2012 AMBA Convention Activities

Schedule • Sessions and Speakers • Activities • Registration • Hotel Information • Exhibitors 

NOTE: This Tour has been cancelled due to lack of participation.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and City Bus Tour - $125
Wednesday, May 16 9:30am - 3:00pm

Discover the beauty and splendor of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a spectacular botanic garden and world-class sculpture park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This 125-acre attraction features the most comprehensive outdoor sculpture collection in the Midwest, indoor and outdoor gardens, largest tropical conservatory in the state, nature trails, guided tram and 5 acre Children's Garden. Upon arrival, a tour guide will reveal the lush and unique tropical plants from around the world to you. A tram ride through the 70 acres of prime wetlands, woodlands and meadow showcasing the over 40 sculptures in the Sculpture Park and a delicious lunch will complete your visit to the gardens.

Upon departure from the Frederik Meijer Gardens, a city bus tour will allow guests to see the historical sights of the Heritage Hills area - one of the largest urban historic districts in the country and voted 'best-of-old-neighborhoods' by This Old House magazine for the entire state of Michigan. Its 1,300 homes date from 1848 and represent over 60 architectural styles. Upon completion of the Heritage Hills tour, and after enjoying the 'best of' view of Grand Rapids, guests will tour downtown to learn of a few museums the great Grand Rapids area has to offer: the GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum), the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum. The tour will stop to see where the country's 38th President, Gerald R. Ford, was laid to rest in the beautiful gardens of his Public Museum. (This activity is optional for convention guests. Additional fee applies; see registration.) (Minimum 20 persons needed for event.)