Afar
This Record-Setting Paralympian Discovered How Accessible Grand Rapids Is
Anastasia Pagonis came to Grand Rapids, Michigan, with few expectations. Sensory experiences and friendly locals made her feel welcome and included.
Condé Nast TravelerOct 6
15 Best Hotels in the Midwest: Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
Condé Nast Traveler readers rate their top hotels the country's heartland.
14 hotels in this story
- Amway Grand Plaza hotelHotel
- Elsewhere
- Shinola HotelHotelDetroit, United StatesWelcome to Shinola Hotel.
- The Pfister HotelHotelMilwaukee, United StatesThis icon of a hotel, built in 1893 near the city's historic Third Ward, is home to the largest collection of Victorian…
- Le Méridien Columbus, The JosephHotelColumbus, United StatesOpened in early 2015.
- Fidelity Hotel ClevelandHotelCleveland, United StatesBest for: Business travelers, discerning couples, small families with a little one (or pet) are also warmly welcomed…
- Hewing HotelHotelMinneapolis, United StatesExperience historic charm and modern comfort at Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis featuring stylish rooms, a rooftop spa and…
- Hyatt Regency MilwaukeeHotelMilwaukee, United StatesMilwaukee is one of the US’s cities to watch, as we noted in last year’s Readers’ Choice Awards —from having a festival…
- Hotel Kansas City – The Unbound Collection by HyattHotelKansas City, United StatesA historic downtown hotel offering big-city polish with a Midwestern price tag.
- Crossroads HotelHotelKansas City, United States
- The Godfrey Detroit, Curio Collection by HiltonHotelDetroit, United States
- The Farnam, Autograph CollectionHotelOmaha, United States
- The Charmant HotelHotelLa Crosse, United States
- Hyatt Regency MinneapolisHotelMinneapolis, United States
- Ironworks Hotel IndyHotelIndianapolis, United States
Condé Nast TravelerSep 2
Planning a Fall Foliage Trip? Book These Amtrak Routes
Each journey offers scenic and convenient access to premier leaf peeping destinations in the US and Canada.
20 things in this story
- Millennium ParkPark1,500-acre park with 18 miles of treelined trails
- Blanford Nature CenterTrailNature center with walking trails through old-growth forest
- Calvin Ecosystem Preserve and Native GardensTrailPreserve with scenic trails through forests and wetlands
- Robinette’s Apple Haus and WineryRestaurantOrchard for apple picking and winery
- The Leonard at Logan HouseHotelHistoric bed and breakfast built in 1914
- Elsewhere
- California ZephyrPlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Emeryville, CA
- Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural AreaNature reserveWisconsin Dells, United StatesArea with trees, cliffs, canyons, and rock formations
- AmtrakPlaceWashington DC, United StatesRail service with routes across US and Canada
- Smoky MountainsMotelGatlinburg, United StatesArea with a fall foliage map for predictions
- Farmer’s AlmanacPlaceNew York, United StatesSee probable peak fall color dates for every US state, from early October through early November, plus top leaf-peeping…
- VermonterPlaceWashington DC, United StatesAmtrak train route from Washington DC to St. Albans, VT
- Fort Dummer State ParkTrailBattleboro, United StatesPark with hiking trails and overlooks near Battleboro
- Pere MarquettePlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Grand Rapids, MI
- Empire BuilderPlaceChicago, United StatesAmtrak train route from Chicago to Seattle
- River WalkTrailWisconsin Dells, United StatesScenic walk along the water in Wisconsin Dells
- Sundara Inn & SpaHotelWisconsin Dells, United StatesDestination spa in the Midwest with various treatments
- Lake TahoeHotelTruckee, United StatesRegion with colorful foliage and outdoor activities
- Hyatt Regency Lake TahoeHotelTruckee, United StatesResort and spa on Lake Tahoe
- DowneasterPlaceBoston, United StatesAmtrak train route from Boston to Brunswick, ME
- Peaks IslandNeighborhoodPortland, United StatesIsland in Casco Bay accessible by ferry
AfarAug 12
This Midwestern City is an Unexpected Destination for Arts, Music, and Culture
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features 16 gardens and accessible paths. But there’s more to the city that makes it a joy for all to visit. With its compact downtown and thoughtfully ...
