Life in East Grand Rapids
Life in East Grand Rapids
Want to explore the hometown of President Gerald R. Ford? Just a short distance from Aquinas College, the City of East Grand Rapids offers a welcoming community with vibrant local shops, diverse dining options, and engaging year-round activities. Centered around the scenic Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, seasonal festivals, and lakeside walks. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cup of coffee, browse unique boutiques, or take part in community events, East Grand Rapids provides students with a perfect blend of small-town charm and lively atmosphere.
Explore Gaslight Village
- Tacos El Cunado - Serving fresh, authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tamales, tortas, and more.
- Rose's - Historic spot on Reeds Lake offering gorgeous views along with a pleasing fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisine, wine, cocktails, and beer.
- Pink Piggy - Serving a variety of Asian dishes (including vegetarian options) as well as boba, milk teas, traditional teas, freezes, and other specialty drinks.
- Big Bob's Pizza - Family-friendly bar and restaurant.
- Crazy Charlie's - Serving affordably priced hot dogs, chili dogs, coney dogs, french fries, ice cream, and more.
- Bowdie's Chophouse - Upscale steakhouse experience with fit to serve prime cuts of beef alongside a selection of seafood and poultry.
- Gaslight Kitchen Asian Cuisine - Featuring a variety of curated dinner combinations for 2-6 guests as well as individual appetizers, soups, and entrées.
- Jet's Pizza - East Grand Rapids franchise of the Jet's Detroit-style pizza chain.
- Olives Restaurant and Bar - Perfect blend of elevated cuisine in a laid-back setting.
& so much more!
- Jersey Junction - Established in 1963 by Doris “Chris” VanAllsburg, the mother of “The Polar Express” author/illustrator Chris VanAllsburg, and is home to Hudsonville ice cream and great times.
- Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream - 32 flavors of original-recipe ice cream as well as shakes, malts, sundaes, chocolates, hand-paddled fudge, caramel apples, and other treats.
- Hoshi Hoshi Bubble Tea & Crepes - A bubble tea and dessert café serving creative drinks like brown sugar milk teas, matcha frappes, and specialties alongside indulgent desserts like mango sticky rice, bubble waffles, and crepes, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients you can browse and order online.
- Rhoades McKee Reeds Lake Triathlon/Duathlon
- Movies & Concerts
- East Grand Rapids Social District
- East Grand Rapids High School
- Taste of East
& so much more!
More in East Grand Rapids
Reeds Lake
Enjoy any time of year!
Anchoring our community, Reeds Lake is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are running the 4.2-mile Reeds Lake Trail, kayaking on the water, or enjoying a picnic at John Collins Park, the lake offers a perfect natural escape just minutes from campus.Read More about Reeds Lake
Local Fav: Jersey Junction
Circa 1963!
In 1963 Doris “Chris” VanAllsburg, the mother of “The Polar Express” author/illustrator Chris VanAllsburg, established a local ice cream parlor to serve Hudsonville flavors and good times.Visit Jersey Junction
Hometown of Gerald R. Ford
A Presidential Legacy
East Grand Rapids is the proud hometown of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Ford spent his youth living in the neighborhood, just blocks from Reeds Lake. Today, his legacy lives on through the continued spirit of community service and leadership that defines our city.More about Gerald R. Ford
p2Miles fom AQ to Downtown
p117Acres of Urban Forest
p2100+Restaurants in Grand Rapids
p2ndLargest City in Michigan