Grand Rapids in Kent County is the center of a metropolitan statistical area that includes Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Allegan counties. Grand Rapids is a leader in logging industry and then gradually diversified into the manufacture of furniture. Today it is the office furniture capital. Thousands of Dutch immigrants also settled in Grand Rapids to work in the furniture factories. Today, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area has more than one million inhabitants, pioneering cultural institutions, a revitalized downtown core, a diverse economy, and high quality living.

Divided by the Grand River, Michigan's longest river, Grand Rapids is located in the Grand river valley approximately 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. The presence of the Lake influences the climate of the region. Seasonal extremes are infrequent, although hot, humid weather can be expected for about three weeks during the summer and occasional droughts occur for short periods. Snow cover sometimes remains throughout the winter.

Area: 45 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 785 feet to 1,075 feet above sea level

Latitude: 42.96 N

Longitude: 85.66 W

b>Average Temperatures: January, 21.8° F; July, 71.6° F; annual average, 47.4° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 37.13 inches of rain, 71.9 inches of snow

Population: 193,780 as on 2005

Attractions:

• Gerald R. Ford Museum
• Public Museum of Grand Rapids
• Van Andel Museum Center
• Voigt House Victorian Museum