Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Museum · Michigan ·

Managed by the National Archives and Records Administration

608 ft
Elevation
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
The Ford Presidential Library (in Ann Arbor, Michigan) and the Museum (in Grand Rapids, Michigan) promote popular interest and scholarly research in U.S. history during the post-World War II era, especially the Ford presidency (1974-1977). The Library collects and preserves the archival record, and aids public access. Where the Ford Presidential Library offers an analytic approach to our past and our government, the Museum provokes emotions that stimulate learning, reflection and a sense of democratic citizenship. For visitors, the presidency is theirs to see and touch through interactive exhibits featuring full-scale replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room and displays on life in the 1970s and Watergate. The Museum presents an ambitious program of temporary exhibits and special events. Both the Library and the Museum are part of the presidential library system administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, a Federal agency. The Ford Museum opened to the public in September 1981. Unlike other presidential libraries, the Museum component is geographically separate from the Library. Despite the separation, the Library and Museum are a single institution sharing one director.

Getting there

From the north: US 131 south to Pearl Street exit (Exit 85 B). Turn left (east) onto Pearl at the light to Museum entrance. Turn left (north) into parking lot.
From the south: US 131 north to Pearl Street exit. Turn right (East) onto Pearl to Museum entrance. North into parking lot.
From the east: Interstate 196 west to Ottawa Street exit. South on Ottawa to Pearl. Right (west) on Pearl to Museum entrance. Right (north) into parking lot.
From the west: Interstate 196 east to US 131 south to Pearl Street exit (Exit 85 B). Turn left (east) onto Pearl at the light to Museum entrance. Turn left (north) into parking lot.

42.96667, -85.67694 · 42°58'0.0"N 85°40'37.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Official map for this area

Typical weather

Typically 82°F in Jul, down to 31°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F313444576979828174614736
Low °F171824354656605851403123
Precip in2.72.12.64.14.44.03.33.03.53.73.32.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Can you reserve a site at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum?
No. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

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Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.