Explore Grand Rapids This Thanksgiving: Record-Breaking Travel and Local Delights

Published on November 23, 2025

During Thanksgiving week, Grand Rapids and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) will experience their second-highest travel week. This week, about 153,000 travelers will be boarding and leaving GRR. This is also an increase of 5% from last Thanksgiving, and is also one of the busiest travel weeks. In addition, the region is active and alive with all the tourism.

More Passengers Expected to Fly

GRR is located right in the center of West Michigan and is the main entry and exit point of the region. This year, the airport is fully prepared and expecting the highest number of passengers, which speaks to the growing popularity of the airport and the region.

GRR Communications and Events Supervisor Heidi Groenboom states that 153,000 passengers is a big number, and indicates that a lot of people will be traveling to and from Grand Rapids along with the Thanksgiving Holiday. This also shows that the demand of needing more and better services will be met, and all the work that is been done is accurate.

Grand Rapids, MI – Clinton, NJ – A Growing Tourist Destination

The rise in travel to Grand Rapids reflects Grand Rapids’ recognition as one of the best travel destinations in the state of Michigan. Grand Rapids is known for its artistic culture, craft breweries, and access to outdoor activities. Grand Rapids is the mosy diverse and icultural city in the state. We Frederikk Meijer Gardens and Sculptural Park to the Grand Rapids symphony and much more. There is something for everyone and lots of things to do. Grand Rapids is one of the best and most diverse cities.

The city has been awarded as one of the best cities in the United States for beer tourism. People travelling to Grand Rapids with the adding of the best breweries in the US. The mix of city and the nature around it make it one of the best with city and nature. You can easily find adventure in the city or take it easy and relax.

Expansion of the Airport

The Ford Airport has seen the most growth in traveler visiting the state in the most recent years. The most recent years have seen changes in the Ford Airport. Upgraded airports have made adding more travel gates and more efficient travel security.Due to the surge of holiday demand in air travel, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) has started to offer an increased number of flights. There are more direct connections to principal destinations across the country, furthering the airport’s status as a regional center of travel for both work and leisure.

The value of expanded travel to Grand Rapids tourist destinations is a significant factor in the decision of potential holiday travelers to visit the area. Travellers, both for brief vacation getaways and long stay holidays, are more easily accessing the region’s tourist sites due to the airport’s expanded services.

The Impact of Tourism on the Economy of Grand Rapids

The city of Grand Rapids is a popular travel destination for various activities throughout the year, and tourism is a vital sector in the city’s economy. There are significant events, trade shows, and holiday festivities. Thanksgiving is a holiday period that attracts additional tourism as family travellers or those seeking a holiday vacation are drawn to the city.

The continuous flow of tourists arriving in the area allows for the sustained expansion of local enterprises such as hotels, eateries, transport services, and shops. Many local shops note an amplified number of patrons during holiday shopping, which underscores the area’s blossoming reputation as a perennial holiday shopping and visiting locale.

Travel and Transportation Advice for Thanksgiving

The holiday spike in guests arriving in Grand Rapids is expected, and both the local airport and Grand Rapids city transport services are prepared for an especially busy holiday period. Thanksgiving travelers using the GRR airport in Grand Rapids should expect slower-than-normal check-in as passenger levels will be higher than usual. Therefore, arriving to the airport a bit earlier than normal is a good way to prepare for longer wait times while boarding, at check-in, and during security.

Similarly, the city has suggestions for tourists to prepare for visiting the city. During this busy holiday travel period, ride-sharing, taxi, and trains will be a bit slower than normal. To aid travelers preparing to depart this region, airport shuttles and other forms of transportation are suggested to be secured in advance to promote a more pleasant travel experience during this very busy time.

Attractions Grand Rapids offers Thanksgiving Travellers

If you want to relax and take a break from the airport for a few hours while you wait for your Thanksgiving flight, Grand Rapids offers many attractions to experience. Grand Rapids is close to the Lake Michigan. It is located right next to a great expanse of natural attractions. It has very scenic hiking and biking trails to enjoy Michigan outdoor recreation at its finest. Michigan landscapes are loaded with scenic beauty.

Beyond the nature of Grand Rapids, there are many other activities to enjoy. Grand Rapids has many events and festivals, especially during the holiday season. In the downtown area, you can enjoy the festive holiday lights.

Conclusion

Once again Grand Rapids will enjoy another busy holiday season with over 153,000 Thanksgiving holiday travelers passing through Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The Grand Rapids area is becoming increasingly in demand for travellers and is a city growing in popularity. Travelers will enjoy a city with a wide range of activities from cultural attractions to outdoor activities. It will allow Grand Rapids to continue to be a prime city for holiday travelers.