Want to get your adrenaline pumping or blow off a little steam? There are so many exhilarating things to do in and around West Michigan, from downright daring to straight-up fun.
Here, we’ve collected a few of our favorite ideas for when you’re ready to get your adventure on.
Skydive Grand Haven
Here’s something for the truly intrepid bucket lister! Skydive Grand Haven offers tandem skydiving with an experienced USPA-rated tandem instructor, as well as a scenic plane ride over Lake Michigan before the dive. No experience is necessary, but you will have to sign a waiver. You’ll be briefed on instructions and then you’ll be ready for your 120mph freefall. As you descend, a parachute will be deployed and you’ll take a short canopy ride back to the ground. If this is something you’ve dreamed of, head to skydivegrandhaven.com to get all the info.
Break Room Therapy
This local small business with a big heart (and a clever idea) is the only rage room in West Michigan. If you need a safe space to decompress by breaking glass or electronics or just want to smash something with your friends, this is your place. Co-owner, Dawn, says, “You don’t need a reason to come. Sometimes the reason gets found once you are there—and you see this is everything you needed, but didn’t know you needed.” Learn more at breakroomtherapy.com.
Fowling Warehouse
That’s not a typo. Fowling is a real thing, combining football and bowling. Gather your teams and square off with one another as you try to knock down all your opponents’ pins before they knock down yours. In addition to 30 lanes, they have two bars, a $2 Mystery Beer Machine, and the Bonk Honk. If you don’t know what a “bonk” is, you’ll just have to go and find out. You can also bring your own food or have something delivered. Get the details at fowlingwarehouse.com/grandrapids.
The Great Escape Room
Located in downtown Grand Rapids, this is considered one of the favorites among the escape room options in the city. They currently have five themed escape rooms and can accommodate different sized groups, with a minimum of two. These time-based challenges are engaging and immersive, and ideal for special events, team building, and family bonding. Book your expedition at thegreatescaperoom.com/grand-rapids.
TreeRunner Grand Rapids Adventure Park
Taking into account the size of this place, you’d think it would be a greater-known attraction. It’s tucked behind the Celebration Cinema North parking lot, and once you make your way beyond the wooded surroundings, it opens up into a vast complex. With numerous obstacles and ziplines to traverse, it features a variety trails, heights, and difficulty levels. There’s a brief training before you get started, and you’re harnessed the entire time, making it suitable for beginners and beyond. Go to treerunnerparks.com/grandrapids/ to get your tickets.
Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park
There’s so much to do here—especially in summer. Of course, there’s a luge (it’s right in the name), but there’s also ziplining, rock climbing, archery, and Trail Quest, a treasure hunt-style game. Get a season pass so you can go back again and again, or they also have package deals and individual tickets. See everything they offer at msports.org.
Grand Rapids Grand Prix
No worries if the weather threatens to dash your plans. Whatever is happening outside, this indoor, climate controlled go-kart track is open year-round, except Mondays, holidays, and during private events. Experience the thrill of racing, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned driver. Afterwards, enjoy an adult beverage and great food at their on-site Grand Prix Grill. Get a membership or buy a non-member ticket for a single race at grandrapidsgrandprix.com
Michigan’s Adventure
Whether you like a scream-inducing roller coaster ride, a quiet whirl on a carousel, or a splash in a wave pool, this two-parks-in-one destination has you covered. One ticket gets you into both the amusement park and WildWater Adventure, with a total of 60 attractions, including seven roller coasters, plus food and drinks. The have season passes, day tickets, and discounted group pricing, plus add-ons like cabanas, fast lane wristbands, and more. Plan your summer excursion at miadventure.com.
Saugatuck Dune Rides
Prefer to stay on the ground? Head to the Lake Michigan shoreline for an open-buggy ride on the dunes. This 40-minute tour showcases the area’s natural beauty while offering plenty of action with twists, turns, and steep drops. Along the way, your guide will provide interesting info about the history, culture, and folklore of the area. They’re open May through mid-October and they often sell out in the summer months, so getting your tickets in advance at saugatuckduneride.com is recommended.
