Happy Birthday GR, Let’s Celebrate 175!
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Celebrate 175 Years of Grand Rapids All Year Long
So… Grand Rapids is 175 this year.
In 1850, on April 2, to be precise. That’s when the City of Grand Rapids was incorporated. A month later, on May 2, 1850, the city’s charter was approved and the city was officially established.
Kinda wild when you think about it. This city’s seen a lot over the years- furniture empires, art explosions, taco trucks, civil unrest, beer city status, river walks, and everything in between.
And now, we’ve reached a milestone worth celebrating all year long: 175 years as Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Little GR Look-back
Just a quick timelapse of where we’ve been:
Before Grand Rapids was a city, the Anishinaabeg called this area Owashtenong.
Owashtenong was the name for the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg, made up of the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi (Bodéwadmi.) The Grand River Valley was home to many Native communities, governed by a confederation of 19 Odawa bands, now referred to as the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians. In 1821, tribal leaders signed the Treaty of Chicago, ceding large parts of West Michigan to the U.S. government.
Louis Campau bought 72 acres for $90 and called it Grand Rapids
French trader Louis Campau set up a trading post along the Grand River. In 1831, he bought 72 acres of land for $90 and named it “Grand Rapids.” That land is now pretty much all of downtown.
GR became a city on April 2, 1850 (about 2,600 people lived here then)
Fast-forward to April 2, 1850, and Grand Rapids officially became a city with a population of just under 2,700. It kept growing and evolving. By 1857, the city boundaries covered 10.5 square miles.
In 1916, GR adopted a commission-manager style of government—pretty ahead of its time
In 1916, residents voted to change how the city was run, ditching the old alderman system and adopting a commission-manager form of government—one of the first cities in the U.S. to do it. That setup, with a few updates over the years, is still in place today.
A lot more happened between 1916 and now, too much to write here and still keep your attention. And yeah, 175 years later, a lot is still changing. But some things, like river views, and figuring out how to make this place the best it can be together still feel true to GR.
175th Celebration Plans
Here’s what’s lined up so far:
June 7 Big GR Birthday Bash
Rosa Parks Circle
Saturday, June 7, 2025
They’re still sorting out the details, but it’s meant to be a big community celebration. It’ll be easy to join in, fun for all ages, and filled with “bring a blanket and hang out” energy.
Traveling Museum: 175 Photos, on the Move
The City and the Grand Rapids Public Museum are teaming up for a traveling photo exhibit.
175 pictures for 175 years, including old-school snapshots, everyday life, big moments. It’ll pop up at events all over the city, so you’ll probably catch it somewhere.
Online Stuff
They’re planning some digital contests and collaborations, including ways to share your love for the city and maybe win a thing or two.
Keep an eye on the city’s Facebook and Instagram for updates and tag your stuff with #175GR if you’re out doing something that screams Grand Rapids.
Join In & Merch It Up
The city’s hoping everyone will be part of the celebration.
Businesses. Artists. Nonprofits. Neighborhood groups. Regular folks.
What does that look like, exactly?
You can host an event, make custom merch, or just find your own way to mark the occasion. (yeah, you can use the official logo—they even made a bunch of styles for free use.
You can also buy merch from Grand Rapids Branding Co, like this official T-shirt”
A Bigger Story
This whole thing also connects with the lead-up to America’s 250th celebration in 2026. So it’s not just a birthday, it’s part of a national moment, and GR’s way of showing what community looks like here.
You’ll see service days, art projects, school programs, and some good conversations about where we’ve been and where we’re headed.
Get Ready to Celebrate like it’s 1850, Grand Rapids
You don’t need to memorize the history. Or go to every event.
But if you love this city, it’s a good time to show up for it.
Celebrate however makes sense to you. Host something. Volunteer. Or just raise a glass to 175 years of GR doing its thing.
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