Things to do in Grand Rapids During the Meijer Winter State Games

By Searrah Herendeen

The bigger cities in the lower peninsula can be scary to people that are unfamiliar with their beauty. The Meijer Winter State Games has drawn in thousands of families over the years. Although, many of those families probably did not explore the surrounding area of where they chose to stay. The lower peninsula has many remarkable events and places that deserve some love. Grand Rapids is the lower peninsula sport hub. Before even planning the trip, it is important to remember to register for an event.

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The hub

Grand Rapids -

The World of Winter Festival features light up outdoor art installations. Try to find all of the pieces while walking around downtown GR. Visitors can also practice their ice skating skills in Rosa Parks Circle.

Want to stay out of the cold? There are a variety of museums in the Grand Rapids area that will teach everyone in your family something new. Continue challenging your mind and having fun by trying the The Great Escape Room.

Hidden Gems -

Kcymaerxthaere is an alternate universe that is full of stories that artists in this universe are sharing. Stories are found on stone, concrete, or bronze plaques. There are five stories told in Grand Rapids about the creatures and cities in the other universe. You just have to find them. One of them is just out front of Grand Valley State University.

Meyer May House was originally designed by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, and has been restored by Steelcase. The tour is free and features a movie about the restoration, but visitors must register online for a tour prior to visiting.

They don’t call Grand Rapids “Beer City” for the heck of it. There are hundreds of places in the Grand Rapids area that serve drinks. However, not all of them are raved about as much as Greyline Brewing.

Motu Viget is a sculpture that doubles as playground equipment. It is a large tire swing hanging from a steel structure. It sounds dangerous, but locals have been playing on it for years. The tire swing can fit a handful of kids. and one of steel beams is a slide. It is not just meant to be climbed on, there is a deeper meaning to this art piece.

Support and compete

The whole point of being in Grand Rapids is for the Meijer Winter State Games competition. There is still time to register and secure a spot at the winner’s table.

Nine events will be taking place during the main event weekend of February 17th - 19th in the Grand Rapids and Lower Peninsula area: Archery - Indoor, Cross Country Skiing - Freestyle and Nordic, Darts, Disc Golf, Judo, Karate, Shooting Sports - Pistol, Swimming - Postal, and Wrestling. To learn more, or register for an event visit: https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/winter-games-sports-lineup

There will be on-site registration for Cross Country Skiing- Nordic, Darts, and Disc-Golf.

Other lower peninsula winter sporting events that are not included in this weekend are Basketball, Bowling, Fencing, Ninja, Sport Stacking, and Badminton. Select events start as early as the first week of February, and as late as March.

If athletes get a bronze, silver, or gold medal in Archery - Indoor, Basketball, Judo, and wrestling, they qualify for the State Games of America. For more information please visit: https://www.stategamesofamerica.com/

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.

Interested in our Summer Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/summergames

Interested in our Winter Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/wintergames