An Educational Tour of Michigan

Get html code
Word count: 688

When you are travelling, sometimes it is nice to immerse yourself in the unique culture and history of the area in which you are travelling. Sites like RoadTripJournal can help you find places to visit, and sites to see as you plan your trip. Michigan is home to a variety of interesting and unusual museums that are sure to interest and educate even the most discerning visitor. Here are 10 museums from around Michigan that you won’t want to miss.

The Museum of African American History – Detroit, MI
Located in heart of Detroit’s Cultural Center, the Museum of African American History offers an eye-opening panorama of the African American journey through history. With 7 exhibit areas, a 317-seat theater, and a 100 foot diameter glass dome that is bigger than the State Capitol dome, there is plenty to see and do as you learn about African American history.

Bernard Historical Museum – Delton, MI
A community project, the Bernard Historical Museum represents a community’s efforts to bring the past to life. The original museum was built into the Bernard Hospital, donated by Dr. Bernard in 1962. Community members added buildings such as the Brown School, the Country Store, the Seamstress’ Cottage, and the Windmill over time, the results of Eagle Projects and generous donations. Take a stroll along the nature trail or through the 4-H maintained gardens to complete your visit.

Coopersville Farm Museum – Coopersville, MI
Visitors to the Coopersville Farm Museum get a unique chance to experience the history of farming. A variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits make learning fun, and teach you about the “then & now” of rural life in Muskegon, Ottawa & Kent Counties.

Crossroads Village – Just north of Flint, MI
Take a walk back in time with the living history museum of Crossroads Village. With 35 buildings filled with knowledgeable period actors, you can experience life in the mid-late 1800s as though you were really there.

American Museum of Magic – Marshall, MI
This privately owned collection is the largest of its kind open to the public in North America. Exhibits include memorabilia from famous magicians like Harry Houdini, Doug Henning, and Howard Thurston. To experience the late Robert and Elaine Lund’s gallery of magic, you will need to make an appointment.

Celery Flats Interpretive Center – Portage, MI
Have you ever wondered how Dutch immigrants to Michigan cultivated celery? The Celery Flats Interpretive Center takes visitors through the history of Dutch settlers who accepted the challenge of the Michigan mud flats, and began cultivating celery. The Celery Flats Interpretive Center offers a much more interesting trip into our agricultural history than you might expect.

The Detroit Institute of Arts – Detroit, MI
Offering one of the largest collections of art in the United States, the Detroit Institute of Arts is the perfect stop for any art lover. Not only can you enjoy the permanent and special exhibitions, but you can also attend one of the many theater and musical presentations.

Durand Union Station – Durance, MI
Learn about the history of the railway in Michigan. With interesting stories to tell, from the $9 that started everything to the Wallace Circus Train Wreck, train lovers and history buffs alike are sure to enjoy visiting the Durand Union Station.

The Henry Ford Museum – Greenfield Village, MI
While you might think that this museum focuses on Henry Ford and the evolution of the automobile, you will be surprised to discover the variety of exhibits available at the Henry Ford Museum. Check out the Dymaxion House, learn about the history of aviation, tour the factory, explore Greenwich Village, and discover the Benson Ford Research Center. When you are done, stop at the IMAX theater to relax and enjoy a film.

Iron County Historical Museum – Caspian, MI
22 buildings combine to make the Iron County Historical Museum the largest outdoor museum in upper Michigan. Learn about Michigan’s iron mining industry, discover Michigan’s ethnic diversity at the Cultural Center, and enjoy wildlife art at the Lee LeBlanc Wildlife Art Gallery. The Homestead and the Lumbercamp feature log buildings typical of the pioneer days.