Featured image by Photo by Benjamin Klaver on Unsplash
By Shelby Slauer
West Michigan has plenty to do on the surface, but what about all the things there are to do that aren’t so easy to find? Next time you’re in the city or wanting to hit the town, check out a few of these places, which are great for friends and family alike.
Boulder Ridge
Boulder Ridge is a wild animal park home to a range of exotic animals, many that you can pet. This is a perfect activity in the summer if you have kids.
Boulder Ridge is located at 8313 Pratt Lake Ave SE, in Alto.
Alligator Sanctuary
Alligator Sanctuary is exactly how it sounds: a sanctuary full of alligators right in Grand Rapids! In addition, the sanctuary has hundreds of reptiles who have come through adoption, donation, rescue, or other institutions in order to be well taken care of.
Alligator Sanctuary is located at 1698 M-66, in Athens.
Tahquamenon State Park
Tahquamenon State Park is the second largest state park in Michigan, and is full of hikes and trails, and has a beautiful waterfall at the center. It’s definitely worth making a picnic and spending the day there!
Tahquamenon is located at 41382 West M 123, in Paradise.
Gilmore Car Museum
Gilmore Car Museum has one of the nation’s largest selections of classic and vintage cars, motorcycles and more. If you want a blast from the past, or to envy some of the best-looking cars the U.S. has had, stop by. The museum has won an award for Michigan’s #1 Destination by the USA Today’s Readers Choice Awards.
Gilmore Car Museum is located at 6865 W Hickory Road in Hickory Corners.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch
Oswald’s Bear Ranch has two dozen rescued bears viewable from platforms around 4 large enclosed habitats. The largest bear ranch in the United States, Oswald’s is a great place to see previously abused or abandoned bears in a good home.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch is located at 13814 Co Rd 407 in Newberry.
Hideout Brewing Company
Hideout Brewing Company is a prohibition-themed bar with more than 30 of the best beers in Michigan on tap. A great place to visit on a night if you have no kids around, Hideout also has seasonal beers, darts, and chess.
Hideout is located at 3113 Plaza Dr. NE in Grand Rapids.
West Michigan has such a wide assortment of activities, but check out some of these hidden gems to get started.
