Midwest Living’s 2026 Best of the Midwest Awards is curated by its editors, highlighting 150 leaders in hospitality and travel in 16 categories.
Grand Rapids was selected for its vibrant craft beverage scene, dynamic arts and year-round cultural attractions.
“They specifically called out assets of the destination that we always like to lift up, things like our craft beer scene, our dining scene, Art Prize, the Ford Museum, the Chihuly Exhibition that's opening on May 2 at Meijer Gardens, and we're all excited, of course, about the Acrisure Amphitheater, which is opening in May as well.”
Janet Korn is Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Experience Grand Rapids, which markets the city’s tourism.
Korn says the recognition can translate to direct dollars, influencing individual travelers as well as people planning conferences.
“When we're working to attract national meetings and conventions to choose Grand Rapids, we're really competing with every destination across the country. When they're looking at the Midwest, they're looking at that list of cities, so to be on that list of cities is a significant positive.”
Korn notes Midwest Living reaches more than 3 million readers and has long served as a trusted voice for discovering destinations and experiences throughout the Midwest.
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