Adventure Awaits You in West Michigan
If you put it all together -- a sparkling lake so blue and huge you can't see the other shore, pristine sand beaches, evenings with friends at some of the Midwest's most noted microbreweries, world-class cuisine, chic wine bars, biking and hiking hundreds of miles of connected trailways, trendsetting nightspots, live theater, comedy clubs, Michigan's only professional ballet, children's museums, inviting green spaces, downtowns alive with one-of-a-kind boutiques, coffee shops and mouthwatering confectionaries… Well, if you put it all together you'll get just a hint of the adventure that awaits you in West Michigan.
Whether you choose the vibrancy of urban living in a downtown condominium, the youthful energy of one of the region's college towns like Kalamazoo, or the quiet of a big country house with a garden, you're just a quick drive, maybe even a short walk, away from work, schools, volunteer opportunities and cultural events. Get outdoors for a family bike ride on a nearby bike trail or compete against yourself on a grueling mountain bike trek. Dance the night away at a trendy hotspot in the city, get lost in a good book at a library or independent book store, or laugh with your kids at one of the hundreds of ethnic, art and music festivals. Join in the fun in a place where people are proud of their traditions and yet not afraid to try new things.
Outdoor fun comes in four seasons with winter hills that are perfect for skiing and summer disc golf at a number of parks. Switch things up with a leisurely drive up or down Michigan's Third Coast. Camp at a nearby state park. Do your seventh inning stretch in the stands of the West Michigan White Caps or Kalamazoo Kings. Spend a couple of hours cheering on the Grand Rapids Griffins or nurturing your spirit at a live concert.
Or you could just kick back and point the golf cart toward the next tee.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Whether you are looking for a quiet dinner at one of the many outstanding restaurants found here or a night at the ballet, we have something for you. The region boasts the oldest Civic Theatre in the country, the only ballet company in the state and the world’s largest public art competition – Art Prize! Discover more.
Community Involvement
This region ranks in the top for philanthropy in the country. You will also find us listed above the national average in hours spent volunteering. With organizations like the Heart of West Michigan United Way, Kids Food Basket, Holland Rescue Mission and West Michigan Environmental Action Council, you are sure to find many organizations to become involved. Make your mark!
Multicultural Resources
West Michigan is committed to making west Michigan a welcoming community for people of all races, ethnicities and sexual orientation. Numerous organization offer resources to enhance diversity in the workplace and the community, as well as those to support those new to West Michigan. Connect.
Faith
This region celebrates a broad array of faiths, including Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, Jewish, numerous Christian denominations and others. Worship here.
Healthcare
Within the past 10 years, West Michigan has become a destination for healthcare with state-of-the-art pediatric, oncology, cardiac, neurological and other health services. Whatever your needs may be, this region has everything you need to stay healthy. Discover more.
K-12 Education
West Michigan’s K-12 education system is another strength of the region. West Michigan has a wide range of education choices for parents and resources to support the varied needs of their children. Learn more.
Colleges & Universities
Michigan has always been recognized for its world-class higher education system. There are more than two dozen colleges and universities in the region preparing more than 70,000 students for innovative careers in engineering, healthcare, logistics, design, communications and others. Learn more.
Recreation & Natural Resources
West Michigan is recognized for the variety of recreational sports found here and something in all four seasons. With over 2,000 acres parks, trails, award winning golf courses, skiing, and several beaches cognized as some of the best in the world, West Michigan offers some of the greatest variety for recreational activities in the country. Discover more.
Weather
West Michigan experiences the best of all worlds, with a full four seasons. From hot summers on the beach, to cool and crisp fall days at the apple orchard, to winters at the ski-resort, to spring time at the Frederik Meijer Gardens West Michigan has it all. Discover more.