Things to do in Grandville
De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delftware Factory
De Klomp Wooden Shoe and Delftware Factory is at 12755 Quincy St. at US 31 next to Veldheer Tulip Gardens. Self-guiding tours of the premises allow visitors to see craftspeople demonstrate wooden shoe carving and the making of blue and white Delftware. Call (616) 399-1900 for more information.
12755 Quincy St., Holland, MI 49424
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is n.e. of jct. I-96 exit 38 and E. Beltline at 1000 E. Beltline N.E. The 125-acre gardens and sculpture park contains perennial, American, Victorian, shade and arid gardens; nature trails; a carnivorous plant house; and tropical plants in the five-story, 15,000-square-foot Lena Meijer Conservatory, said to be the state's largest. A 30-acre outdoor sculpture park boasts more than 30 bronze sculptures by such artists as Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg and Auguste Rodin. Most notable is a 24-foot-tall Leonardo da Vinci horse by Nina Akamu. A children's garden also is featured, and a tropical butterfly exhibit takes place March through April. Narrated tram tours are available. Call (616) 957-1580 for more information.
1000 E. Beltline Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is off US 131 exit 85B at 303 Pearl St. N.W. The triangular building has a glass wall that mirrors downtown from the west bank of the Grand River. Displays portray both the private life and public career of President Ford. Exhibits include a re-creation of the Ford Paint & Varnish Company where the future president worked as a boy as well as information about the October 1973 vice-presidential confirmation hearings when Ford served as House Minority Leader. Visitors can take a holographic tour of the White House, observe foreign policy procedures in the White House Situation Room and view the nomination of Ford at the Republican National Convention in 1976. Call (616) 254-0400 for more information.
303 Pearl St. N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
John Ball Zoo
One of the largest zoos in the state, it houses 1,000 animals from many parts of the world. Of particular interest are a troop of five chimpanzees, snake house, aquarium and children's zoo. Call (616) 336-4300 for more information.
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
The Holland Museum
The Holland Museum is at 31 W. 10th St. Exhibits focus on the early Dutch settlement and development of the city of Holland and include a room from a Dutch fisherman's cottage. Dutch decorative arts and historical collectibles also are featured. Call (616) 392-9084 for more information.
31 W. 10th St., Holland, MI 49424