History Meets Civic Engagement at the Ford Presidential Museum
When you’re looking for things to do in Grand Rapids, the museum scene is strong. Along with art and children’s museums, we are incredibly fortunate to have a presidential museum right here in Grand Rapids.
Located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a place where visitors of any age can learn about history, how their government works and how to be active citizens in their own communities.
Whether you’re looking for a place to spend a few hours or a great field trip opportunity, the Ford Presidential Museum is worth the visit.
“This (museum) is not a monument to any one man or any one presidency. Rather, it is a classroom of American democracy, a place where school kids as well as scholars will enjoy privileged access to the innermost workings of their government.” – Gerald R. Ford
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Gerald R. Ford Was a President of the People
When you visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, you’ll learn about the life of GR-native Gerald R. Ford and his path to the presidency.
“Because Gerald R. Ford was a regular person, kids can really connect with him and see themselves in him,” says April Hunt, Ford Foundation Communications Specialist.
“Ford was not from a wealthy family. He was not an excellent student. He was from a broken home. President Ford’s life is a real story of a real person from Grand Rapids, chasing the American Dream.”
The museum follows the life of President Ford, beginning with his birth in 1913. He and his mother left his abusive father and moved to Grand Rapids when Ford was just two weeks old.
Ford graduated from South High School (now the Gerald R. Ford Jobs Corps Center) in 1931 and went on to play football for the University of Michigan on a scholarship– a university he otherwise would not have been able to afford.
Despite receiving offers to play football for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, Ford chose to go into law to serve his community.
Psst! You can see the Big House and other nods to Gerald R. Ford in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express train display in December.
Exploring the Museum
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum strives to bring history to life and help create good citizens of the community.
In addition to standard signage and displays, the Ford Presidential Museum also has videos visitors can watch for a more immersive experience.
Be sure to stop at the front desk when you arrive and ask for a scavenger hunt to make your visit even more interactive.
Favorite Exhibits
The stand-out permanent exhibit at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is the Oval Office replica. This replica of President Ford’s Oval Office is full of 1970s history.
See if your kid will know what the rotary telephone is for. Or ask them to count all the smoking pipes they see (President Ford was a big pipe smoker).
In addition to the Oval Office, kids especially love to visit The Tomb where Gerald and Betty Ford are laid to rest, just north of the Museum. A real president and first lady are buried here in Grand Rapids!
Other favorites include:
- Cabinet Room (kids can sit in a chair and pretend to be the Secretary of State or Vice President)
- Bicentennial room (2026 is America’s 250th birthday, so watch for special updates in here in 2026)
- A piece of the Berlin Wall
- The real Watergate burglary tools
- Artifacts from the two assassination attempts on President Ford
- A replica of the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) – United States Navy’s newest, most advanced, and largest aircraft carrier
First Lady Betty Ford
The Ford Presidential Museum is not just all about Gerald. You can also learn about the life and influence of his wife, Betty Ford.
This first lady was a famous advocate for women’s rights, breast cancer awareness, and addiction recovery, later co-founding the renowned Betty Ford Center.
Online Exhibits
Prepare for your visit to the Gerald R. Ford Museum by looking at some of the exhibits online: the 1976 election, Ford’s early years, the Watergate files and the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier.
Plan a Field Trip to the Ford Presidential Museum
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum offers a robust field trip experience for students in grades K – 12 (including homeschool), hosting thousands of West Michigan students every year.
This is the best way for younger kids to enjoy the museum.
The DeVos Learning Center has grade-specific trips planned to teach students about civics and citizenship. They will also work with teachers to customize the trip based on what the kids are learning in school.
Field trips to the Ford Presidential Museum are FREE and they will also provide funds for bussing and tour guides for your trip.
Field trips are 1 – 2 hours, but full day options are available.
Self-guided tours are also an option as well as a virtual series about Betty Ford in partnership with WGVU.
Free Programs for Scouts
Gerald Ford is the only President to have been an Eagle Scout. As such, the museum is dedicated to providing quality programs for Scouts.
Several times throughout the year, Scouting America students have the opportunity to take FREE merit badge workshops at the Ford Presidential Museum.
Each class begins with time to learn about Gerald Ford and relate their Scouting topic to his life. Then the Scouts play games (and eat snacks!) before heading into the exhibits.
At the end of the class, Scouts will have earned their merit badge.
Scouts in Scouting America can earn their Citizenship in the World, Citizenship in the Nation and Citizenship in the Community merit badges. They can also earn a badge for completing the President Ford Historic Trail (or a medal if they also do the canoe trip).
Girl Scouts can learn about the life and influence of Betty Ford and earn an exclusive Betty Ford patch.
FAQs
Is the Ford Presidential Museum accessible?
Yes, there is ample room for strollers and wheelchairs to navigate the museum. Strollers and wheelchairs are also free to borrow for your visit.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes, all the restrooms are clean, spacious and have baby-changing stations.
Where do I park to visit the Ford Presidential Museum?
The Gerald R. Ford Museum parking lot is is free for visitors.
Can I buy food at the museum?
There are snacks available at the Museum store, but food and drink are not allowed in the museum. But if you plan ahead, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, right in front of the museum.
Know Before You Go
Location
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located at 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, alongside the Grand River and across from Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 12 – 5 PM
Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Tickets
| Adults | $13 |
| Seniors & Military | $11 |
| College Students | $10 |
| Ages 6 – 18 | $7 |
| Under 5 | FREE |
Parking
The museum’s dedicated parking lot is free for visitors.
Plan Your Visit Today!
From its central downtown location to its hands-on exhibits, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum brings history and civic responsibility to life right in our own backyard.
It’s a place that makes history feel relevant, encourages curiosity at every age, and reminds visitors that civic engagement starts close to home.
