The National Convention will return to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2027 — the first time since 2015, and only the second time the convention has been hosted in the River City. Grand Rapids is a bustling town built along the banks of the Grand River and located 25 miles from Lake Michigan. Convention attendees will likely be thrilled by the cooler temperatures. Last time Free Will Baptists visited the city, the conference enjoyed beautiful summer days with highs in the 70s and 80s.
Built on the site of an Ottawa Native American village, Grand Rapids sits on land acquired through the Treaty of Chicago in 1821. Traders, missionaries, and pioneering business leaders soon settled there. As the city grew and prospered, it became known as a center of the furniture industry. Today, it continues to flourish as a thriving metropolis.
Grand Rapids is a beautiful city where visitors can enjoy nature. However, while out and about, be aware of the red-winged black birds. While beautiful, these mischievous birds are quite territorial about their nests and will dive at walkers and bikers. Don’t be afraid to wave those hands!
You will find much to do in Grand Rapids, which has 170 eateries and restaurants, 28 museums, 160 parks (75 in the greater downtown), and 50 playgrounds. For the family, Meijer Garden is a botanical garden with an outdoor tree house and a water area. The Children’s Museum and John Ball Zoo are great options, along with the Dragonflies Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown, featuring 20 bronze dragonfly statues. Maps, clues, and brochures are available online or at the Grand Rapid’s Children’s Museum.
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- Meijer Gardens
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- Michigan Blueberries
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- Grand River
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- Meijer Gardens
Looking to spend some time in Michigan’s natural beauty? Consider these nearby parks: Millennium Park is five minutes from downtown. This park has a beach, splash pad, and kayak and paddleboat rentals. A day pass is $4 for adults and $2 for kids. Versluis Park offers 50 acres with a swimming area, fishing dock, horse-shoe and volleyball areas, and free parking. Lakeside Beach has restrooms, a picnic area, a bike path and beach access.
Looking for cheap ways to get around Grand Rapids? Good news! The DASH (downtown shuttle) is free. This shuttle runs the downtown loop every 8-15 minutes. The bus is bright pink and makes lunch runs between competitions easier. If you are looking to travel a little further into the city, the Rapid bus line is another great option. Fares cost $1.75 a ride or $5.25 a day. Visit https://www.ridetherapid.org/ to find options for traveling throughout the city.
This coming year we will dive into what it means to be ALIVE in Christ by engaging with His Word. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us:
The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Join us next year as we recenter our lives around the Word of God, living the gospel, and sharing God’s love. Find convention updates throughout the year: nafwb.org/convention.