Michigan has a multitude of museums spread all around the state.
From Detroit to Dowagiac, Coldwater to Copper Harbor – they are everywhere. Which ones stand out above the rest? These are the top museums in Michigan.
A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech is one of the Upper Peninsula’s precious gems. It’s on the campus of Michigan Tech, originally founded as Michigan College of Mines in 1885. Their collections include iconic specimens of copper and over 100 other minerals from the Keweenaw Peninsula’s copper mining era. If you are in the area, be sure to check it out.
As they say, the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum of Portage is “Like No Place On Earth.” The 100,000 square foot facility features a “world class, Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace and science museum with over 100 air and space artifacts, interactive exhibits, full-motion flight simulators, indoor amusement park rides, plus hands-on, science-based camps and classes.” Air Zoo is one of a kind.
The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan in Alpena is a multi-dimensional exhibition that encompasses art, history and science.
Settle in to the planetarium Sky Theater for a journey out of this world. And don’t miss their fossil quarry after the tour.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a jewel of Midtown Detroit. The Wright pays homage to a grand history and storied culture.
Last year, the Detroit Institute of Arts was named No. 1 art museum in the nation by USA Today. The DIA declared, “We couldn’t be prouder of our museum, our amazing team, and the community we serve. Thank you to everyone...who supports our mission of inspiring and enriching people’s lives through art.”
Cranbrook Art Museum/Cranbrook Institute of Science must be included. They can be found in Bloomfield Hills, less than half a mile apart on Cranbrook school grounds. The art museum presents art, architecture, craft, and design works of the twentieth- and twenty-first centuries.
They have numerous highly acclaimed artists and sculptors on display. The science institute makes learning fun in more ways than one. Discover the wonders of nature and see how science shapes our everyday lives. These two galleries are a great way to spend the day.
Shifting gears, the Gilmore Car Museum is “telling the history of America through the automobile.” The West Michigan town of Hickory Corners is home to this classic collection. Sign up for a special Model T Driving Experience as part of your visit.
Pearl Street is a perfect place for The Grand Rapids Public Museum. The three-level locale is loaded with amazing artifacts. There's no charge to enter.
The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is a treasure set on the banks of Alpena’s Thunder Bay River. The 10,000-square foot center contains an archaeology lab and shipwreck gallery. As a bonus, they also offer glass-bottom boat tours.
Next on our list, the Lace Museum Detroit in Northville has a wealth of information about antique lace and lacemaking. The smaller-sized space spotlights vintage Victorian styles. Visitors can buy a variety of these fine fabrics as well.
The Michigan History Center of Lansing chronicles our state’s epochal events. A reviewer aptly stated, “From the retreat of the glaciers at the last ice age to the present day, this museum takes us through the entire history of Michigan.”
The legendary Motown Museum is mere steps away from the city’s New Center area. “Hitsville USA” takes you straight to the source of Motown’s signature sound. Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. once lived here.
Selfridge Military Air Museum in Harrison Township is a showcase on the Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Learn U.S. military air history and its impact on the evolution of American aviation.
Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan Museum of Art has a huge archive assembled from various historical ages.
You will feel inspired after a trip there. Admission is Always Free.
Last but certainly not least is the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in Ishpeming. It was made to
“honor and celebrate the athletes, pioneers and visionaries of the United States who have significantly enriched the global sports of skiing and snowboarding.”
Michigan is said to be the birthplace of Snowboarding. What a tribute to the state.