New year, new adventures! West Michigan is teeming with things to do, see, sip, and savor in 2025.
Whether you’re plunging into winter festivals, toasting summer sunsets on the lakeshore, or diving into the dynamic arts scene, the year ahead is practically begging you to explore—and we’re here to help you make your bucket list.
So, grab your calendar, round up your crew, and explore 25 things to do, to make 2025 your most memorable West Michigan year yet!
FUN OUTSIDE
Discover a New Trail
Nothing will help you appreciate the natural beauty of Michigan and see your city with fresh eyes like walking along a trail that’s new to you. For instance, you can hike the serene, secluded, forested paths of Aman Park; walk the bridges and hills of Grand Ravines Park, which also hosts a dog park; wander the lakeside loops at Pickerel Lake Park in Rockford (especially gorgeous in autumn); or enjoy the critters and biodiversity of The Highlands at Blandford Nature Center, which is turning an old golf course back into a natural habitat.
Winter Sports Galore
Nothing makes you appreciate winter like getting out and enjoying a snowy sport. Carve up the slopes at Cannonsburg Ski Area, where skiing, snowboarding, and tubing await. For a retro ride, check out Mulligan’s Hollow in Grand Haven—a volunteer-run gem with old-school charm, but plenty of modern accommodations. Or, in Otsego, Bittersweet Ski Resort features a 350-foot vertical drop with 20 runs.
Plan a Brewery Crawl
From cozy pubs to sleek taprooms, West Michigan is a beer-lover’s dream. If you haven’t been out to any breweries in a bit, know that they’re offering more than ever before, from tasty food to clever mocktails, indoor games, trivia, karaoke and much more. Just to give a few ideas, you could start at Brewery Vivant for Belgian-inspired ales, hit The Mitten Brewing Co. for pizza and IPAs, and finish at Speciation Artisan Ales for wild and funky sips.
Experience Holland’s Snowmelt System
In Holland, winter strolls don’t require ice skates—thanks to the city’s ingenious snowmelt system. Wander the warm, snow-free sidewalks, duck into shops like Dutch Village, The Seasoned Home or Apothecary Gift Shop, and finish with a latte from Lemonjello’s Coffee.
INDOOR ADVENTURES
Visit a Museum
Cold outside? Step into a world of wonder inside. Marvel at local history, ride the carousel, experience traveling exhibits, and get immersed in the Planetarium at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Or, get out and explore contemporary and classic works at top-tier institutions like the Muskegon Museum of Art and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
Escape!
Doing an escape room with friends and loved ones might bring you closer together, or it might make you want to throttle each other, but either way, you’ll have fun. Put your brain to the test and see if you can puzzle your way out in time. Whether you’re cracking codes at The Great Escape Room, enjoying the immersive stories of Locked 460, or unlocking mysteries at The Ruse, it’s a thrilling hour of teamwork and tension.
Break Stuff at Break Room Therapy
889 76th St. SW, Byron Center
Sometimes, the best way to beat the winter blues is to shatter them into a million pieces. At Break Room Therapy, you can suit up, grab a bat, and go full Hulk-smash on glassware, electronics, and more. It’s exhilarating, stress-relieving, and perfectly legal destruction.
Indoor Go-Kart Racing
If you’re looking for some high-speed fun, we suggest doing it in a go-kart rather than risking your life and car in a street race. There are quality karts to be found at Craig’s Cruisers and AJ’s, but if you want to race like a pro, check out Grand Rapids Grand Prix, home to a 30,000-square-foot indoor track. The electric karts are fast (more so than a standard family fun center), the corners are tight, and there’s no snow or ice on the road to worry about.
Try a New Hobby
Don’t think you’re creative? Maybe you just haven’t tried the right thing yet! You can try glassblowing at Glass Art Kalamazoo, throw a pot at Benton Harbor’s Krasl Art Center, or paint your own pottery at The Mud Room in Ada. Best case: You discover a hidden talent. Worst case: You end up with a funny little conversation piece.
Join a Niche Hobby Group
Explore a new community—and maybe a new obsession. Learn to weave or knit with groups like the Queer Fiber Arts meetup at Lotus Brew. Dive into tarot and crystals with Witches of West Michigan. Or roll the dice at local board game nights with Good Game GR (or you can stop by House Rules Lounge anytime to meet fellow gamers).
Go for a Walking Tour
Uncover the secrets of your own city with Tours Around Michigan. From haunted ghost tours to historic strolls and riverfront rambles, these guided adventures reveal layers of local lore. The Historic Homes tours are getting especially popular, with stunning abodes like the Meyer May House to explore. Bonus: They’re accessible for all, having just won Favorite Accessible of the Year by Accessible Travel Press!
