Founded in 1845, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is among the oldest history museums in the United States. Not that you’d be able to tell from its sparkling facility, which rises three stories above the downtown riverfront. Inside, a fascinating panorama of permanent collections and temporary exhibits preserve the treasures of the past and the present.

One of the Museum’s most enduring attractions, this 1928 carousel offers rides year-round to visitors old and young. You will be able to ride of the the 44 hand-carved, elaborately jeweled wooden horses, two chariots, and 6 other animals native to West Michigan. I can’t wait to see the pictures that come out of that.

There is also the skeletal remains of a Lake Michigan Fresh Water Whale suspended above the hall where we will be dining and dancing.  Don’t be alarmed.  She is friendly and awesome.