President Ford Historic Trail

Established in partnership with the Michigan Crossroads Council and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s DeVos Learning Center, and revived in celebration of the 50th anniversary of President Ford’s inauguration, the President Ford Historic Trail is part of Scouting America’s National Historic Trails Program to bring to life the ideas, principles, and traditions that have made our nation strong. This trail unites two defining characteristics of President Ford’s youth—a love of the outdoors and an appreciation for his hometown of Grand Rapids—that culminates in a special experience at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. While there, Scouts will learn how the values that Ford learned as a Scout shaped his lifetime of public service and prepared him to lead our nation with integrity when he was called to serve as President.

The first 700 Scouts who complete all requirements, Camp Overnight at Adventure Point (a MCC Facility), Canoe or Kayak 8 Miles down the Grand River into Downtown Grand Rapids, Hike three miles through Historic Grand Rapids arriving at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Write a 250 word essay about Gerald Ford and what you experienced.

Those Scouts completing the requirements will receive a trail medal and patch courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation to show their participation.