22 things in this story
- Grand Rapids Public MuseumMuseumFeatures a restored 1928 carousel with ramp access
- Gerald R. Ford Presidential MuseumMuseumFinal resting place of President and First Lady Ford
- Grand Rapids Art MuseumMuseumHome to over 7,000 objects, including works by Warhol
- La Grande VitessePublic artworkA 42-ton, fire-engine red sculpture commissioned in 1967
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture ParkMuseumFeatures 16 gardens and over 200 sculptures
- Downtown MarketMarketMixed-use space with over 20 local food vendors
- Fish LadsRestaurantServes lobster rolls, fish and chips, and chowder
- Old World Olive Co.RestaurantOffers culinary souvenirs like olive oils
- Spice & Tea MerchantsRestaurantLocated front and center in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market , this bustling store has everything you need to embark on…
- Leo'sRestaurantKnown for standout seafood and romantic atmosphere
- MargauxRestaurantServes continental classics like crêpes Suzette
- JW Marriott Grand Rapids hotelHotelMargaux restaurant is located inside this hotel
- Lumber Baron BarBarKnown for craft cocktails, desserts, and historic ambiance
- Amway Grand Plaza hotelHotelHistoric property dating to 1913
- LunaRestaurantStylish taquería with a shining drinks menu
- San Chez BistroRestaurantServes Spanish-inspired tapas and the city's best sangria
- Max's South Seas HideawayBarTiki-themed restaurant serving creative fusion dishes
- Grey RabbitRestaurantLounge combining artisanal cocktails with local art
- DeVos Performance HallSightHosts Broadway shows and other performances
- DeVos PlaceSightMultipurpose venue with contemporary architecture
- Acrisure AmphitheaterTheatreNew riverfront venue bringing national headliners
- Van Andel ArenaSightHosts national headliners
AfarAug 12
Grand Rapids Is the Outdoor Adventure Base Camp You Didn’t Expect
From kayaking urban rivers to Lake Michigan beaches and forest trails, Grand Rapids puts Michigan’s best outdoor recreation within easy reach. In Grand Rapids, you don’t have to choose between a ...
19 things in this story
- Grand Rapids Art MuseumMuseumOffers food truck fare and live music on Thursdays
- Amway Grand PlazaHotelThe historic Amway Grand Plaza is a true destination in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
- JW Marriott Grand RapidsHotelIt was the first JW Marriott Hotel in the Midwest and is the sixth tallest building in Grand Rapids.
- Calder PlazaParkSite for festivals, live music, and selfies
- Rosa Parks CircleParkGathering place for relaxation, ice skating, and parties
- Grand RiverSightOffers riverfront recreation and scenic vistas
- Canal Street ParkParkNorth of 6th Street on Monroe Avenue NW along the Grand River, downtown…
- Sixth Street Bridge ParkSightThe Sixth St.
- Riverside ParkParkOffers kayaking on a lagoon and river frontage
- New Holland Brewing Co.'s Grand Rapids BrewpubRestaurantServes shrimp 'n' grits and cheeseburgers
- Founders Brewing Co.RestaurantHosts regular vinyl nights and live performances
- Millennium ParkParkFeatures 1,400 acres with trails and a lake
- Blandford Nature CenterParkWe are an independent 501(c)3 non-profit that does not receive support from taxes.
- Homewood Suites by HiltonHotel
- Hyatt PlaceHotel
- Elsewhere
- Holland State ParkParkHolland, United StatesProtected area with accessible playground and waterfront
- Grand Haven State ParkParkGrand Haven, United StatesThe state park encompasses 48 acres (19 ha) consisting entirely of beach sand.
- P.J. Hoffmaster State ParkParkMuskegon, United StatesFeatures grassy dunes and scenic views
- Muskegon State ParkParkMuskegon, United StatesThe park's 1,233 acres (499 ha) encompass two miles of sand beach on Lake Michigan and one mile of beach on Muskegon…