FAQ About Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Explore the childhood, marriage, military service and political life of Grand Rapids’ favorite son through such exhibits as an exact Oval Office replica and a multimedia recreation of the 1944 typhoon that almost swept a young Jerry Ford off the deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier. Browse 60 display cases filled with mementos and memorabilia highlighting the life and times of the president and First Lady Betty Ford. In addition to the permanent exhibits, changing temporary exhibits draw artifacts from museums all over the country. The Museum also hosts authors, journalists and historians for presentations on relevant topics.

Visitors can also pay their respects at the burial site of President and Mrs. Ford on the grounds of the Ford Museum, daily from 7:45 am to 5pm.

The Ford Museum is a popular destination for school groups of all ages because it makes history come alive through state-of-the-art technology-based exhibits, including many interactive features to better engage young minds.

Current hours are Monday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from noon-5pm. The Museum is open year-round and closed only on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

$14 for adults, $11 for senior citizens and military service members, $10 for college students with ID, $8 for youth ages 6-18 – and FREE for children under the age of 5. Prices are subject to change, please confirm with attraction.

Attraction Pass GR is a digital pass that allows entry to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and more, for one low price. Both one-day and three-day passes are available, with different prices for adults, children and seniors. 

Yes you can purchase online here or purchase them at the door. You must purchase online tickets for Monday visits.

All areas are ADA compliant and accessible to people in wheelchairs via ramps and elevators, and all exhibits are wheelchair accessible. All restrooms include accessible facilities. A number of exhibits include closed captioning or text panels for the hearing impaired. Sign language interpreters and interpretive guides for the visually impaired can be provided with a minimum of two week’s notice. Visitors who require service animals are welcome. The parking lot includes accessible parking space. Scroll down for more accessibility info.

In the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, on the banks of the Grand River fronting Ah-Nab-Awen Park. It’s just steps away from hotels, restaurants and breweries, and it’s across the street from the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Holiday Inn Downtown. The Blue Bridge pedestrian walkway and several vehicular bridges over the river lead to 300+ additional downtown museums, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, shops and entertainment venues.

Visitors can park on site for free. Additional parking is available throughout the downtown area, within a 10-minute walk of the Museum. The Museum is also on the route of the free DASH shuttle, which stops near the Museum every 15 minutes, seven days a week. 

The Ford Museum does not serve food, but 180+ restaurants are located within a 10-minute walk. Food and beverages are not allowed inside the Museum. Ah-Nab-Awen Park, right in front of the Museum, is a perfect site for a pre- or post-visit picnic.

Yes, the Museum Store is open and you can also shop online.