What better way to celebrate President’s Day than to honor Gerald Ford, the only President raised right here in Michigan. Take a trip to Grand Rapids (2hours from Detroit) and visit his Presidential Museum to learn more about the 38th President of the United States and his wife, Betty Ford.

The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum allows visitors to experience highlights from President and Mrs. Ford’s lives and features exhibits that teach about democratic citizenship. Learn about Gerald Ford’s early life (including his original given name), his years playing football at the University of Michigan and his years in Washington D.C. as Congressman and later President. Get a look inside the Oval Office, step inside the Roosevelt Room and experience history up close. In addition to the permanent exhibits, changing temporary exhibits draw artifacts from Museums all over the country.

Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm

Admission: $13 adults, $7 youth ages 6 to 18, and children 5 and younger are free.

The Ford Museum is located along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. Directly outside the museum you will find the World of Winter festival’s larger-than-life art installations. The FREE outdoor winter festival is the largest in the Midwest and fun to explore during the day or at night. Across the street you’ll find the Grand Rapids Public Museum – a 3 story hands-on museum that is fun for all ages and features a carousel that looks out onto the river. An easy walk or short drive will take you to the Rosa Park Ice Rink, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (where there is currently a Daniel Tiger exhibit).

Have fun for a day or make it an overnight stay, we love staying at the Embassy Suites in downtown – there’s an indoor pool, indoor/outdoor hot tub and FREE breakfast!

Not up for a road trip? Get an Instagram worthy shot for President’s Day at one of these landmarks in Detroit.

  • George Washington Statue @ Mariner’s Church on Jefferson Ave near Hart Plaza: 170 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
  • Abraham Lincoln Bust @ UAW-Ford National Programs Center in Hart Plaza:151 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
  • Ulysses Grant House is not accessible to the public but located at W. State Fair Avenue, west of Woodward and south of 8 Mile. (it will be moved to Eastern Market)
  • Barack Obama picture @ The Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria: 441 W Canfield St #9, Detroit, MI 48201

Photo credit: Facebook