Top Things To Do in Grand Rapids
Alger Heights is one of Grand Rapids’ most cherished neighborhoods, known for its walkable, tree-lined streets, its thriving business district, and its strong sense of community. Residents of Eagle Grove Apartments have easy access to everything Alger Heights has to offer, including local restaurants, dining, and entertainment options. If you're looking for fun things to do in Grand Rapids and Alger Heights, then read on to discover some of the city's best eateries and activities.
Top Things To Do in Grand Rapids
The Old Goat
The Old Goat has been a community anchor in Alger Heights since 2015. With a one-of-a-kind goat sculpture sitting above the entrance, the restaurant is difficult to miss! Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and eclectic, providing an ideal setting for your meal. The Old Goat menu is packed with a variety of stacked sandwiches, hearty entrees, and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Best of all, The Old Goat features live music Monday through Saturday, with a special jazz performance during Sunday brunch. If you’re looking for dinner and show in Alger Heights, then The Old Goat is the place to go.
Eastern Deli
Papa Chops Eatery
When Papa Chops Eatery founder, Aaron Muller, discovered that he had celiac disease, he realized that his diet had to shift rapidly. That’s when he decided to open Papa Chops Eatery, a 100% gluten-free restaurant where people who have gluten intolerances are free to order anything and everything! The menu is made of classic deli and bistro dishes like burgers, sandwiches, mac n’ cheese, and pizzas, all of which are prepared with alternatives. After the entrée, guests can choose from an assortment of gluten-free cookies, cakes, and muffins. Everyone, regardless of their diet preferences, will find something to love at Papa Chops Eatery.
Zivio
It’s not every day that you come across Bosnian cuisine, but lucky for the Grand Rapids community, there’s Zivio, a family-owned restaurant bringing bold, Bosnian-rooted flavors to local dining scene. Opened in 2019 by Damir Duratovic and his sons Denis and Dino, Zivio’s menu blends Bosnian, Turkish, Greek, and Central European cuisine into dishes like crispy filo pitas, fresh-baked lepinja gyros, falafel plates, and hearty beef stroganoff over egg noodles. The name “zivio” translates to “cheers” and “live on” in Bosnian, a fitting title for a restaurant that also features a full bar with European and craft beers, wine, and signature cocktails. There’s no doubt about it— Zivio is a real gem.
Chez Olga
Growing up in Haiti, Olga Benoit developed her exceptional culinary skills while working alongside her parents as a food vendor. Years later, after moving to Michigan, she decided to channel her know-how into Chez Olga, a restaurant where guests are enveloped by island time and served authentic, scratch-made Caribbean dishes inside of a colorful atmosphere. The menu highlights include sweet coconut curry, jerk chicken, and Caribbean fried rice. Every meal can be paired with a tasty mango or blue raspberry lemonade. It’s easy to feel at home at Chez Olga.
Top 5 Places To Go In Grand Rapids
One of Eagle Grove Apartments’ biggest perks is its location in the heart of Mackay-Jaycees Park, a sprawling, 53-acre green space that serves as a nature hub for the Alger Heights neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy picnic shelters, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, a baseball field, outdoor exercise equipment, and a winding nature trail. The wide-open lawns provide locals with an abundance of room to run, play, and relax. Mackay-Jaycees Park is a fantastic community hub for Alger Heights and the residents at Eagle Grove Apartments.
Originally started as a “museum without walls” inside of Woodland Mall, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum eventually found its home in downtown Grand Rapids at 11 Sheldon Avenue NE. Built around hands-on learning and exploration, the GRCM is dedicated to developing young minds through play. The first thing to notice, even before entering the building, is a stunning mosaic mural that welcomes visitors into a world of creativity. Inside, exhibits like the mega-sized Bubbles station and Little GR, a miniature version of Grand Rapids where kids can play in a miniature city, keep guests thoroughly entertained. The museum also features temporary, rotating exhibits so there’s always something new to explore at Grand Rapids Children's Museum.
Woodland Mall is West Michigan’s second largest shopping destination, a massive one million square foot space with over 100 top brands to choose from. Originally opened in 1968, the mall has undergone significant renovation and revitalization over the years, making it a vibrant hub for shopping and dining in Grand Rapids. Outside of shopping, Woodland Mall serves as a community gathering space with seasonal events, pop-up experiences, and activities throughout the year. Best of all, Woodland Mall is located just a few miles east of Eagle Grove Apartments.
Located on the west side of the city, John Ball Zoo is Grand Rapids’ most notable zoo, a 100-acre space with over 2,000 animals. This includes African lions, Magellanic penguins, red pandas, chimpanzees, and a well-known pygmy hippo named Hugo. One of the zoo’s most unique features is the terrain itself— the land is made up of ravines, bluffs, and hills that provide a varied experience for guests. The zoo is committed to global conservation efforts and partners with organizations all around the world to protect endangered species and habitats. John Ball Zoo is a cornerstone of the Grand Rapids community.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum stands as a tribute to America’s 38th president. Situated downtown on the western bank of the Grand River, and operated by the National Archives, the museum brings to life Ford’s time in the White House through engaging exhibits and full-scale recreations of the Oval Office and the White House Cabinet Room. The museum is also home to the solemn tomb of President Ford and his wife, First Lady Betty Ford. Visitors will come away with a sincere appreciation for our 38th president and a deeper sense of patriotism.