Page 20 - June 2023

In Grand Rapids you’ll find the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mu- seum, highlighting the life of the 38th U.S. president. (photo credit: MeLinda Schnyder)
Grand Rapids, Michigan
The namesake rapids are no longer flowing in the portion of the Grand River that runs through the state’s second largest city, but Grand Rapids offers plenty of other activities to keep you busy, especially if you’re interested in history, art or craft beer.
The city’s most visited museum is the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, which takes you through the life of the 38th U.S. president from moving to Grand Rapids as an infant to practicing law there and becoming president when Richard Nixon resigned in August 1974. Also downtown on the west bank of the river, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum to see historic and cultural regional artifacts on display, including iconic furniture pieces showcasing the city’s history in designing and manufacturing residential and commercial furniture as well as a 1931 Driggs Skylark biplane said to be the last remaining of 21 produced.
Six miles east of downtown, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre campus with indoor
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is among the world’s 100 most- visited art museums. (photo credit: MeLinda Schnyder)
18 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
JUNE 2023