Big Rapids Area
There are lots of things to do and see in Big Rapids and the surrounding area. Big Rapids is the county seat of Mecosta County and home of Ferris State University, a four-year public university well known for its College of Pharmacy and the Michigan College of Optometry. The University, known throughout the nation as a training ground for both academic and trade pursuits, drives many of the economic success stories thriving here. Located on the southern edge of town, it is home to over 13,000 students.
Because of the University there are many amenities here and it makes downtown Big Rapids a fun destination to explore. There are fine dining and ethnic restaurants, breweries, ice cream shops, and boutiques. TripAdvisor provides reviews on a variety of excellent restaurants in Big Rapids that rate 4 Stars or better.
The surrounding small towns throughout the County enjoy local festivals in spring, summer, and fall with sporting events, antique festivals and arts & crafts workshops. The world-famous Wheatland Music Festival takes place in Remus in September. Over 200 artists from across the nation perform and teach at The Annual Music Festival and Traditional Arts Weekend every fall.
The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, a 92-mile multi-use trail from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, passes through Mecosta County and downtown Big Rapids. Bring your bikes and enjoy the surrounding countryside on bicycles!
And just in case you need it, Spectrum Health Big Rapids is a highly rated full-service hospital with excellent medical care and a 24/7 Emergency Medicine Facility.
Because of the University there are many amenities here and it makes downtown Big Rapids a fun destination to explore. There are fine dining and ethnic restaurants, breweries, ice cream shops, and boutiques. TripAdvisor provides reviews on a variety of excellent restaurants in Big Rapids that rate 4 Stars or better.
The surrounding small towns throughout the County enjoy local festivals in spring, summer, and fall with sporting events, antique festivals and arts & crafts workshops. The world-famous Wheatland Music Festival takes place in Remus in September. Over 200 artists from across the nation perform and teach at The Annual Music Festival and Traditional Arts Weekend every fall.
The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, a 92-mile multi-use trail from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, passes through Mecosta County and downtown Big Rapids. Bring your bikes and enjoy the surrounding countryside on bicycles!
And just in case you need it, Spectrum Health Big Rapids is a highly rated full-service hospital with excellent medical care and a 24/7 Emergency Medicine Facility.
