7th Annual Best of the West: Attractions

West Michigan has no shortage of great attractions. 

From fowling to bowling, nature centers and cat cafes, there are tons of great activities around town. That includes the big boys that draw people from miles away, like the world-class Frederik Meijer Gardens, the professional Grand Rapids Ballet, and the beloved Whitecaps. It also includes smaller attractions like escape rooms, axe throwing, and cat cafes.

When it comes to art, Grand Rapids Art Museum continues to be a strong community institution. For instance, running through October 8 at the GRAM, An Extraordinary Legacy: The Miner S. and Mary Ann Keeler Collection shines a spotlight on a large collection gifted to the museum by the late Keelers. The exhibit includes works by such prominent twentieth century artists as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. Whether attending a free GRAM on the Green concert, walking the various galleries, or dreaming about the upcoming Jim Henson exhibition (Imagination Unlimited, Oct. 1-Jan. 14), community members continue to benefit from all that the museum offers.

Of course, Lions and Rabbits also has been changing Grand Rapids with murals, storm drains and other art projects all around the city — while also hosting events and workshops.

Here are the winners:

ART MUSEUM/GALLERY

Grand Rapids Art Museum, 1st

artmuseumgr.org

Lions and Rabbits, 2nd

LaFontsee Galleries, 3rd

SPORTS ATTRACTION

West Michigan Whitecaps, 1st

milb.com/west-michiga

Grand Rapids Griffins, 2nd

Fowling Warehouse, 3rd

THEATRE/PERFORMANCE ARTS

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 1st

grct.org

Circle Theatre, 2nd

Grand Rapids Ballet, 3rd

BOWLING

Clique Lanes, 1st

cliquelanes.com

Northfield Lanes, 2nd

Wengers Bowling Center, 3rd

CASINO

Gun Lake Casino, 1st

gunlakecasino.com

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, 2nd

FireKeepers, 3rd

LARGE SCALE ATTRACTION

Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1st

meijergardens.org

ArtPrize, 2nd

John Ball Zoo, 3rd

SMALL SCALE ATTRACTION

Blandford Nature Center, 1st

blandfordnaturecenter.org

Happy Cat Café, 2nd

Fowling Warehouse, 3rd

MOVIE THEATER

Celebration Cinema Studio Park, 1st

celebrationcinema.com

Celebration Cinema North, 2nd

Wealthy Theatre, 3rd