Senior Communities & Organizations

Are you an Activity Director or Life Enrichment Coordinator who is eager to provide quality programming for your residents and members?

Caroline is a specialist in West Michigan in meeting the needs of the mature, life-long learners! From walking tours, to step-on bus tours or virtual tours at the venue of your choice or ZOOM, Grand Rapids Running Tours can quench your thirst for locally relevant, fascinating stories about places, persons, and things that were or will be in Grand Rapids.

Here is just a sampling of what other senior organizations say!

“The Lady Legends of Grand Rapids have left their unique fingerprints on the pages of history. Caroline has put together a fantastic program that touches on the contributions of these amazing women. As one of my residents stated, ‘You gave me my life today!’ Interesting, well written and delivered with the same warmth and charm that sets this woman apart. Bravo on a job well done!”

Kim Murphy, Heron Manor

“Our residents really enjoy you!”

Jill Hodsdon, Holland Home

“I want to say thank you to you, on behalf of the members of Grand Forum. They really enjoyed hearing about the many ArtPrize pieces that are all around them and also the artists’ stories and meaning of their artwork. It is definitely an ‘Afterglow’.”

Judy Palmer, Grand Forum

“Everyone on our bus tour of Art Prize gave you high accolades, for your wonderful energy and knowledge of Art Prize. I know you will bring that energy along for your presentation on the Ghosts of Grand Rapids.”

Aleicia Woodrick, Cook Valley Estates

“Thank you for your energy, knowledge and a great tour!”

Ginny Brown, Holland Home

“Caroline, were your ears burning? We were all singing your praises after the tour. You were fantastic! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge (and enthusiasm) with our group. We look forward to January’s presentations and hopefully future walking tours.”

Jean Kubiszewski, Forest Hills Senior Center

“Caroline, We always love having you present at Samaritas. Residents, staff and community members enjoy your historical presentations, but I think they like your personality more! Always awesome to have you.”

Emma Begeman, Samaritas

Walking tours

We usually meet in the lobby of the JW Marriott. The tours are thematically organized around 85+ different local topics. It is the trifecta of exercise, education, and entertainment. We walk for about 60 – 90 minutes. We walk a little, gather at a sight and talk, walk a little bit more, gather at a sight and talk, etc… The cost is $15 per senior for a group larger than 10 walkers.

Step-on bus tours

GRRT does not provide a bus, but steps on YOUR bus and narrates any of the tours that you choose! This is a great option for the seniors who are less mobile, or in less than ideal weather seasons! Caroline leads bus tours year-round. The bus tours are about 75 minutes long. The cost is $125 per bus tour.

48 Virtual tours (presentations)

Caroline comes to you! The presentations are on your campus and are supported with media (slide show). The cost is $125 per presentation for a 60-minute presentation.

African American History on the Grand

A Grand History of River City

All-Star Athletes & Astronauts

Architecture of Downtown GR… Parts One, Two, Three & Four

Architecture Zoo

Art for All…Parts One & Two

ArtPrize Afterglow

Civil War & the Valley City

Firehouse Fun

Fulton St. Graveyard

Furniture City USA

Grand Rapids’ Most Haunted