living local in West Michigan
Whether you’re looking to take your annual family photos or just snap a pic for Instagram, we have the perfect spot for YOU! Explore the best places to take photos in Grand Rapids.
20+ Instagram-able Spots in Grand Rapids
Hello Grand Rapids! If you are looking for the next spot to take your photos for Instagram, you’re in the right spot. Our team has compiled a list of places in Grand Rapids to take photos. There is a variety of vibes, color schemes, and moods so that you can find the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram photo session.
Whether you’re an influencer or just looking to add some aesthetic shots to your feed, our list of Instagram-able spots is sure to help you find the perfect location to match the look you’re aiming for.
Explore All the Photo Worthy Spots in Grand Rapids
Table of Contents
The Love Sculpture Downtown Grand Rapids
An iconic pop-art sculpture was introduced in 2018 by artist Robert Indiana and is one of 20 versions of LOVE within the US. The 8’x8’ wide piece is located on Louis Campau Promenade, fronting Monroe Avenue between Louis Street and Pearl Street.
The Blue Bridge / Ellen Rutt Parking Garage Mural
This historic Grand Rapids landmark is one of the most photographed spots in the whole city! From graduation pictures, random selfies, and wedding proposals, this bridge has seen it all. In the backdrop of the blue bridge, you can find the Seen & Scene mural by Ellen Rutt located on the side of a parking garage.
Rosa Parks Circle & The Amway Grand Plaza Area
Rosa Parks Circle is a plaza located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan. During the warmer months it is a multipurpose facility, acting as a venue for events like concerts or dances put on by the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society. In the winter the Circle is converted to an ice rink.
Civic Auditorium
This renowned Grand Rapids structure is simply the perfect spot to take wedding photos and senior portraits. It was originally used as an exhibition hall, meeting room, and concert space. However, the Civic Auditorium has been nearly demolished except for the front entrance and lobby.
Outside Coffee Co.
Enjoy a cup of coffee while relaxing in the beautiful outdoors. Outside Coffee Co. is a West Michigan favorite for coffee AND cute pictures. There are two locations: Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids and in the Douglas & Saugatuck area (which is also home to Woosah Outfitters).
Both of their locations are the perfect spot to enjoy nature and take photos while sipping on a delicious cup of coffee, tea, or matcha.
Whether you are there to relax in the hammocks, hang out with friends, or get a cute picture for the ‘gram Outside Coffee Co is a local favorite that we just had to share with you!
Grand Rapids Choice One Bank Wall
Choice One is a Michigan-based bank with a branch and a loan office in Grand Rapids. This photo worthy wall is located on the branch on Market Ave SW.
Parking Garages
List of Parking Garages in Grand Rapids to take photos on:
- Monroe Center Parking Garage | 29 Pearl St NW Suite 1, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Cherry Commerce Parking Ramp | 141 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Monroe Center Ramp | 50 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Fulton & Ottawa Parking Ramp | 32 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
UICA Ellen Rutt Mural
This mural by Ellen Rutt stretches across nearly 100 feet of a wall with a ton of different abstract patterns and colors.
Rise Authentic Baking Co. Interior & Patio Murals
Grab a cup of coffee and take a cute candid photo inside or outside on their patio! Rise Authentic Baking Co. has vegan, gluten-free, soy-free & dye-free baked goods for the allergy-conscious and everyday folk! They also share our space with Squibb Coffee serving coffee, tea & espresso
Renee Austin Wedding Mural
Renee Austin Wedding is an elegant bridal shop for wedding gowns and dresses for the entire bridal party. This stunning mural gives off such feminine energy that radiates and flows right into the store.
Meijer Gardens Greenhouse
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre botanical garden, art museum, and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids Township.
Madcap Coffee Downtown Grand Rapids
This cafe is a minimalistic and modern spot to grab a picture and a specialty cup of coffee! Madcap now has multiple locations in Michigan, but this one has a sweet spot in our hearts because it was their very first shop to open and is located in the wonderful city of Grand Rapids.
Seasonal Sunflower Fields
Check out their Websites for Specific Opening Dates
Bremer Farms U-Pick Sunflowers in Hudsonville, Michigan
Gorby Sunflowers in Allegan, Michigan
Deep Roots Produce in Alot, Michigan
Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm in Grand Rapids, Michigan (They also have a stunning floral mural that is picture-perfect during any season!)
Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Mural
The preserve features 100+ acres of native plants and natural habitats. There are so many great spots to explore and immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy the wandering trails, enroll in a class or educational program, or just sit and relax (and take a photo of course)!
What Lifts You Wings
These stunning giant butterfly wings were painted by artist Kelsey Montague. Located on the side of the building off of 4th St NW.
Calder Plaza
This space features an open, hard-surface plaza that adjoins the City and County buildings. It is also home to the “La Grand Vitesse”, the Alexander Calder Stabile which symbolizes the City of Grand Rapids.
Lions & Rabits Mural
Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts is an art nonprofit that creates accessible art education and enrichment programs for local artists. On the side of the Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy building is a mural with an array of color stripes, perfect for an impromptu photo session.
EVEN MORE ‘INSTAGRAMABLE’ SPOTS TO CHECK OUT
Outside of Amway Grand
Helen DeVos Pedestrian Bridge
New City Neighbors
If you have photos at any of these spots or know of more photo-worthy places & want to be featured on our blog, please DM us on Instagram. We would love to add your photos to our list of ‘Instagramable’ spots!
Looking for a photographer?
We recommend Samantha Ruth Photography for all your corporate photo needs and social events! She does such amazing work. We especially love how she captures our agent’s headshots. Not to mention she is a blast to be around and livens up the room.
Headshot of Ann Woudwyk, Realtor
“Have a home, or maybe a few, on your mind? Same. Always, in fact. You are in like-minded company already. I look forward to learning more about what’s on your mind and how I can help. As long as you’re already here, here is a little background on me.” — Agent Ann
