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Gerald R. Ford Tour
Celebrate the life of the man named Jerry that served as a sailor, congressman, Vice President, and Thirty-Eighth President of the United States by visiting the Gerald R. Ford Museum and other historical sites in the Grand Rapids area. Discover the journey that led Ford to becoming the leader of the most powerful nation. Start your tour by walking through the Gerald R. Ford Museum located at 303 Pearl Street. The permanent exhibits are the core of the Museum's program. They allow visitors to participate in history, not just view it, while reviewing the highlights of the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. In addition to the permanent exhibits, a succession of temporary exhibits draws upon the rich holdings of the entire Presidential libraries system, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Archives, and others. Before leaving the museum, visit Ford’s Burial site to pay your respects. President Ford was interred on the grounds of the museum on January 3, 2007. Next, view the monument of Senator Vandenberg located at the corner of Pearl Street and Monroe Avenue. President Ford considered Senator Arthur Vandenberg, who served from 1928 to 1951, a political mentor. The monument was sculpted by Toby Mendez and erected in 2005. The inscription at the base remembers the senator as “Architect of Bipartisan Foreign Policy, Instrumental in Creation of United Nations, Marshall Plan, North Atlantic Treaty Organization.” From there begin a driving tour of the following historic homes of Gerald Ford (please note that all homes are private residences not open to the public): • 1960 Prospect (originally called Terrace), Grand Rapids. Ford lived here with his mother from 1913 to 1917. • 630 Rosewood, East Grand Rapids. The Ford family lived here from 1922 to 1923. • 649 Union Street, Grand Rapids. The Ford family lived here from 1923 to 1930. This home is in the area now known as the Heritage Hill Historical District. • 2153 Lake Drive, East Grand Rapids. The Ford family lived here from 1930 to 1933. It is believed that the actual house Gerald Ford lived in has since been demolished. • 1011 Santa Cruz Drive, East Grand Rapids. Ford’s parents lived here beginning in 1933. He stayed here while on college breaks and before joining the navy. • 330 Washington Street, Grand Rapids. Residence of Gerald and Betty Ford from 1948 to 1950. End your driving tour by stopping by the beautiful Grace Episcopal Church located on 1815 Hall Street. Gerald R. Ford Jr. and Betty Bloomer Warren married in Grace Episcopal Church on October 15, 1948. On January 3, 2007, President Ford’s final funeral service was held at Grace Church.
Hotel Packages
Ramada Plaza Hotel Deluxe Overnight Accommodations for up to 5 people. One Large one topping Old Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, 2 liter bottle of a Pepsi product, 5 Castaway Bay Passes and Deluxe Continental Breakfast. Package Starting at $119.00 Booking code: LPPP
Crowne Plaza Need to getaway and re-connect with your family? Pack your bags, load up the family and head to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Your overnight stay includes one large pizza with two toppings, a two liter of soda and a complimentary in room movie with a bag of popcorn. Don't forget to relax at our indoor/outdoor pool, whirlpool and video game area. Price per package is $109.00 plus tax Booking code: TVM 
Hampton Inn North A clean comfortable room for a one night stay, 2 tickets to the Gerald R Ford Museum, hot complimentary continental breakfast, welcome gift, access to our indoor pool/whirlpool/fitness center, HSIA, and our 100% Hampton Guarantee. Rates are Thursdays at $135.00; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are $115.00. Rates are for two people and reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Hampton Inn North A clean comfortable room for a one night stay, 2 tickets to the Gerald R Ford Museum, hot complimentary continental breakfast, welcome gift, access to our indoor pool/whirlpool/fitness center, HSIA, and our 100% Hampton Guarantee. Rates are Thursdays at $135.00; Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are $105.00. Rates are for two people and reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Hampton Inn North This package (for 2) includes a guest room, 2 tickets to the Gerald R. Ford Museum. Also included is High speed wireless internet, the famous Hampton Inn breakfast, indoor swimming pool with outdoor patio, and exercise room. There are theaters, shopping and an assortment of restaurants nearby.
Days Hotel Downtown Take a walk into history and feature exhibits to appreciate the lives of President and Mrs. Ford. As the lead White House photographer, David Kennerly enjoyed unprecedented access to our nation's 38th President. This exhibit highlights Kennerly's work at its best. Over forty photographs portray the poignant and personal side of President Gerald Ford. Joining these images, captioned with Kennerly's own recollections, are scores of seldom seen artifacts pulled from the Museum's collection. Accommodations for up to 4 people in a standard room at the Days Hotel. A family 4-pack to the Gerald R. Ford Museum! A $10 gift certificate to the Pearl Street Grill, located in the Days Hotel, with a delicious menu. A Grand Rapids-area welcome packet with special offers. Enjoy FREE Parking Sunday-Thursday $105.00 and Friday-Saturday $125.00 Booking code: LPGF Looking to stay overnight? Find a place to Stay & Sleep! |
 
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