erhaps the greatest legislative act of the Confederation Congress, the Northwest Ordinance, declared that states would be carved from the territories that were won from Great Britain in the War of Independence. The Act created a template for the expansion of the United States westward. Michigan became the largest state carved from that Territory, a land of Great Lakes, great beauty, agricultural production, and unprecedented industrial innovation. Michigan’s history is too broad and complex to take in on one tour, but we aim to explore an area which tells the story of the “Wolverine State” in miniature. We will explore Michigan history from Muskegon’s shores to Oceana County’s farmland, to Grand Rapids, the second most populous city in Michigan.
Due in large measure to Dutch and German immigration, that region of Michigan at one time was considered the most Christianized area of the United States, with hundreds of churches, five Christian Universities, three seminaries, and major Christian publishing houses such as Zondervan, Kregel, Eerdmans, Baker, Daily Bread, and Reformation Heritage. Grand Rapids was also home to President of the United States, Gerald Ford.
Join Landmark Events and historian Dr. Bill Potter as we explore this history-rich region, which has contributed so much to the State of Michigan and to the United States. If you haven’t been there before, you have missed out on interesting and important people of the past and present and if you have visited before, you know why we are eager to see the providence of God in that part of our country.
Early Bird pricing good through August 31!
Adults (16+):
Youth (5-15):
Additional Family:
Child (under 5):FREE*** First four family members at posted price, fifth and subsequent guests enjoy the lower Additional Family Member price.
** Applies to children 4 and under who ride in a lap and share meals.
- All venue admissions and guides throughout the tour
- Providential historical interpretation by Bill Potter
- Time to shop at Reformation Heritage Book Store!
- Tour prep reading suggestions
- Supper at the Swanson’s on Saturday
- Fun and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ
Thursday, October 1
Our time in Grand Rapids highlights a region once considered among the most Christianized in the United States, shaped by Dutch and German immigration and a strong tradition of faith and publishing.
In the City of Grand Rapids, we will visit the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum, a beautiful state of the art presentation of the history of the life and times of Gerald R. Ford, which features a full detailed history of his World War II heroics in the Pacific, highly respected service as House Minority Leader, and his distinction of serving as both Vice-President and President, though never elected to either office!
We will also visit the publishing House of Reformation Heritage Books, the premier American publisher of Puritan and Reformed books in the world, where we will learn about the world of book publishing and the ministries from Founder and Chairman Dr. Joel Beeke. The tour will include a visit to the RHB bookshop.
Friday, October 2
The City of Muskegon is home to World War II Gato-Class Submarine Silversides, SS236. She was one of the most successful American submarines in the Pacific theatre of the war, sinking more than 90,000 tons of shipping in 23 confirmed sinkings over fourteen patrols. The Silversides received the presidential Unit Citation to go along with its twelve Battle Stars. Duck the passageways, smell the oil, imagine the crises, the attacks, and the dives as we board and traverse this magnificent artifact of the war.
Muskegon also boasts of their Veterans Museum which features USS LST 393, one of only two surviving “landing Ship Tank” (LSTs) of the 1,0051 that were built for the Navy in the Second World War. Constructed by Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia in 1942, this monster was a model of the largest ships designed to deliver hundreds of soldiers, several tanks, and cargo onto hostile beaches. This LST was awarded three battle stars, which included the D-Day landings on Normandy.
Before the auto industry of the Detroit area, the state was already famous for its agriculture, mineral deposits and lumber industry. The fascinating stories behind the Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume lumber baron families of Muskegon are best told in and through their beautiful Victorian mansions from the 1890s to 1920s. These architectural wonders tell the story of entrepreneurial lumber mill owners who joined the ranks of philanthropists who employed thousands and made Muskegon one of the prominent cities of the Midwest.
Saturday, October 3
We will tour the astonishing state-of-the-art Country Dairy in the agriculturally rich region of Oceana County. As they happily advertise, Explore the Farm. Experience the Colors. Enjoy the cows. From the Belgian draft horses to the robotic milking system, we will join ice-cream aficionado Pastor Jeff Swanson’s personal tour of this farming marvel, a multi-generational Christian dairy farm in the heart of rural Michigan. Farming has been the backbone of America’s existence and success and this tour will remind us of both how and why.
