For those more into the sights and sounds of the city, historic Downtown Big Rapids has everything you'd expect and more to enjoy for a city break. There are plenty of shops to check out during the day and excellent restaurants and bars to explore at night. Big Rapids is a compact and friendly city, so if you're feeling fit, you can easily get around on foot.
When would be the best time to visit the city of Big Rapids, MI?
Big Rapids, like other cities in the region, has large seasonal temperature differences. Summers are warm, though often humid, whereas winters bring average temperatures below freezing. June, July, and August are the hottest and most popular months, so if you want to grab a bargain and still enjoy pleasant temperatures, plan your trip for the shoulder seasons of April and May or September and October.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Big Rapids, MI:
Big Rapids by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Big Rapids, MI. You can use these line graphs to determine the cheapest months to make a reservation in Big Rapids for your upcoming travels.
Which luxury hotels are in Big Rapids, MI?
4 Star Average Prices: $75.00
Hampton Inn Big Rapids is in an excellent location, just a couple of miles from the city center and connected to a shopping mall. All rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom with either a shower or bathtub as well as complimentary toiletries. LCD televisions with cable programming are provided for entertainment, and daily housekeeping is included. Laptop compatible safes and desks are available in case you're working while on your trip.
A daily hot and cold breakfast buffet is included in your stay, and Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel to keep you connected. Self-parking is available free of charge and the hotel has a 24-hour front desk. An indoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center complete the comfortable amenities at the Hampton Inn. This hotel is an excellent choice for eco-minded travelers, as they have a well-established recycling program, including sending food waste to a local pig farmer.
Evergreen Resort is farther out of the city but is worth the traveling for the luxurious ambience, beautiful grounds, and excellent facilities. Located on 327 acres of park land and surrounded by half a million acres of national forest, this hotel has recreational activities to suit everyone. Two award-winning golf courses and miles of nature trails can be found on the hotel grounds, and the surrounding forest is perfect for downhill skiing in the winter and fishing and lakeside sunbathing in the summer. Evergreen Resort has outdoor tennis courts, an indoor pool and whirlpool spa, and access to a local fitness facility for all guests.
The 117 rooms and suites are all air-conditioned and feature all of the amenities you'd expect from a luxury hotel. There are two on-site restaurants: Curly's Bar and Passage North. Curly's Bar has a tavern feel with a relaxed vibe and serves a menu to match, along with delicious desserts and a selection of Michigan craft beers. Passage North is a grill restaurant serving delicious global cuisine cooked from fresh regional ingredients. Craft beer and a full wine selection are available, and the Sunday brunch is very highly recommended.
Where are the most affordable hotels near Big Rapids, MI?
3 Star Average Prices: $94.30
Quality Inn & Suites Big Rapids is located right in the heart of the city and has a wide selection of rooms to suit all travelers. All 86 rooms are air-conditioned and include a refrigerator and an LCD television to keep you entertained. A private bathroom is a standard feature and some include a deep bathtub for a soak after a day of exploring. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the hotel, and each morning a free buffet breakfast is served. The communal lobby features a cozy fireplace, and tea and coffee facilities are available. Quality Inn & Suites has its own grocery store for your convenience, and there is an outdoor pool to enjoy on hot days. For the more active traveler, a fitness suite is available.
Also within walking distance of the city center is the Super 8 by Wyndham Big Rapids. This great value hotel features 52 air-conditioned rooms, each with a private bathroom. If you fancy a treat without breaking the bank you can upgrade to a suite with a whirlpool bathtub. Refrigerators and microwaves are standard so you can prepare your own snacks, and there are tea and coffee facilities in the lobby. Continental breakfast is included each morning, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The indoor pool and spa tub are welcome extras in such an affordable hotel.
2 Star Average Prices: $133.23
What are the best hotels with discounts in the Big Rapids area?
Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center Big Rapids is just a short drive from the local attractions and has some stunning views over the neighboring golf course. If you're a AAA member or in the military, you can enjoy discounts of up to 34 percent. All 118 air-conditioned rooms have an LED television for entertainment, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel to help you keep up to date. Complimentary toiletries are provided in the private bathrooms and there are desks, complimentary newspapers, and free local phone calls for those on a business trip. An on-site restaurant offers a full menu as well as room service during limited hours. Finish your day of exploring with a drink at the hotel's bar, or relax in the indoor pool or spa tub.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson is just five minutes from Ferris State University and near many lakes, trails, and golf courses. This hotel offers group accommodation discounts for wedding parties, reunions, and other group affairs. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an indoor pool and spa, a business center, and a free hot breakfast. Relax after your big day in front of your 32-inch HDTV with HBO, ESPN, and CNN. You can fix your own snacks using the refrigerator and microwave or eat at one of the nearby restaurants.
