When you get your itinerary for a new USA destination, you tend to get wrapped up in all the physical experiences you’re going to have. You might envision yourself walking cobblestone streets or visiting a heritage site you’ve seen pictured online a thousand times. But what you don’t plan for are the times when inspiration strikes. During my time in Grand Rapids, I had inspiration strike where I least expected it. My itinerary from Experience Grand Rapids was outstanding, but I took some time off my itinerary and visited the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum. While I definitely wouldn’t say I’m a fan of Ford’s politics, I am a curious traveler and lifelong learner. I figured why not visit when I have the chance. Little did I know that this detour at my latest over 60 travel destination would be such a stunning reminder of purpose and faith.
Some Context on Ford’s Presidency
To understand where I’m coming from, first we need a short history lesson. As a boomer traveler, I’ve lived through several presidents, including the infamous President Nixon. His term was marred by the Watergate Scandal and his association with his corrupt vice president Spiro Agnew. It was a time of political turmoil—not as mean-spirited as today, but the climate was certainly one of divisiveness.
Agnew resigned as vice president in 1973, and suddenly, it was up to Nixon to appoint a new vice president. Enter Gerald Ford. Ford was a congressman for Grand Rapids and the leader of the House Republicans. Although he never ran for the presidency and never really aspired to it, Ford became the United States president upon Nixon’s resignation.
When a Whim Becomes an Inspirational Moment
Fast forward nearly 40 years, and I find myself with some free time in Grand Rapids. The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum was closeby, and I figured it never hurts to learn a little more about our history and leaders. The museum and library have several fascinating exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office and details about the 1976 election.
But what really struck me was something intangible. The museum tells the story of Ford’s political career in a way I didn’t expect. Ford didn’t intend to become president, and yet, it seemed there were bigger plans in store for the native Michigander. Since my visit, I’ve been pondering how often we underestimate God’s plan for our lives. Even after becoming VP, he was happy to end his political career on that note.
Instead, there was a greater purpose to his short 895-day presidency. In the end, he was the one to pardon Nixon and stop the specter of corruption from hanging over Washington DC and the whole country. His story has made me think about how we’re told to “dream big,” but then allow those big dreams to scare us. My time at the museum was a stark reminder that there are always more blessings in store, especially when we don’t expect them.
More Destinations for Your Grand Rapids Itinerary
Taking a break from my Grand Rapids itinerary paid off! I came away with a new sense of purpose and was reminded of the blessings that are always coming our way. For the rest of my trip, I got to experience the best of Grand Rapids, from the food to the music and culture. Here are some of my favorite stops in the city:
- Aroma Labs—Create your own fragrance! Perfect for mother daughter travel, honeymoons, and birthday celebrations.
- Gardens & Sculpture Park—The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features stunning art pieces and one of the biggest Japanese gardens outside Japan.
- MDRD—After a day on the town, relax with some Spanish cuisine and floor-to-ceiling views of the city. This restaurant is located high up in the Amway Grand Plaza hotel.
- Butchers Union—I walked to this delicious restaurant after my visit to the museum. I had already seen it from my hotel room and wanted to try out the food.
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Off Schedule
As a seasoned solo traveler, I’ve seen more than my share of amazing monuments, breathtaking cultural locations, and peaceful religious destinations. It’s encouraging to know there are still more inspirational places out there to discover. Some of those places might be right in your own backyard! So, don’t be afraid to venture outside of your itinerary when you have some spare time—you might find yourself with a brand-new travel story to take back home with you.