time federal resources. The plan, according to LaGrand, continues targeted investments across the city’s priority areas, strengthens key municipal operations and supports the long-term sustainability of community projects such as the Acrisure Amphitheater, Grand River restoration and the Amway Soccer Stadium.⁠
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🔗 Full Article: https://www.grmag.com/uncategorized/10190049/
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EIC: Lisa Enos