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THINGS TO DO IN KENTWOOD, MI
Kentwood is a suburb of Grand Rapids. Important landmarks in the area are Calvin University and Woodland Mall. You can find plenty of things to do in the city. Learn more about our neighborhood!
TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN KENTWOOD
Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens is a wonderful green spot in Grand Rapids. The 104-acre nature preserve includes a wildlife sanctuary, trails, and interpretive center. In wildlife conservation, interpretation is a communication (sometimes writing or pictures) in which the visitor is meant to form an emotional bond with the park or landmark.
The preserve has 260 species of native plants. Most of the trails are through wooded areas. It is open and free to the public from dawn to dusk. Pets are not allowed in the preserve. Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens is an amazing location to walk and learn about nature.
1750 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Located near us, Woodland Mall is the biggest shopping hub in the area. The major stores are Macy’s, JCPenney, Von Maur, and Barnes & Noble. You can find anything you need at Woodland Mall.
There are also eating options if you become hungry while shopping at the mall. They provide both sit-down restaurants and fast options: Black Rock Bar and Grill, The Cheesecake Factory, Auntie Anne’s, Jamba Juice, and Starbucks. Today is the day to visit the Woodland Mall!
3195 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Calvin University Observatory is a cutting-edge institution to see objects in space. They have access to two optical telescopes: one on campus and a robotically operated telescope in New Mexico. The telescope on Calvin’s campus is a powerful 16-inch Ritchey-Chretien.
The telescopes are utilized by students at all levels, from first-year non-science majors to fourth-year physics majors, as part of the Observatory’s teaching purpose. Visit the university’s website to find up-to-date information about visiting Calvin University Observatory.
Calvin University
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, which spans more than 150 acres, is home to one of the country's most renowned botanical gardens and sculpture collections. The Lena Meijer Conservatory, the garden’s crown gem, houses exotic plants from all over the world in a five-story glass building. The Park is crisscrossed by trails and boardwalks that take you through the different ecosystems of Western Michigan.
A permanent collection of almost 300 pieces of sculpture, as well as temporary exhibits of classic and modern art, are seen throughout the Park. The famous collection includes works by Rodin and Degas, as well as Coosjie van Bruggen and Ai Weiwei. An amphitheater, conference spaces, a souvenir store, a library, a café, and an education center are all located on the Garden's expansive grounds.
1000 E Beltline Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
East Paris Nature Park has a picnic area, shelter, and nature trail. The paved walk winds through marshes, ponds, and a small woodland for 0.8 miles. The walkways lead to two fishing and wildlife decks. East Paris Nature Park also serves as the starting point for the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail.
5995 E Paris Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
BEST RESTAURANTS IN KENTWOOD
Our city’s dining is a mix of local tradition, international flavor, and fusion. Here are five must-try eateries that include laid-back pubs, pizza joints, Japanese food, and more. Bon appetit!
PIETRO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Italian Cuisine
Located just a few miles northwest of Huntington Glen Apartments, Pietro's Italian Restaurant serves up some of Kentwood's highest quality Italian cuisine. Based on family recipes brought to America by Pietro and his wife Regina, the menu is made from scratch and harkens back to Pietro's Italian village of Masserano. Guests can order from the classic plated menu or the family style menu built for parties of 20 or more. Fan favorites include the chicken parmesan, fettucine Michael, and the Tuscan sirloin. Pietro's also offers themed private dining rooms that make patrons feel like they're enjoying a meal in Italy. With 40 years in business, Pietro's is recognized as a true institution in the Kentwood and Grand Rapids culinary scene.
FIREFOX & CM CHICKEN
Restaurant, Korean, Chicken
Firefox & CM Chicken is a Korean restaurant that specializes in Korean style chicken. They also have ramen, bibimbap, and other Korean food. The kimchi fried rice is life-changing!
ROSE'S
Lakeside Restaurant
Rose's is a historic, lakeside restaurant that serves Mediterranean, Italian, and American inspired eats. Originally established in 1901 and re-envisioned again in the 1960's, Rose's has been serving the Grand Rapids community for over a century. The most popular items on the menu are the well-known Rose's burger, the rigatoni pasta, and the parmesan crusted chicken. Guests can also order wood fired pizzas, hearty salads, and yummy desserts. Enjoy a meal at Rose's and experience a piece of Grand Rapids history.
JU SUSHI & LOUNGE
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Ju Sushi & Lounge has the best sushi in the area! It’s more expensive than the other restaurants on this list, but sometimes you want really good sushi! Ju Sushi offers dining and takeout. The menu has wonderful vegetarian and gluten-free options.
BEER CITY BREAD CO.
Bakery, Restaurant
Beer City Bread Co. is a bakery and restaurant specializing in artisan bread. Their bar stands out because of its sheer beauty with its rustic hickory wood crafted by the Amish. Beer City Bread’s beer partner is Perrin Brewing Company. Stop by Beer City Bread for a beer and a loaf.
