{"id":14630,"date":"2026-07-22T09:40:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:40:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nafwb.org\/site\/?p=14630"},"modified":"2026-07-22T09:42:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:42:59","slug":"river-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nafwb.org\/site\/river-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Return to the River City"},"content":{"rendered":"

The National Convention will return to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2027 \u2014<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t be afraid to wave those hands!<\/p>\n

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<\/strong><\/a> is a botanical garden with an outdoor tree house and a water area. The Children\u2019s Museum<\/strong><\/a> and John Ball Zoo<\/a><\/strong> are great options, along with the Dragonflies Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown, featuring 20 bronze dragonfly statues. Maps, clues, and brochures are available online<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or at the Grand Rapid\u2019s Children\u2019s Museum.<\/p>\n

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