5.0Greenfield Village(2.558 reviews) - History at its best! Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Walking Areas • History Museums
Greenfield Village features over 80 acres and 7 historic districts for you to explore near Detroit, in Dearborn, Michigan. There are many activities for your whole family to enjoy, while learning about and experiencing American history. See working farms, take a ride on a steam locomotive, explore Thomas Edison's lab, tour Henry Ford's birthplace and more! Greenfield Village was envisioned by Henry Ford himself, to show how innovative objects were made and used, and it still features craftsmen that use traditional craft techniques. There are also holiday events at Greenfield Village that are full of family fun, these include Holiday Nights, Salute to America and Halloween at Greenfield Village. Contact us today for more information!See more..
4.5Grand Rapids Public Museum(716 reviews) - YES!! This is a must see Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Observatories & Planetariums • History Museums
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a place of never-ending inspiration and discovery, with a focus on science, history and culture. We have three floors of core and traveling exhibitions, the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, a 1928 Spillman Carousel and a Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.See more..
4.5Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse(694 reviews) - This site was my first taste of Mackinaw City. Temporarily closed - Closed until May 11, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Lighthouses • History Museums
Made to be Seen. A point in the storm and a guiding beacon since 1889, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse helped passing ships navigate through the treacherous waters of the Straits of Mackinac. There's just as much to see from the top of the tower as inside the original buildings. Authentically restored quarters and exhibits, including the original lens and the Straits of Mackinac Shipwreck Museum, this "Castle of the Straits" is a true gem of the Great Lakes. This is Mackinac.See more..
4.5Whitefish Point Lighthouse(601 reviews) - If you are a boat nerd or Great Lakes lover this is a must see! History Museums
Our 4th trip in 30 years, so much to see on the grounds, Great Lakes Shipwreck museum is a must, $14 per person, gets you in all the buildings, the other buildings have wonderful docents and displays. The vast beach area provides an entire day of relaxation and beauty. Bring your chairs and watch the water. Large parking area but it is popular so we got there mid morning, busy when we left. Highly recommend!See more..
The Motor City Exhibition, where visitors see how a Cadillac is assembled, is just one of the many interesting displays at this museum dedicated to telling the story of Detroit.See more..
4.5Kalamazoo Valley Museum(314 reviews) - Free Family Fun Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums • History Museums
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum features exhibits on science, technology and the history of Southwest Michigan. The Museum is currently open limited hours with registration. Please visit our website for more information and to register.See more..
Museum serves to document, preserve and educate the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans.See more..
4.5Edsel & Eleanor Ford House(272 reviews) - Early 20th Century treasure Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums
Telling the story of Edsel and Eleanor Ford and their family through their historic home on the shores of Lake St. Clair. We offer tours, programs and special events at this National Historic Landmark. Edsel Ford was the son of Henry Ford, and he built his grand home in the style of the Cotswold villages in England. Surrounded by 87 acres of scenic lakeside grounds, the home and landscape are open for tours in all seasons. The home was designed by prominent Detroit architect Albert Kahn and Jens Jensen, one of America's foremost landscape designers and conservationists. It is filled with original antique furnishings, as well as art from the Fords' vast collection. Ford House also hosts popular events, including a Fairy Tale Festival in June, Detroit Symphony concerts in July and holiday tours and events in December.See more..
4.0Frankenmuth Historical Museum(226 reviews) - A good lesson about this town Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM History Museums
I found the display about German P.O.W.s to be very interesting. For the first time visitor to Frankenmuth the museum is a must see. Yes, it has a lot of artifacts from a long time ago but also tells the town’s story. It’s inexpensive and won’t take up a lot of time and it’s interesting.See more..
4.5Michigan History Center(222 reviews) - Very affordable and very good Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
The Michigan History Center fosters curiosity, enjoyment and inspiration rooted in Michigan's stories. Home to both the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan History Museum, the Michigan History Center offers experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. There is no admission charge for the museum on Sundays. There is no admission charge for the Archives of Michigan. The Archives are open 1:00 - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, and 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Saturday.See more..
4.5Mackinaw Bridge Museum(202 reviews) - Mighty Mackinaw Bridge and Museum !! History Museums
What a spectacular museum that goes over the history of Mackinaw City, the bridge, the war and the people that set up camp here to protect this powerful place in our US history. Its definitely worth it. There is a walk around the beach with historical landmarks, a lighthouse, and so much worth it. This is a five star experience.See more..
