Our Accessible Travel Experience in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Erika and Stefanie, two travelers to Grand Rapids, share their experience in this accessible city full of fun and exciting adventures.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, might not have been on our list of must-visit destinations before this trip, but after spending time exploring its accessible outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and vibrant food scene, we can confidently say it’s a place worth visiting.

From adaptive kayaking on the Grand River to hand-cycling through scenic trails, Grand Rapids proved to be an inclusive and welcoming city for travelers with disabilities.

Exploring Grand Rapids with Wheel the World

Traveling with a disability comes with challenges—planning is essential, and even with research, accessibility can sometimes be unpredictable. That’s why traveling with Wheel the World was such a relief.

“My favorite part about traveling with Wheel the World is all the research they do for you. Having staff there to assist, like when I needed a lower bed, made such a difference. It’s those little things that help bring peace of mind and make the trip more enjoyable,” said Erika.

Stefanie  echoed this sentiment: “Traveling with Wheel the World takes all the guesswork out of planning. You can just relax and know everything is taken care of. It lets you focus on having fun rather than worrying about accessibility.”

A City That Exceeded Our Expectations

Adaptive Kayaking on the Grand River

For Erika, adaptive kayaking was a completely new experience—and a bit nerve-wracking at first. “I had never kayaked before, much less done adaptive kayaking, so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to do it. But it ended up being so much fun! The setup made it easy to get in, and I felt totally safe the entire time. I conquered the Grand River!”

Stefanie also loved this activity, describing it as an energizing way to start the day: “The fresh air, the peaceful water, and the accessible launch made it a stress-free experience. I would do this all the time if I lived here.”

Hand Cycling at Millennium Park

Exploring Millennium Park on adaptive hand cycles was another highlight of the trip. The paved trails wound through beautiful fall foliage, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

“It was a bit challenging at first, but once I got going, it was so worth it,” said Erika. “The golden leaves falling all around us looked like something straight out of a movie.”

Stefanie agreed: “This was such a fun way to experience the outdoors. It was active, scenic, and just felt freeing.”

A Night to Remember at the Griffins Hockey Game

One of the most unexpected highlights of the trip? Attending a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game—and for Erika, being featured on the Jumbotron!

“I had never been to a hockey game before, and the energy in the arena was insane. Seeing my face on the Jumbotron was a first!” she said.

Even for non-hockey fans, the experience was electric: “The whole atmosphere was contagious. It didn’t matter if you were a die-hard fan or new to the sport, everyone was just having a great time,” said Erika.

Accessible Cultural Attractions

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Stefanie was especially impressed by the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a massive outdoor space filled with art and nature.

“I loved taking the tram through the gardens—it made it easy to see everything without having to wheel around the whole park. The sculptures were incredible, and I can see why this place is such a favorite for both visitors and locals.”

Grand Rapids Art Museum & the Alexander McQueen Exhibit

Another cultural stop was the Grand Rapids Art Museum, where Stefanie was excited to see a unique exhibit on legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

“I’ve always loved visiting art museums, but this was something really different. The fashion on display was stunning, and the building itself was beautiful.”

A Surprisingly Accessible Outdoor Destination

One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was how accessible Grand Rapids was for outdoor activities—something that’s not always the case in nature-focused destinations.

“Normally, when you think of outdoor adventures, you picture rough terrain and dirt paths. But Grand Rapids had so many options that were completely accessible, from hand-cycling trails to adaptive kayaking,” said Erika.

The ability to experience these activities without barriers made the trip even more memorable.

“It’s amazing to be able to just enjoy nature without worrying about whether or not the experience is truly accessible,” Stefanie added.

Grand Rapids is Known for Great Beer and Fun!

Founders Brewing Company

Erika loved visiting Founders Brewing Company, one of Grand Rapids’ most well-known breweries.

“I didn’t expect to love the beer here, but the staff was amazing at helping me find something I’d enjoy. They had such a wide selection, from sours to ciders to dark ales. Everything was accessible, from the elevators to the large restrooms, and the food was fantastic. 10/10 experience!”

A Fun, Impromptu Karaoke Night

Not every great moment of the trip was planned—some of the best memories came from unexpected experiences, like a spontaneous karaoke night.

“It was one of those nights where you just go with the flow, and it ends up being perfect. Singing with a group of strangers, enjoying good food, and just living in the moment—it was such a fun way to end the day,” said Erika.

The Best Part About Traveling? Experiencing It Together

For Erika and Stefanie, traveling together made the trip even more special.

“The best part of traveling with Stefanie is that we push each other to do things we might not have done alone. We make each other braver, and I always feel safe and confident with her,” Erika said.

Stefanie agreed: “I think we just complement each other so well. Some people are hard to travel with, but for us, it’s easy. We’re always down for an adventure, and we have the best time together.”

Why You Should Travel to Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids might not have been a place we initially thought about visiting, but this trip proved it’s an incredible destination for travelers with disabilities.

Between the accessible outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and welcoming community, the city made us feel included and empowered to experience everything it has to offer.

“For anyone with a disability who’s hesitant to travel, just go for it. Time doesn’t wait, and the experiences you have now are worth it. The worst that happens is you don’t do it again, but at least you can say you tried,” said Erika.

Stefanie echoed the sentiment: “Traveling is the best way to learn more about yourself and the world. Even if you have to adapt, it’s always worth it.”

Plan Your Accessible Grand Rapids Adventure

Grand Rapids exceeded our expectations when it came to accessibility, adventure, and community. If you’re looking for a destination that blends nature, culture, and fun with inclusive experiences, this city should definitely be on your radar.

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