What value hotels are in Big Rapids?
Osceola Grand Hotel has excellent facilities for a very reasonable price. It's a little ways out of town, but there is free on-site parking and a 24-hour front desk whose staff is happy to help you find your way around. The lobby has a fireplace, ideal for cooler evenings, and there are communal tea and coffee facilities. Rooms feature all of the usual amenities, including air-conditioning and cable television, and Wi-Fi is available free of charge. A complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning, and pets are allowed in certain rooms. The indoor pool and spa tub are welcome extras, and the fitness facilities will keep even the most active guest occupied.
Mt. Pleasant Inn & Suites is a straightforward yet comfortable highway hotel offering rooms for an excellent price. The location is around a half-hour drive from Big Rapids, but there is free self-parking at the hotel and the great prices make up for the slightly longer drive. Rooms are air-conditioned with a refrigerator and microwave, and the private bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Cable television is provided in each room, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel. A daily continental breakfast is included for every guest, and the housekeeping service is provided daily.
Where can you find wildlife education in Big Rapids, MI?
Situated on the campus of and hosted by Ferris Sate University, the Card Wildlife Education Center displays nearly 200 global wildlife specimens in its space of over 5,000 square feet. It was founded by Roger Card, a Ferris alumni, as an educational resource for both university students and K-12 school children. It has since been opened to the public to allow the community and visitors to learn about international wildlife.
The largest section of the center displays more than 90 specimens of full-body or head mounts, including the moose, the black bear, the gray wolf, and the cougar. This section showcases the fishing and hunting culture traditions of the USA and more specifically northern Michigan. There is an African section displaying similar hunted specimens of native African animals, including leopard, giraffe, and greater kudu. The Asian section displays specimens of blue sheep and Siberian ibex.
The Card Wildlife Education Center is open to the public seasonally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m on every day except Sunday. Alternatively, you can call ahead and book a group visit with a knowledgeable guide.
Big Rapids, MI is an ideal destination for those who enjoy the outdoors and spending time with nature. There is plenty of easily accessible green space offering fun and adventurous activities for all the family. During certain times of the day or year or when members of the family are in the mood for more urban pursuits, there is always the up and coming Downtown Big Rapids area, with plenty of high-quality restaurants, bars, and entertainment to explore. Whatever you like to do or whenever you visit, this small but perfectly formed city has something for you.
FAQs about hotels in Big Rapids
How much does a cheap hotel in Big Rapids cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Big Rapids can be as cheap as $133.23 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Big Rapids cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Big Rapids has been $94.30 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel in Big Rapids cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Big Rapids has been $75.00 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Big Rapids, MI
Below are reviews of the city of Big Rapids, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Great restaurants and shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Choice of restaurants was great. Shopping was easy to get to.
Byron T., from 19-Aug-2024
"Proximity to Idlewild"
Score
5.0 / 5
I came to go to Idlewild and first time visiting Big Rapids and will be back.
Teresa S., from 13-Aug-2024
"Great Food!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The food is really good
Tyler P., from 27-Jun-2024
"Clean Peaceful Place"
Score
4.0 / 5
A very nice place, clean town and peaceful too!
Terry O., from 26-Jun-2024
"Near the University"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice Catholic church at the university. Applebee's was a nice restaurant.
Robert A., from 05-Mar-2024
"TSC Big Rapids"
Score
4.0 / 5
I enjoy working at TSC Big Rapids.
Ron S., from 15-Jan-2024
"Very Nice City"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city was very nice.
Pauline C., from 17-Dec-2023
"Lots of shopping places and eating places!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Lots of shopping places and eating places!
Sandra K., from 04-Aug-2023
"Good Location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to where we wanted to be.
Todd G., from 12-Mar-2023
"It is the closest place to Idlewild."
Score
4.0 / 5
It is the closest place to Idlewild.
Murdock J., from 29-Aug-2022
"Great Hotel Close to the University"
Score
4.0 / 5
Great hotel and close to the University to visit my son.
Robert W., from 25-Aug-2022
"NICE!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice!
Sandra S., from 14-Jun-2022
"Near shopping and restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Liked having stores and restaurants near by.
Vv E., from 05-Jun-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Big Rapids, MI shown above is
4.3 out of 5 based on 13 reviews