4.5Holocaust Memorial Center(186 reviews) - Emotional but Powerful Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus (HMC) is a 55,000-square-foot museum and library archive in Farmington Hills. Our mission is to engage, educate and empower by remembering the Holocaust. As Michigan’s only Holocaust museum, we are an important source of humanities education for the state. We educate over 100,000 people each year about the systematic, state-sponsored murder of millions, and why each of us must respect and stand up for the rights of others if we are to prevent future discrimination, hate crimes, and genocide. Our exhibits feature artifacts, text panels, photos, video testimonies, and artworks ranging from the representative to the abstract. Art is an essential medium we use to convey challenging subject matter such as the magnitude of the tragedy, man’s inhumanity to man and the banality of evil. Paintings, sculptures, photography, and films are on display in both our permanent and temporary exhibit galleries.See more..
4.5University of Michigan Museum of Natural History(182 reviews) - Great natural history museum for all ages Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Observatories & Planetariums
The museum doesn't just preserve the past; it also shows off the latest in scientific research with interactive exhibits, new programming spaces, and a state-of-the-art Planetarium & Dome Theater! Exhibits include: On the Trail of Mastodons; Evolution: Life through Time; Under the Microscope; Exploring Michigan; and People and the Planet.See more..
4.5Cranbrook Institute of Science(179 reviews) - Bat Zone at Cranbrook Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Educational sites
The Bat Zone is home to over 100 bats from around the world. Surrounding the Bat Zone are three hundred acres of woodland trails, a glacial boulder path, and pole-mounted bat houses. The Bat Zone is open to guests that attend an "Incredible Bats" live bat program. I went to the bat zone to see the live bat's - including vampire bats! The volunteers show great enthusiasm and have a passion for bats. When you travel to SE Michigan, check out the zone. Dave Critter Catchers See more..
4.5Mission Point Lighthouse(131 reviews) - Wonderful place Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
We were there on a hot July day. The lighthouse was closed to visitors due to Covid, but we were able to wander around the outside and enjoy the views of the lake. We happened to have our swimsuits with us and hopped in the lake to cool off, there weren't too many people, and it was a great place to relax and cool off.See more..
4.5Sloan Museum of Discovery(125 reviews) - What an interesting history of the area! Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • History Museums
Sloan Museum of Discovery is now open with four all-new hands-on primary gallery spaces. Located in the beautiful Cultural Center campus in Flint, Michigan, this re-imagined museum is 107,000 square feet featuring the Hagerman Street Early Childhood Learning Center; Discovery Hall science gallery; the History Gallery; and the Durant Gallery historic vehicle showroom. The Exhibition Hall will opening in July 2023 for traveling exhibits. Fun for kids and adults!See more..
4.0Automotive Hall of Fame(98 reviews) - Few exhibits but lots of information Sunday: Speciality Museums • History Museums
This museum gives the nod to those who distinguished themselves in the auto industry by innovation, determination and inspiration.See more..
Why such a small museum for a giant of US inventors. David Dazer the manager/guide is par excellence with his expert knowledge who ensures that if you have time he will take you thro every inch. So much to see, including overhead model train and the attached railway carriage on the outside and much. much more. We actually had to leave for our boat trip but then came back. I would have been really disappointed not to have completed the visit to my satisfaction as chances of return not good from Scotland.See more..
The Kelsey Museum houses a collection of nearly 100,000 objects from the civilizations of the Mediterranean.See more..
4.5Tri-Cities Historical Museum(94 reviews) - Excellent free museum, friendly staff, well worth a visit. Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM History Museums
Fascinating museum - really enjoyed the well curated mixture of displays which include history and local artefacts from Grand Haven’s past. The top floor has an exhibition which changes each year and when we visited it was a very interesting collection of fashion through the ages. Well worth a visit.See more..
4.5Castle Museum(92 reviews) - For the history buff! Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Since 1979, the Castle Building has been preserved by the Historical Society of Saginaw County and is home to the award-winning Castle Museum of Saginaw County History. Within its walls, you will discover a celebration of the diversity and richness of the community's heritage through dynamic exhibits and programs. When you visit, you will learn about Saginaw's archaeological past, the community's evolution from trading center to the lumber capital of the world and its development and continuing history as a manufacturing and farming center.See more..
4.5Honolulu House Museum(81 reviews) - Must See! Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Judge Abner Pratt constructed this home in 1860 as a reflection of his previous life in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) where he served as the 5th US Consul. The third owner, Martin V Wagner, updated this home in the 1880s to a high Victorian style featuring marvelous ceiling and wall paintings. It was rescued in the 1950s from possible demolition and in the early 1960s became a house museum and the Marshall Historical Society's headquarters. Extensive restoration efforts then began which has brought back the 1880s elegance that visitors can enjoy today.See more..
