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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi
Map Pin
130 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Downtown Grand Rapids – Ottawa Avenue
We’re kicking off our Grand Rapids tour on Ottawa Avenue, right in the heart of downtown.

This area reflects the city’s growth from an industrial river town into a modern Midwestern city. You’ll notice a mix of early 20th-century commercial buildings, Art Deco influences, and modern glass-and-steel offices — all layered together within just a few blocks.

Grand Rapids is often called “Furniture City,” and that legacy of craftsmanship and design helped shape both the city’s architecture and its attention to detail. Today, downtown blends historic character with contemporary energy, driven by business, culture, and a lively arts scene.

From here, we’ll branch out to explore riverfront landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and some of the places that define Grand Rapids beyond the skyline.

Let’s get started.
Place #2
Distance: 0.10mi
Map Pin
135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
POI 3 Tour Image
Rosa Parks Circle
Turn right on Monroe Avenue, and on your right hidign behind the trees is the Rosa Parks Circle, you'll see it better after we turn right again on Monroe Center.

This circular public plaza is one of downtown Grand Rapids’ main gathering spaces. In warmer months, it hosts concerts, festivals, and events, while in winter it transforms into a popular outdoor ice-skating rink.

Named in honor of Rosa Parks, the circle reflects the city’s commitment to civil rights, community, and public life. Its central location also makes it a key connector between museums, offices, restaurants, and nearby riverfront areas.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Downtown Grand Rapids – Ottawa Avenue
Map Pin Place 2 Rosa Parks Circle
Map Pin Place 3 Monroe Center Street NW – Downtown Core
Map Pin Place 4 Grand Rapids Public Library
Map Pin Place 5 Veterans Memorial Park
Map Pin Place 6 Grand Rapids Masonic Temple
Map Pin Place 7 The Lafayette House
Map Pin Place 8 Calder Plaza & La Grande Vitesse
Map Pin Place 9 DeVos Performance Hall & DeVos Place
Map Pin Place 10 Crossing the Grand River – Michigan Street Bridge
Map Pin Place 11 Fish Ladder Park & Grand River Edges Trail
Map Pin Place 12 Crossing the Grand River – Sixth Street Bridge
Map Pin Place 13 Crossing the Grand River – Leonard Street Bridge
Map Pin Place 14 Broadway Avenue Building
Map Pin Place 15 Grand Rapids Fun Facts
Map Pin Place 16 Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Map Pin Place 17 Grand Rapids Public Museum
Map Pin Place 18 Crossing the Grand River – William Dean Memorial Bridge & Blue Bridge Views
Map Pin Place 19 Van Andel Arena
Map Pin Place 20 Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Map Pin Place 21 Meyer May House - by Frank Lloyd Wright
Map Pin Place 22 Wealthy Street SE – Historic Corridor to Reeds Lake
Map Pin Place 23 Reeds Lake
Map Pin Place 24 On the Way to Our Final Stop – Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Map Pin Place 25 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park – Parking & Farewell



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Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
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When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
  • No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
  • Walk at your own pace.
  • No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
  • Take the tour in your preferred language.
  • Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
  • Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
  • Enjoy preferred prices.

What's included?
  • A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
  • Earphones (highly recommended).
  • Smartphone.
  • Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
  • Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
  • Food and drinks
  • Physical tour guide.