Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Visiting the Gerald R Ford Presidential library was on the top of our list when we arrived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The museum is conveniently located adjacent to downtown and some of the large hotels, so you can easily stay and walk to the museum and other downtown locations. We arrived shortly after opening and were able to get our tickets and start exploring the museum. The flow of the museum is in chronological order of his life starting with his youth, growing up in Grand Rapids. There is quite a lot of information on his time in the Boy Scouts of America and how important this was in establishing his values and leadership abilities. There is a great section about his involvement in football at both high school and college and then his years serving in the military. We then start learning about his down-to-earth, approachable style of leadership while growing in politics locally at the state level and then in congress. The information about his time as Vice President and how he became President as a result of Watergate and Nixon resigning was interesting and informative. It was interesting to learn more about some of the policies that Ford enacted and how he worked to build trust back into the office of the President. I was not familiar with how many tough decisions he had to make that were not necessarily the popular decision, but that provided a stronger foundation for our country's future. The mock-up of the oval office and cabinet room are always favorites in the Presidential Libraries and these were well done. I found the exhibit about his passing and the funeral very touching. It would have been very interesting to see what Ford could have done if he were not working under the shadow of the Nixon resignation. I left feeling that he was a good leader and a strong President. I am glad we visited the museum.
Steven YackelSteven Yackel
30
This is a library not a museum, although it has some small exhibits. Unlike every other President, Ford split his museum and library apart by 150 miles. For a completionist like me this is very annoying! Staff were helpful. Clean facilities. Beautiful courtyard but there's really not a lot here and unless you're looking to do all the libraries and museums I wouldn't bother coming here, unless you're looking to do research which they have huge resources for, I believe! Parking is free.
Sam RogersSam Rogers
80
As presidential libraries go, this is probably not worth visiting if you want to learn about the president. There is very little to see as a tourist. Hopefully the Gerald Ford presidential museum will be better.
Steve ButterfieldSteve Butterfield
40
A lot more exhibits and information than I expected at a library. Worth a visit for sure
Alison ClarkAlison Clark
00
Nearby Attractions Of Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Pierpont Commons
The University of Michigan - North Campus
Wave Field
Lurie Bell Tower
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning

Pierpont Commons
4.4
(130)Click for details

The University of Michigan - North Campus
4.6
(95)Click for details

Wave Field
4.6
(57)Click for details

Lurie Bell Tower
4.7
(31)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
The Lunch Room - Bakery & Cafe
Mujo Café
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - U of M - Pierpont Commons
Hibachi-San
Fireside Café
Panda Express
Eigen Cafe [Self-serve Kiosk]

The Lunch Room - Bakery & Cafe
4.7
(136)Click for details

Mujo Café
3.4
(37)$
Click for details

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - U of M - Pierpont Commons
4.6
(13)Click for details

Hibachi-San
3.7
(18)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1000 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Map
Phone
(734) 205-0555
Call
Website
fordlibrarymuseum.gov
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.3
(48 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is a repository located on the north campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The library houses archival materials on the life, career, and presidency of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States.
attractions: Pierpont Commons, The University of Michigan - North Campus, Wave Field, Lurie Bell Tower, University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, restaurants: The Lunch Room - Bakery & Cafe, Mujo Café, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - U of M - Pierpont Commons, Hibachi-San, Fireside Café, Panda Express, Eigen Cafe [Self-serve Kiosk]