4.5Curwood Castle(77 reviews) - A castle, a bridge, and the river History Museums
Curwood Castle. built in 1922, was the writing studio of James Oliver Curwood, a writer and conservationist. The castle, located on the banks of the Shiawassee River near Curwood's home on Williams Street served as the writer's private studio. James Oliver Curwood, a sportsman and pioneer conservationist, wrote more than 30 tales of courage and daring in the Canadian Northwest. Curwood spent much of his time in the north woods exploring and writing about the natural world he loved so well. Curwood Castle was the writer's dream project, fashioned after a 17th century French chateau. It is built of stucco, slate, copper trim and fieldstone that Curwood himself chose from the nearby farm fields. During Curwood's lifetime, the Castle served as a writing retreat, Hollywood office and the site of fabulous parties. Today it stands as a singular architectural treasure, the legacy of a remarkable life and a reminder of glorious days gone by.See more..
4.5S.S. City of Milwaukee/ USCGC Acacia(65 reviews) - Historic tour Sunday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ships • History Museums
This preserved Lake Michigan car ferry offers tours in the spring,and summer. It doubles as a unique hotel in the summer. In October it is a haunted house. The Acacia has self-guided tours and is also available for overnight groups.See more..
4.5HURON Lightship Museum(56 reviews) - Very interesting! Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The museum gives you a 30 minute guided tour of this famous lightship. Lots of interesting facts, and it was fun to see the sleeping areas for the crew. The beds are so short! Our guide was very knowledgeable and had lots of little stories to tell. See more..
4.5American Museum of Magic(55 reviews) - Fun, Unique Stop! Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
The American Museum of Magic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to inspire and delight the public with the wonder of magic by documenting and celebrating the contributions and lives of magicians.See more..
4.0Henry Ford Estate(53 reviews) - Great Afternoon Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums
Fair Lane is the historic home of Clara and Henry Ford. It was the Fords' 15th and final home. They built the 31,000-square-foot estate as their dream home on 1,300 acres in Dearborn, Mich. The historic structures of the estate, including the main house, are closed for restoration. The grounds and gardens are open for visitors Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. year round, plus additional weekend hours during the late spring and summer. The estate is closed on weekends during the winter. Grounds admission is free. The house will open periodically for special celebrations, events and sneak peeks at restoration in progress.See more..
As many counties have done, this area has moved several historic buildings to this site. The parking lot is spacious and the paths and grounds are well-maintained. There is a sampling of very well-restored and furnished buildings. In addition, there is a path that is developing features that represent the life of indigenous peoples. A great deal of care, scholarship, craftsmanship and authenticity have gone into making this a great place to visit. BE AWARE that the buildings are open on Wednesday evening and on the weekends. We were so fortunate to turn in on a Wednesday night. There were a couple of members of the historical society that were very friendly and welcoming. If the village is not manned, you will have to peek in the windows. Admission is free, although a contribution is welcome.See more..
4.5Plymouth Historical Museum(50 reviews) - Interesting place with some great knowledgeable volunteers. Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Travel back in time through the Plymouth community's example of the American Experience. Learn how the growth of American industry, the advent of the railroad and the invention of the automobile changed America's small towns, especially Plymouth, Michigan. The Plymouth Historical Museum features a late 19th-century Victorian recreation of Main Street, tracing the growth of the small town from the railroad depot to the general store. The largest Lincoln collection in the state of Michigan is housed in a separate room off of Main Street. And a Timeline of Plymouth is the newest permanent exhibit, featuring displays on the Daisy Air Rifle, Ford Village Industries, the Alter Motor Car, World War II, communication history, and much more.See more..
4.5Port of Ludington Maritime Museum(48 reviews) - A well appointed attraction which you need at least 2 hours in Temporarily closed - Closed until May 6, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum brings history to life with digital storytelling, authentic images and artifacts, and engaging interactive exhibits that entertain, enlighten, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the region’s maritime history. Located in the former U.S. Coast Guard Station, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this family-friendly, three-story museum overlooks Lake Michigan’s wild shoreline, Ludington’s iconic North Pier Light, and the historic carferry Badger, extending the maritime experience beyond its doors in this vacation wonderland. The museum is operated by the Mason County Historical Society, which also operates the nearby Historic White Pine Village.See more..
