Gerald R. Ford International Airport was previously known as Kent County Airport until it was renamed after former President Ford in 1999. Kent County is famous the Wright brothers and their biplane landing at a local county Fair. Nine years later the first airport opened in the area. The current facility broke ground just miles from the original airport in 1959 and opened in 1963. 1997 saw the construction of a new runway at a cost of $32 million. More renovations to the terminal was completed in 2000 and cost $50 million. The airport is the largest in the area and second largest in the state of Michigan with 23 domestic destinations and one international to Toronto, Canada.
GRR has two concourses and 13 gates on its 3,200-acre facility for its 6,250 daily travelers. Seven airlines operate out of GRR Airport with 150 flights daily to and from several domestic and international destinations. Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis are the most popular domestic destinations for travelers. GRR moves about 2.2 million passengers annually.
There is a four-level parking garage containing long and short-term parking, an economy lot and cell phone lot on the facilities. There is a variety of dining and shopping options in GRR Airport’s two concourses. Additionally, there are a variety of amenities to help passengers on the move including Wi-Fi, ATMs, conference rooms, shoeshine and banking services. Ground transportation to and from the airport includes busses, taxis, car rentals and shuttles from many of the surrounding hotels. If staying near the airport there are several options to choose from including the SpringHill Suites, Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel and the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Airport.