Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Recommended Starting Point
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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How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
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 [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
  • Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
  • Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
  • Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android 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.

Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 25 stops, covering top attractions such as Downtown Grand Rapids – Ottawa Avenue, Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center Street NW – Downtown Core, Grand Rapids Public Library, Veterans Memorial Park.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Downtown Grand Rapids – Ottawa Avenue (Address: 130 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
+ Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!