Grand Rapids Travel Updates & Openings

Updated:9/3/2020

The Experience Grand Rapids team is proud to call this community home – and not just because of our world-class art, culinary, craft beverage and outdoor recreation scenes. We also appreciate our people, who sacrificed much to help Michigan “flatten the COVID-19 curve” and pave the way for reopening the state economy.

Michigan’s governor has now lifted her stay-at-home order for the entire state, allowing most businesses to resume operations. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Grand Rapids and Kent County, with a reminder that these state rules are in effect:

Masks are required in all enclosed public spaces. Any business can refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear face coverings. See more details below about face masks.

Social distancing of at least six feet is required both indoors and out. (Members of the same household are exempt from this requirement).

Indoor gatherings are restricted to 10 people maximum, outdoor gatherings are restricted to 100 people or less. Social distancing applies in all cases.

Barber shops, hair salons, spas, tattoo shops, nail salons are allowed to open with reduced capacity.

Gyms and indoor pools will be allowed to open beginning September 9 at reduced capacity.

Indoor theaters and bowling alleys in our region are still closed.

Face Masks & Coverings Required

To combat the spread of Covid-19 in Michigan, face coverings are required: 1) in all indoor public spaces, 2) in outdoor spaces where you cannot stay at least six feet away from people not in your household, and 3) when waiting for or riding on public transportation (including ride-sharing vehicles). Businesses must refuse entry to those not wearing a face covering, or they risk losing their license. Individuals may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $500 for violating the order.

You do not have to wear a face covering when eating or drinking while seated at a restaurant. Children under five years old and those who can’t medically tolerate a face covering are also exempt from the order. Seven additional exceptions are listed in the Michigan Executive Order.

This order applies to all Grand Rapids-area restaurants, retail shops, tourist attractions and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Visitors to attractions with outdoor areas such as John Ball Zoo and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will need masks at admissions and should keep their masks handy in case they encounter a crowded spot outside.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Grand Rapids safe!

Please scroll down to read what’s happening in different sectors of the visitor economy. Not all businesses are opening all at once – many are still in the process of implementing health and safety protocols to help protect customers and employees. Be sure to call ahead or check Facebook to confirm hours of operation and other details.

We’ll update this page to reflect new updates, so check back often.