Following our time at the farm, we will enjoy a special family fellowship meal at the home of Jeff and Kelly Swanson—an opportunity for food, conversation, and reflection on the experiences we’ve shared together.
Dr. Bill Potter
An experienced historian and avid bibliophile, Dr. Bill Potter combines a lifelong study of American history with an uncommon ability to captivate audiences of all ages as he traces the providential acts of God throughout the ages. He has taught history in high schools and colleges, has led many tours of American and European historical sites and brings to each event a wealth of experience and knowledge. An experienced researcher and writer, Dr. Potter possesses a practical knowledge of antiquarian books, documents, and artifacts and has published several short books and has penned many articles and book reviews for publication. Dr. Potter has earned a well-deserved reputation as a man gifted in communicating the story of God’s providential hand in American history. As a father of eight children, he appreciates the necessity of passing on to the succeeding generations the richness of both our regional and national history. He and his wife, Leslie, reside in Virginia.
We are currently researching lodging options in the Muskegon area and will provide our recommended hotel, along with booking instructions, once details are finalized.
Our preferred properties are typically Hampton Inns and SpringHill Suites, as they offer consistent quality, cleanliness, and meeting space suitable for our evening fellowship gatherings.
You are not required to stay at our designated hotel. Guests are welcome to arrange accommodations that best suit their preferences, including private homes or alternative lodging. For those exploring other options, resources such as Vrbo.com and Tripadvisor.com can be especially helpful.
“Our family has traveled extensively and this was our first faith-based tour. There is something patently different about traveling with a group of believers and learning about the sights from a Christian perspective. It was an extraordinary trip that deepened our faith and bonded our family.” —Kerry N.
“Complete flexibility in decision to participate in different events. Didn’t feel rushed and was able to take time. Encouragement. I left each day feeling encouraged as a mom, homeschool mom, and citizen.” —A.A.
“The Museum of the American Revolution had original artifacts that I didn’t expect and was amazed to see—the tent, musket from Concord, piece of the North Bridge, etc.” —S.G.
“All the details are taken care of, so you and your family can be immersed in the experience of learning history from a Christian worldview.” —M.M.
“Landmark Events is the hands down best tour company we have ever used. Totally ten out of ten. Everything was top notch.” —B.G.
“It is so well planned out, focuses on God, and finds providence in history.” —R.T.
“History comes alive on this tour. Holding original documents, hearing rarely taught information, and standing in the place the event took place, transforms history into a story to be told. These things are seared to your heart and you can’t help but tell others about God’s Providence in our country. Despite man’s weaknesses, He continues to use faithful, obedient people to accomplish His plans. These tours make that very apparent.” —A.F.
“Our family absolutely loves learning history through the Christian perspective of Landmark tours. But, even better than the history, are the relationships we’ve made with other families. Thanks to Landmark, we now have friends all across the country!” —D.B.
“Landmark Tours is excellent in organization; the tour guides & teaching is all from a Biblical perspective. Even our bus driver commented that she has never taken a group like this before that was so friendly, kind, and courteous.” —G.G.
“As a grandmother, I highly value Christian teaching for my family, and Landmark Events does just that, and is the only touring company that I trust 100 percent. I highly recommend landmark events to everyone looking for a historical tour from a Godly worldview, especially after seeing how well versed Bill Potter is in all aspects of history, and how dedicated Kevin is to organizing the events.” —T.G.
“Landmark Events with its wonderful, Christian tour guides, visits to lots of historic places, opportunity to meet like minded friends, prayer at the start of each day, and the way they make you feel special and at home makes its tours wonderful and memorable and leaves you wanting more. I would love to participate in future tours to learn more history and have the same great experience all over again.” —H.R.
Upcoming Events
Frontier Faith and Founding Tour
May 6, 2026
Branson Backroads Tour
May 13, 2026
