Excursions
EXCURSION
INFORMATION
All
excursions are open to everyone.
You do not need to be a registered Convention attendee to participate.
EXCURSION
#1: Sunday
Evening Social – Cruise on the Port City Princess (6:00 PM to 10:00 PM)
A
short 45 minute ride by motor coach northwest from Grand Rapids lies Lake
Muskegon, and, hugging its southern shore, the historic city of Muskegon.
The motor vessel Port City Princess is proud to bring you the most unique
and exciting entertainment on the Great Lakes! Spend
a relaxing evening on Lake Muskegon and beautiful nearby Lake Michigan. Cruises
are narrated by the Captain.
Buster Keaton's home, logging era mill sites, a historic ship display of
the original Milwaukee Clipper and an LST landing craft, one of two surviving
ships that went onto Normandy Beach during World War II, and the Silversides, a
World War II submarine, are just a few of the points of interest during a
Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan Cruise.
On Sunday evening, July 13th, the Port City Princess has been
reserved to take us on a sunset cruise for two hours of fun.
Live music will be playing and a cash snack and beverage bar will be
available.
EXCURSION
#2: Monday
Full Day Tour – Lake Michigan Tour (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
The
day begins with an hour long motor coach ride to the beautiful town of
Saugatuck, located southwest of Grand Rapids on Lake Michigan.
After arriving in Saugatuck, guests will either be dropped off for an
exciting optional 35 minute dune ride through one of West Michigan’s natural
attractions, the world’s longest freshwater sand dunes, or will be taken to
the downtown area to tour on their own the many attractions of the town.
Those opting for the dune ride will also be able to explore the state’s
foremost artist colonies, galleries and shops located in and around Saugatuck.
Saugatuck also boasts of many sites, such as Peterson’s Mill, as
favorite subjects for photographers.
The bus will transport those wishing to tour the S.S. Keewatin, the last
of the Classic Great Lakes Passenger Steamships still afloat, to the museum ship
for a one hour tour. Lunch
at the Coral Gables restaurant complex is included.
After re-boarding the motor coach, it will head north, through the quaint
Dutch city of Holland, to the lovely city of Grand Haven.
There we will have several hours to take a leisurely stroll from the
Grand Haven Beach, pier and lighthouse along the 2-mile long boardwalk, past the
remarkable Musical Fountain, and into the downtown area.
We will depart Grand Haven for an hour long bus ride back to Grand
Rapids. This
excursion is truly a photographer’s dream come true.
EXCURSION
#3: Monday
1/2 Day Tour – Heritage Hill and Meijer Gardens (9:00 AM to 2:00 PM)
For
those who prefer a shorter excursion, a visit to Heritage Hill and the Frederik
Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park will be just right.
After leaving the Grand Plaza Hotel by motor coach you will tour Heritage
Hill. This is a
vital historic neighborhood of 1300 properties, a heart beat from downtown Grand
Rapids. The
houses here date from 1848 and represent over 60 architectural styles.
These were the homes of lumber barons, teachers, judges and legislators
who shaped Grand Rapid’s future.
After your Heritage Hill guided tour, the motor coach will drop you at
Meijer Gardens where you will have 3 hours to explore this 125-acre attraction
which features the most comprehensive outdoor sculpture collection in the
Midwest, indoor and outdoor gardens, the largest tropical conservatory in the
State, nature trails, a guided tram and the new Children’s Garden.
The highlight of the park is Leonardo DaVinci’s “The American
Horse,” a huge 24-foot tall statue, one of only two in the world.
This tour is a photographer’s delight!!