Two standout tours in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, center on the town’s famous daughter, Judy Garland. The practical Ruby Slipper Theft Guided Tour recounts the fascinating true story of the stolen and recovered movie prop, with expert narration from the museum’s former director. History buffs will appreciate the detailed Judy Garland Museum Guided Tour, where a veteran guide shares intimate knowledge of the star’s life and career. We especially love these tours for their authentic storytelling and access to original artifacts. Let’s explore the specifics of these memorable tours.
Key Points
- The Ruby Slipper Theft Guided Tour provides an insider’s perspective on the 2005 theft and recovery of the iconic Ruby Slippers from the Judy Garland Museum.
- The Judy Garland Museum Guided Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the history and legacy of Judy Garland, led by a 35-year authority on the subject.
- The Ruby Slippers and Judy Garland’s legacy are significant parts of American film history, and the museum’s tours provide an immersive experience for fans.
- Guided tours at the Judy Garland Museum enhance visitors’ understanding of Garland’s impact on entertainment through engaging storytelling and access to memorabilia and artifacts.
- The tours contribute to the local tourism and economy in Grand Rapids, with affordable pricing and ongoing developments attracting repeat visitors to the museum.
Grand Rapids: Ruby Slipper Theft Guided Tour
The “Grand Rapids: Ruby Slipper Theft Guided Tour” offers visitors a captivating exploration of the iconic Ruby Slippers’ theft and recovery.
Led by former Judy Garland Museum director John Kelsch, the one-hour tour provides an insider’s perspective on the 2005 crime and the subsequent FBI-led investigation that culminated in their recovery in 2018.
Guests will learn about the investigation techniques used and ongoing developments, as well as hear the intriguing story behind the theft’s impact on the museum.
The tour also includes the opportunity to see the Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz.
Priced at €7.78 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Grand Rapids: Ruby Slipper Theft Guided Tour Review
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Grand Rapids: Judy Garland Museum Guided Tour
Visitors can dive into the rich history and legacy of legendary entertainer Judy Garland through the captivating Judy Garland Museum Guided Tour in Grand Rapids.
Priced at $8 per person, the guided tour lasts an hour and provides exclusive access to the museum’s archives and memorabilia.
Led by a 35-year Judy Garland authority and museum curator, the tour explores the Judy Garland Gallery, the restored Birthplace home, and the Children’s Discovery Museum.
Founded in 1975, this museum is one of the first celebrity museums in the U.S. and is authorized by the Judy Garland Heirs Trust, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.
Read our full review: Grand Rapids: Judy Garland Museum Guided Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Grand Rapids, Minnesota, offers two engaging tours that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. The Ruby Slipper Theft Guided Tour delves into a captivating local legend, while the Judy Garland Museum Guided Tour explores the birthplace and early life of the iconic entertainer. Both tours provide visitors with an immersive and educational experience, allowing them to discover the unique stories that have shaped the history of this vibrant community.