5.0Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation(45 reviews) - 10/10. One of the best Museums you’ll ever visit. Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation has a variety of exhibits for all ages and interests. Located close to Detroit in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford Museum features twelve-acres full of exhibits featuring American ingenuity and progress. From automotives, to manufacturing, to American freedom, our exhibits bring to life the innovative and impactful inventions and ideas from American history. First opened in 1933 by Henry Ford himself, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation has its own rich history. There are also a variety of activities going on at the Henry Ford Museum that you can participate in. Bring the entire family to enjoy our educational and interactive exhibits.See more..
This natural history museum has great programs for kids and a planetarium.See more..
5.0Muskegon Heritage Museum(42 reviews) - History Made Fun Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
The Muskegon Heritage Museum exhibits the history of the industries of the Muskegon area. We have a working bowling alley. An 18 ton Corliss valve steam engine powering our machine shop with leather belts. Engines on display from Continental motors, including aircraft, marine and a tank engine. The first 75,000 Raggedy Ann's were made here, we have one from 1918 on display. There over 12,000 square feet of display space on the museums three floors. Open Mid May to Mid October except for prearranged tours and school groups.See more..
I am so glad that we decided to walk into this museum. The cars were amazing and the people running the museum were so friendly. It is an absolute hidden gem! You get right up close and personal with almost every car. The pictures I posted were less than a third of the cars here, but they’re all beautiful!See more..
Seven of us are bicycling across Michigan, and visited the museum on a layover day in Bay City. Corrine, one of the museum staff, oriented us and answered many questions about the area, its history and current situation. Exhibits include Native American culture, logging, lumbering, maritime, and (news to us) salt mining and sugar beet farming in the county. The exhibits are professional with frequent first-person accounts and appropriate artifacts. We could have easily spent another hour absorbing all the narratives and stories. An outstanding museum and a real gem. Don’t miss it.See more..
Two connected storefronts, the Manistee Historical Museum's rooms each reflect life in a different era.See more..
4.5Meridian Historical Village(26 reviews) - A place preserving yesterday's and today's local history Sunday: History Museums
The staff and volunteers here do a great job interpreting the history of Haslett, Okemos, and Meridian township. This park does a great job of preserving some of the area's historic architecture which has sadly been lost due to new development. This is a great place to visit, support, and volunteer!See more..
I haven't been there lately, but it has many artifacts, etc, One of them is a picture of me in their basement, which has a lot of the history of Adrian. Back in the day of the "Spelling Bee" contests , where all the County schools participated, I was the winner for 2 years in a row, which was quite an accomplishment of a 12 & 13 yr. old. They have my picture there w/ the trophy and my teacher. That would be from 1948 and '49. But there is much, much more to see there than that pic of me :-)See more..
I love the special exhibits they have here. They take you through important eras of American history. They are generally Feb -April each year. See more..
5.0Milwaukee Clipper Preservation INC(19 reviews) - Wonderful history of Great Lakes Shipping Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Ships • History Museums
The S.S. Milwaukee Clipper was built in 1904 as the S.S. Juniata, She carried 350 passengers and cargo between Buffalo, NY, and Duluth, MN from 1905 through 1936, when she was tied up with an uncertain future. In 1940, the S.S. Juniata was purchased and was sent to Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co, to be rebuilt with an all-steel superstructure. She was christened as the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper in 1941, and carried 900 passengers and 120 automobiles between Muskegon, MI, and Milwaukee, WI. The run lasted until 1970 when she was pulled out of service. After 1970 the ship was saved as an attraction in Chicago. Later, she was moved to Hammond, IN, where the ship was going to be used as a casino. The Clipper was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989. The Clipper was brought back to Muskegon MI, in 1997 to be used as a museum and banquet/convention center where she sits today. MCPI is a federally recognized 501 c3 organization.See more..
Our mission is to inspire people to explore the past! The Benzie Area Historical Society seeks to educate and entertain the public about Benzie County and many of communities that boarder it, through exhibits at the museum and programs held throughout the area. The Benzie Area Historical Society and Museum celebrate the people, industries, and organizations that made Benzie County’s History and Heritage an important factor in Northwest Michigan. The BAHS Museum is housed in a 1887 built Congregational Church building in Benzonia and is listed on the Michigan State Register of Historic Sites. Our museum holds historical treasures beginning with Americas “First People, Native Americans before the arrival of the first white settlers. Industries beginning with the timber rush, logging and sawmills, charcoal and early chemical works, iron foundry’s, maritime history including commercial shipping from various Lake Michigan ports, commercial and recreational fishing, agriculture and food processing and of course, the Ann Arbor Railroad and Car Ferry days. The Benzie Area Historical Society is a Michigan non-profit and IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.See more..
