The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual Meeting

Activities

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids is rated among the top cities in the U.S., and combines sophisticated charm with midwestern friendliness. Known for being safe and clean, it’s a “walking” city. The downtown features a major new convention center with five star experiences: hotels, restaurants, and relaxation. Minutes away from spectacular Lake Michigan beaches and beach towns, Grand Rapids is known for its major art and cultural events, plays, museums, and a world-class botanical garden.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Thursday, July 12, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm
Complimentary round-trip transportation, admission and a $10 lunch voucher for the Taste of the Gardens Cafe.
Advance reservation required.

Discover the beauty and splendor of a spectacular botanic garden and world-class sculpture park. The gardens include a tropical conservatory, an arid garden, the Carnivorous Plant House and a sculpture park featuring significant works of art within a variety of natural settings connected by waterways, meandering paths and quiet walkways.

Of special interest are “The American Horse”, the largest equine sculpture in the world inspired by Leonardo DaVinci’s drawings; Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker” on a rare and exclusive loan from the Detroit Institute of Arts; and the family-friendly Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, one of the largest in the U.S.

Exclusively planned for you as a guest of the GLSLCI Conference, photographer Ed Wargin, author of the just-published “Lake Michigan: A Photographic Portfolio,” will be on hand at his new photographic exhibition and available to autograph his book presented to you as a gift from The Wege Foundation. He will be joined by his wife, Kathy-Jo, who has earned national acclaim through award-winning children’s classics such as Michigan’s official state book, “The Legend of Sleeping Bear”.

For more information call toll-free at 888.957.1580 or visit www.meijergardens.org.

Meyer May House/Frank Lloyd Wright

Friday, July 13, 9 to 11 am
Complimentary round-trip transportation and admission
Advance reservation required

This 1908 masterpiece of the prairie-style design is one of the most complete restorations of a Frank Lloyd Wright house in existence. Built for Meyer May and his wife, Sophie, the house was Wright’s first commission in Michigan and compared with other houses on the block, was extremely revolutionary for the area.

Grand Rapids Downtown Walking Tour

This ten-block downtown walking tour covers less than three-quarters of a mile – but it takes you all the way from Berlin to Vietnam. View an actual segment of the Berlin Wall. Peruse fossilized remains of mammals, dinosaurs and sea life. Wander through the multimedia Furniture City exhibit to learn how Grand Rapids made its mark on the world scene. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.visitgrandrapids.org.

Outdoor & Art Inspirations: Walking Tours of Outdoor Sculpture and Historic Buildings in Downtown Grand Rapids

You’ll see stone angels on churches, bronze busts in older parks and monumental abstract works by Alexander Calder tucked into public courtyards. Residential lawns sport neon, metal or wood sculptures. Choose from two distinct walking tours and stroll at your leisure. Information will be provided at the conference.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

After representing Grand Rapids for 25 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Gerald R. Ford became president in 1974. This museum pays tribute to his life and times – with interactive exhibits focusing on his early life in Grand Rapids, the Watergate crisis, the Vietnam era, and a full-scale reproduction of the White House Oval Office. President Ford’s hillside grave, alongside the museum on the banks of the Grand River, overlooks his beloved city’s skyline. The Gerald R. Ford Museum is located at 303 Pearl Street NW. For more information call 616.254.0400 or visit www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov.

Van Andel Museum Center, Public Museum of Grand Rapids

The Public Museum of Grand Rapids traces its roots back 150 years to 1854, making it one of the oldest museums in the United States. On Thursday evening, you will dine on the first floor where you can visit the Streets of Old Grand Rapids and see what the city workshops, businesses and stores looked like over one hundred years ago, as well as ride an authentic 1928 carousel that overlooks the Grand River. We encourage you to also visit during the day to explore the other three levels, including the “Furniture City” exhibit that tells the story of Grand Rapids’ heritage and history of furniture making and how the industry catapulted the city into the manufacturing spotlight. The Anishinabek exhibit tells the story of the native people of West Michigan through clothing, decorative artwork and artifacts of daily life. The museum is located at 272 Pearl Street NW. For more information call 616.456.3977 or visit www.grmuseum.org.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an interactive, hands-on environment that inspires learning and encourages self-directed exploration, inviting children ages 2-10 to turn something into everything each time they visit. The museum is located at 22 Sheldon Avenue NE. For more information call 616.235.4726 or visit www.grcm.org.

City of Grand Rapids Wellness Walks

Bring comfortable walking shoes! The city has a variety of interesting, entertaining and health-conscious walking tours, from 1.4 to 3 miles. Maps will be available at the conference registration desk upon arrival.