Grand Rapids, Michigan - Facts & Figures
Grand Rapids, located on the Grand River about 25 miles east of Lake Michigan, is nicknamed the "Furniture City," as it is home to five of the world's leading office furniture companies. On November 10, 2004, the grand premier of The Polar Express was held in the city; it is the movie's setting and home of the book's author, who plays the main character. Grand Rapids is home to many tourist attractions including John Ball Park, Gerald R. Ford Museum, the J.W. Marriott Hotel, and the Van Andel Museum Center. Because a Newsweek article listed Grand Rapids as a "dying city," the community came together for a 5,000-person lip dub in May 2011. Film critic Roger Ebert said it was "the greatest music video ever made."
- Population: 188,166
- Industries: Construction, Transportation equipment, Educational services, Accommodation and food services, Professional, scientific, and technical services, Furniture and related product manufacturing, Health care
- Area Codes: 616
- ZIP Codes: 49501, 49502, 49503, 49504, 49505, 49506, 49507, 49508, 49509, 49510
- Surrounding Cities: East Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Walker, Comstock Park, Northview, Kentwood, Grandville, Forest Hills