October 9, 2025
From Big Rapids to Grand Rapids: What to do on your next day trip
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to recharge and to finish out the semester strong. For students at Ferris State’s Big Rapids campus, adventure is only a bus ride away. The Bulldog Line makes it easy to head south to Grand Rapids, home of Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) and one of Michigan’s most vibrant cultural hubs. Whether you’re interested in art, food, shopping, or simply exploring a new city, a day trip to Grand Rapids is a perfect way to add variety to your college experience.
Getting There
The Bulldog Line runs from Big Rapids to downtown Grand Rapids multiple times a day. Morning departures leave from Bond Drive at 7:40 a.m. and from the Granger Building at 7:50 a.m. For just $5 each way, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else handle the driving while you catch up on reading or review class notes. You’ll arrive right by KCAD at Division and Fountain (currently Ottawa/Fountain due to construction) around 9am, ready to begin your adventure.
The Bulldog Line connects the Ferris State campus in Big Rapids to the Grand Rapids one.
Getting Around
Once in Grand Rapids, everything is fairly accessible on foot, but if you want a quicker way around, there are Lime scooters and bicycles located on nearly every street corner for rent. Or look out for a bright pink DASH bus you can hop on and off for free. The DASH buses run in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, so it’s a great way to see the city and access popular areas.
Where to Eat
Grand Rapids has no shortage of delicious and affordable lunch options. You’ll find plenty of local favorites between $10-$15 that fit a student budget:
Two Beards: Known for over 90+ different hearty, creative sandwiches that are perfect for lunch.
Terra Bagels: Fresh, handmade bagels with a variety of spreads and toppings for a quick, filling meal.
Soho Sushi: Rolls, classic fare, and fresh flavors. Get the lunch deal and you’ll probably leave with a box full of leftovers.
Garden District: Authentic Cajun and southern cuisine with an amazing lunch special. The beans and rice is a must try.
Exploring Downtown Grand Rapids
Shopping Local: Discover unique goods at KCAD’s own retail space, The Spark. Browse gifts and stationery while saying hello to the store cat at Oh, Hello Paper & Gifts. Explore clothing and home goods at Courage & Soar or check out running gear at Gazelle Sports right next door. For an artsy boutique vibe, Periwinkle Fog is another must-visit downtown.
If antique stores are more your speed, check out Century Antiques and Warehouse One, located right next to the central bus station you’ll head to on the journey home.
Secondhand Finds: Division Avenue is home to several thrift and resale shops, including Decaydence and Second Vibess, where you can score everything from vintage fashion to quirky decor.
Second Vibess, a thrift store in downtown Grand Rapids.
Books & Music: Music lovers can dig through records at Vertigo Music (also on Division), while bookworms will enjoy the cozy atmosphere of Cellar Bird Books (a short DASH bus ride away on Bridge Street).
Art & Museums: Explore KCAD's own galleries, wander through the Grand Rapids Art Museum (free on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings), or take in history and science at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Parks & Play: Take a break at Lyon Square Park by the river, try your hand at indoor mini golf, or snack your way through the Downtown Market after stopping at House Rules to check out their board game selection. A short walk from the Downtown Market is Happy Cat Café where you can hang out with adoptable cats.
Coffee and Afternoon Pick-Me-Ups
When you start to lag in the afternoon from all the adventuring, it’s time for a coffee or a little sweet treat. Popular options include:
Madcap Coffee: A Grand Rapids staple with carefully sourced coffee and a modern atmosphere.
Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge: Cozy, underground vibes perfect for conversation or quiet study.
Morning Ritual or Otono: Two local cafés that combine excellent drinks with great spaces to work on homework.
Sugar Bar or Kilwins: Great options for ice cream, chocolate treats, macarons, and more.
Otono, a coffee and secondhand shop.
Side Quests
While you’re eating and shopping your way through Grand Rapids, enhance the experience with one, or both, of these side quests. Explore the Rad Women Walking Tour, which highlights local history and women’s contributions to the city through painted electrical boxes, or try your hand at the surprisingly challenging dragonfly hunt while you wander the city.
The Return Trip
Be sure to catch the Bulldog Line from Central Station (or the KCAD Ionia/Monroe stop) before it departs at 5pm and settle in for the ride back to Big Rapids.
Spending the day in Grand Rapids is a chance to experience firsthand the energy of a growing city and to see how Ferris State connects communities across Michigan. From the creativity at KCAD to the diverse food and shopping downtown, every trip offers something new with new businesses opening every month. Whether you go with friends, classmates, or even on your own, you’ll come back refreshed, inspired, and ready to take on the next challenge back in Big Rapids.