Bulldog Cinema
If going out to parties isn’t your cup of tea, Bulldog Cinema is the place to go. Affordable tickets and snacks are amazing for poor college kids. Bulldog Cinema shows the newest movies that come out as well as having special nights where they have customers vote on what movie to show. 1100 Maple St, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Chase Creek
It’s a little far from Big Rapids, but Chase Creek has great food and amazing service. Chase Creek is a log cabin that seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but it is a fan favorite for Chase residents. With an outdoor bar and space to play corn hole and listen to music, Chase Creek makes everyone feel like a local.
7143 S Depot St, Chase, MI 49623
The Gate
After studying for PSYC 150, going bowling at The Gate is a great stress reliever. Grabbing a few friends and getting competitive while bowling or playing pool can make lifelong friendships and a great weekday hangout. Prices vary depending on which night you go.
327 S 3rd Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Gypsy Nickel
A great place to visit for bar food and karaoke on Saturday night is Gypsy Nickel. Gypsy is a more laid-back version of Shoots. This is a perfect place to bring your new roommate and get to know each other. There are some nights that students under 21 must pay a cover charge, but the food is worth it.
228 Baldwin St, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Lighttouch Tattoo
Walking into Lighttouch gives some a culture shock, but never lets anyone leave disappointed. Decorated in weird pictures and figurines while anime plays on the large screen, the tattoo parlor can make people uneasy walking in. But Lighttouch is definitely a place every college student should visit at least once, whether it’s for a new piercing or a tattoo that they will hide from their parents for the next 10 years.
222 S Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Planet Fitness
Although the Student Rec Centre is free, Planet Fitness is a great, judgement-free zone to go exercise for students afraid of the Freshman 15. Located by Joann’s Fabric and Buffalo Wild Wings, Planet Fitness welcomes everyone. The extra $10 a month to have the premium membership is worth it during exam week when students can go lay in the massage beds and relax.
1250 Perry Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Paris Fish Hatchery
This is a perfect place to walk around and take aesthetic pictures. Students can go feed fish and watch the ducks while climbing on the miniature Eiffel tower. This is the perfect spot for a picnic with friends.
22090 Northland Dr, Paris, MI 49338
Spectrum Health Hospital
Hopefully, no students have to visit the hospital this fall, but everyone should be prepared. Down the street from the Prakken building lives Spectrum Health. The emergency room is open 24 hours and is available to everyone.
605 Oak St, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Star Shooters
Star Shooters, also known as Shoots, is the primary college bar in Big Rapids. During the week, it is a ghost town, but on the weekend, it is packed. With garage doors in the front and a large dance floor inside, college students love getting lose here. Shoots offers beer pong competitions Tuesday nights, along with discounted drink prices at Friday After Class (FAC). Minors have to pay a cover charge to get in; on most nights, it costs $5, but it may increase, depending on the night.
120 S Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Toppings
In between classes, students can go enjoy frozen deliciousness. Toppings offers a variety of frozen yogurt and different toppings from sprinkles to candy to fresh fruit to top it off. Bubble tea is also offered, if you’re looking for a refreshing drink.
321 N Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307