Raven Hill Discovery Center's mission is to provide a place that enhances hands-on & lifelong learning for all ages by connecting science, history and the arts. Raven Hill is the only place in northern Lower Michigan where children and adults can link science, history & the arts with hands-on activities and explorations both inside and out. Connections emerge thru exhibits, facilities & programs that provide opportunities for all ages to learn, create, grow & play. Since 1991, individuals have experienced the strands of science & technology, history & the arts interwoven through Raven Hill. Facilities include the Main Museum, Fiber Studio, Print Shop, Wood Shop, Metal Shop; School House, Energy House & the Evolving Technology (ET) Building. On Raven Hill's 175 acres, outdoor exhibits range from the Watershed Model; Medicinal Gardens; Music Garden; Beyond Jurassic Park walkway; Tree House; Taxi Trail; Pond; Open Space with Viewing Platform on Deer Creek and the Ancient World.See more..
The Port Huron Museum Carnegie Center is housed in a 1904 Carnegie Library in downtown Port Huron,just south of the Black River. The main floor hosts various special exhibits, 3-4 times per year. The marine gallery has one of the best model ship collections in the state of Michigan and an actual pilot house from a freighter. The mezzanine and other areas are rich in local heritage displays.See more..
4.5Whaley House Museum(13 reviews) - HISTORIC HOME NOW MUSEUM Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
The Whaley Historic House Museum offers visitors a look back into the lives of Flint residents of a bygone era. By stepping back into the Victorian home, you are transported to America's Gilded Age and through an hour-long tour you will learn about the Whaley family, American culture, politics, and the city of Flint during the final decades of the nineteenth century. In addition to the regular tour, the museum regularly hosts a variety of special programs, including our History Happy Hour lecture series, Christmas at Whaley House, October program, vintage base ball, a quilting bee workshop series, and will soon be adding more programs to the list. So, whether you are in town for a short visit or are an area resident looking for special activity to attend, the Whaley House has something for your to enjoy. Regular tour hours are the first and third Saturday of the month from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, but appointments can be made throughout the week between the hours of 9:30 am and 3:00 pm.See more..
4.5Royal Oak Historical Society Museum(12 reviews) - Royal Oak Historical Society Museum, Webster & Crooks Rd. Spent < 1 hour History Museums
SWEET. The Royal Oak Historical Society Museum, located at 1411 W Webster Road & Crooks Rd, here in Royal Oak, Michigan, is VERY SWEET. It is located in the former Royal Oak Fire Department, Northwood Station, Firehouse. It has been here for all of my life. It is like a historical lighthouse for me. My wife and I paid it a visit THANKS TO Trip Advisor listing it as something to do here in Royal Oak. It is staffed by volunteers and the curator, Muriel Versagi, a most friendly and informative lady, was on duty when we visited. Our visiting with Muriel greatly enhanced our most pleasant visit. The museum is truly a blast-from-the-past for all local senior citizens. Thanks to all of you who have made this museum possible. I salute and I pay homage to you. Keep up your good work.See more..
4.5Dowagiac Area History Museum(10 reviews) - Great place to start exploring region Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Had never heard of Dowagiac before 2017. One of our first stops when looking to buy was the museum. Wonderful hosts. Very interesting history. SOLD!See more..
4.5Wexford County Historical Museum(10 reviews) - Absolutely loved our guided tour by Richard Kraemer. He brought the collection and Michigan history to life. Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
This is a small, old-fashioned museum that is absolutely one of the best of its kind in Michigan. It has extensive holdings on the history of Cadillac. What made our visit so delightful was a tour given by Richard Kraemer. I'd call in advance and make sure he is there to guide you through. I learned quite a few things and very ancient history of Michigan through the lumbering era just listening to him. He and the museum are a perfect fit! Definitely go here if you are in Cadillac!See more..
5.0Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center(10 reviews) - Lantern Lit Winter Hike for a Newbie Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums
We saw an article about this event and decided to give it a shot. It was a chilly Friday night (25 degrees), but spirits were high. It's a bit off the beaten path. Once you exit Rt. 94. You feel like you are a bit lost in the woods. We arrived and found a pretty significant group of hikers and nature lovers. Everyone was really laid back, easy going, friendly and engaging. For a newbie like me, this was a pretty cool event. There was a ranger of sorts explaining the event. Good event See more..
