Ada, Michigan travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Ada is a town in West Michigan, east of Grand Rapids. It is best known – and most visited – as the world headquarters of "multi-level marketing" giant Amway.

2 sights · 3 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Ada

Ada Covered Bridge

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ada Covered Bridge crosses the Thornapple River. It's been closed to vehicular traffic for many years; the bridge has burned to the ground several times but has bee…

Center for Free Enterprise

Amway headquarters, a shrine of sorts to the principle of "freedom" and to company founders Rich DeVos and Jay VanAndel.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 19°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Apr and May. (climate data from nearby Grand Rapids)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
GRR Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Grand Rapids — 5 mi away (major hub). Directions
MKG Muskegon County Airport, Muskegon — 41 mi away. Directions

Ada is located on Michigan state highway M-21, roughly 10 miles east of Grand Rapids. Driving is the only practical way to reach the town; there is neither bus service nor an airport.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

Typical meal: about $8 per person at listed restaurants.

See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning Ada Covered Bridge
Lunch Zeytin Turkish Restaurant
Afternoon Center for Free Enterprise
Dinner Schnitz Ada Grill
Evening Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder

Map

Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.

Get in

Ada is located on Michigan state highway M-21, roughly 10 miles east of Grand Rapids. Driving is the only practical way to reach the town; there is neither bus service nor an airport.

Get around

As Ada is a small town, there is no public transportation. The downtown area is easily navigable by bike or walking.

See

See Center for Free Enterprise

Amway headquarters, a shrine of sorts to the principle of "freedom" and to company founders Rich DeVos and Jay VanAndel.

Maps

See Ada Covered Bridge

Maps

Do

Take a walk down to Ada Park and discover miles of trails.
Pick up some donuts from Sprinkles
Buy some Starbucks next to the Ada Fresh Market
Walk though the Ada that has been getting updated since 2016
Walk though Legacy Park then walk down to the Schoolhouse and get some nice ice cream