LAUGHTER, MUSIC, AND GOOD TIMES
Local Comedy Nights
Shake off the winter chill with some belly laughs. Be astonished by magic and comedy together at Amaze & Amuse. Or catch the improv brilliance of Pop Scholars, a local group that’s been performing together for over a decade. Or, check out the The Comedy Project’s lineup of hilarious sketch and variety shows.
Karaoke Night
If you’ve never done karaoke, add it to your bucket list this year. There’s nothing like the feeling of getting up and singing, badly but enthusiastically, and getting applause and encouragement from strangers. There are tons of options in town, from Z’s Bar to Fulton Street Pub, The Foolery, Holiday Bar, Playstation Pub and more.
Trivia Nights
Flex those brain muscles! There are all kinds of trivia nights in town, from 3 Gatos Brewery to Geeks Who Drink and QuizQuest at Harmony Brewing Co., Brewery Vivant, Speciation Cellars, Creston Brewing and many more. Keep an eye out for themed trivia nights on specific topics like The Office or Birdwatching.
Catch a Play
Support local theater and experience a night of drama, comedy, or musicals. The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre puts on Broadway classics at the local level, while Circle Theatre and Farmers Alley Theatre deliver intimate and innovative performances all winter long. Not to mention the progressive and experimental shows of Actors Theatre, and many more (check out our monthly Arts Calendar for a look at what’s coming to the stage).
Cheer for Local Sports Teams
Embrace your inner superfan! Watch the Grand Rapids Griffins dominate the ice, root for the Grand Rapids Gold on the court, watch Grand Rapids Rise bump, set and spike at a professional level, or take yourself out to the ballgame with the West Michigan Whitecaps. Not into sports? You really don’t need to be! These events are filled with entertainment from start to end, not to mention tasty stadium food and beer.
RELAX, READ, AND RECHARGE
People-Watch in a Coffee Shop
Order a steaming cup, sink into a corner, and let the world pass by. At Lyon Street Cafe, the vibe is vintage and cozy. Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge is great for curling up with a book downtown. Stovetop Coffee brings modern cool, while Scorpion Hearts Club feels like a warm hug.
Read a Local Book
Pick up a book with hometown roots to support local and enjoy art with a West Michigan mindset. You can try Christopher Cosmos’ historical fiction like Once We Were Here, or Andrea Kasprzak’s magical musings like Romance the Every Day: Inspired Ideas for a Year of Little Luxuries, or Caitlin Horrocks’ collection of short stories like Life Among the Terranauts. Find these gems at local shops like Schuler Books or Books & Mortar.
Treat Yourself
While you can do it all year-long, winter is the perfect excuse for pampering. Soak in the warmth at Urban You’s med spa, reset in the flotation therapy at Phlot in Eastown, or relax under the stars in a hot tub at Oasis Hot Tub Gardens, which is especially nice when the snow is coming down.
Visit a Specialty Grocery Store
Try a food you’ve never heard of before and stock up on gourmet goodies with a specialty grocery store. You can find plenty of international treats at Kingma’s, local deliciousness at Horrocks Market, and deli delights and imported goods at Martha’s Vineyard—or curate a quality charcuterie board from Aperitivo.
STAFF PICKS
Go Big (and mini) Indoors at Big Mini Putt Club
Think that the snow and frigid temperatures of a Michigan winter mean that you can’t golf in January? Think again, with the recently opened Big Mini Putt Club, a nine-hole indoor mini golf course, bar and restaurant located right in the city. A great spot for craft cocktails on a cute date night, or a way to spend the day with your whole family, this indoor playground promises endless fun for putters of all ages. — Eric Mitts
Bathe in Sound Beneath the Stars
Grand Rapids Public Museum Planetarium
On Feb. 28, bid winter farewell with Catherine Schmidt from Yoga Zen in Caledonia, during an experience unlike any other. Underneath the starry dome of the planetarium inside the Grand Rapids Public Museum, immerse yourself in the sounds of meditative instruments for a 60-minute sound bath designed to relax, rebalance, and recalibrate, body, mind, and soul. Open to anyone 18 and older, the truly one of a kind restorative escape has limited spots available, so book now if you want to get transported by the sounds of the stars. — Eric Mitts
Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass at DeVos Place
If you’re a person of a certain age (I’m guessing a lot of you aren’t, but hear me out), then you very likely grew up with Whipped Cream & Other Delights spinning on your household turntable. And, no matter your persuasion, you were likely fascinated by the barely clad, strategically frosted Dolores Erickson who graced the album cover. Everything about this LP is iconic, and the opportunity to see the legend live should not be passed up. One night; May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
— Allison Kay Bannister
