The 21 Best Museums in Michigan [2024]

When most people think of the state of Michigan, the Great Lakes or its biggest cities, like Detroit, come to mind. Recently, this great state has also made a name for itself as a cultural hot spot, thanks largely to the wide variety of museums within its borders. From art and history to music, industry, and other cultures, there’s a Michigan museum to cover virtually any topic.

The Best Museums in Michigan

1. A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech (Houghton)

On the grounds of Michigan’s Technological University, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech is entirely dedicated to minerals found around the world.

Founded in the 1800s, the collection has grown to include over 36,000 specimens, many of which are minerals naturally found in Michigan. However, only 10% of the collection is on display at any given time. The rest is used for research or is used in rotating galleries and exhibitions throughout the year.

Since the collection is so large, it can be divided into 3 categories: the original A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum Collection, the University of Michigan Mineral Collection, and the Great Lakes Minerals. Some highlights include phosphate minerals from the Yukon, specimens from the Keweenaw Copper District, and Iron District minerals that were collected from Lake Superior.

Admission is free for Michigan Tech faculty and students and children under 9, $3 for kids 9 to 16, $4 for students, $7 for seniors, and $8 for other adults. All tickets are valid for 2 consecutive days. The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays June through August. The nearest bus stop is Houghton Amtrak Bus Stop.

• Address: 1404 Sharon Ave., Houghton, MI 49931

2. Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum (Portage)

Originally known as the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum has grown in popularity since it opened in 1977. Today, the museum houses dozens of aircraft and spacecraft, many of which are painted to resemble or are nicknamed after different animals, thus giving the space its name.

The facility currently has 15 exhibits, including interactive displays like those in the 3D HD Full-Motion Flight Simulator and more traditional displays, like those used in the Women in Air & Space and Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight collections.

Some displayed craft include a Curtiss Robin, a Douglas A4D Skyhawk, and a Grumman TF-9J Cougar. The Air Zoo is so large that it’s divided into 2 buildings: the Flight Innovation Center, which is the main center, and the Flight Discovery Center.

Admission is free for members and children under 5, $9 for military personnel, veterans, and first responders, $15 for seniors 60 and over, $16 for kids 5 to 17, and $18 for all other adults. The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Milham Avenue and Portage Road.

• Address: 6151 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002

3. American Museum of Magic (Marshall)

First opened in 1978, the American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan, houses one of the largest collections of magic-related items in the country. Sometimes dubbed the “Smithsonian of Magic,” the facility preserves the history of magic tricks, magicians, and the showmanship of the craft. Over the years, the space has amassed a collection of over 80,000 pieces, including window cards, showbills, programs, books, and props.

Additionally, the museum preserves a number of artifacts and books that delve into the history of the occult, especially its relationship to the rise in popularity of magic shows in the 18th and 19th centuries. This particular part of Michigan is steeply rooted in magic history. The nearby town of Colon was a manufacturing site for items used in shows around the country and even around the world.

Admission is free for children under 5, $4.50 for kids 5 to 17, and $7 for adults. The American Museum of Magic is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. December through March, visits are by appointment only.

• Address: 107 E. Michigan Ave., Marshall, MI 49068

4. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center

Since 1978, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center have been among Michigan’s premier education centers, taking an interactive approach to learning. Though most of the exhibits are geared toward young children, people of all ages are welcome to learn and explore at the facility. In particular, the Hands-On portion of the museum is aimed at younger guests, while the Science and Nature Center offers a more all-ages experience.

Some of the most beloved areas at the museum are the Black Pond Woods and the Raptor Enclosures at the Science Center and the Legacy Gallery and “World Around You” exhibit at the Hands-On facility. Both sites also have a full calendar, including camps and family days. The Hands-On Museum even offers sensory-friendly mornings for kids who are easily overstimulated. You can also rent the space for private events.

Admission is free for members and children under 2 and $16 for everyone else. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for the Leslie Science & Nature Center, with a suggested $5 donation for the Critter House. The nearest bus stop is Fourth and Huron.

• Address: 220 East Ann St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

5. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Detroit)

Often simply called the Wright Museum, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit is one of the oldest African American museums in the world. Since it first opened, the Wright has acquired over 30,000 artifacts that remember and preserve African American history. There are currently 4 permanent galleries: Ring of Genealogy, And Still We Rise, Stories in Stained Glass, and Honoring the Life and Legacy of Judge Damon J. Keith.

The facility also houses a number of temporary exhibitions that feature both items from the museum archives and collections on loan from other facilities. In addition to the enriching galleries in the museum, the space hosts the annual African World Festival, which celebrates fashion, music, food, and cultures of the African diaspora in the U.S.

Admission is free for members and children under 5, $12 for kids 6 to 17 and seniors 62+, and $15 for adults. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Warren and Bush.

• Address: 315 East Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48201

6. Detroit Historical Museum

Founded in 1928, the Detroit Historical Museum preserves the history of the city and its industries, ranging from its importance in the automotive industry to its earliest years as a major center for fur traders. Most of Detroit’s history is depicted in the center’s 11 permanent galleries, which contain artifacts ranging from model trains and toys to recreations of what Detroit’s downtown streets used to look like.

Since the museum’s collection has grown so much over the years, not all of its pieces can be displayed at once. Those kept in the archive are rotated out to be showcased at temporary exhibits. Some are even lent to partnering museums as part of a traveling exhibit program.

Additionally, educational and cultural events are frequently hosted at the museum, including performances, discussions, and even film screenings for guests of all ages.

Admission is free for Detroit Historical Society members and kids under 6, $6 for children 6 and over, $8 for seniors, students, active military personnel, and first responders, and $10 for other adults. Detroit Historical Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The nearest light-rail stop is Ferry Street.

• Address: 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202

7. Detroit Institute of Arts

With over 100 gallery spaces in its care, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) houses one of the most significant art collections in the country. In fact, it’s often listed as one of the top 10 in the U.S., especially since the facility expanded its museum facilities in 2007.

Today, the DIA houses over 65,000 works of art that represent cultures and styles from around the world. Some beloved pieces preserved by the museum are “Bird” by David Hammons, “Quilting Time” by Romare Bearden, and “Ellen’s Isle, Loch Katrine” by Robert Scott Duncanson. However, since the DIA collection is so large, exhibits are regularly rotated to highlight different works of art.

Temporary exhibitions are also regularly hosted at the facility. Some popular past exhibitions were “Degas and the Dance” and “Art in Focus: Celadons.”

Admission is free for members, residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties, and kids under 5, $8 for children 6 to 17, $10 for students and seniors, and $20 for other adults. Detroit Institute of Arts is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Woodward and Detroit Institute of Arts.

• Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202

8. Ford House (Grosse Pointe Shores)

Ford House was the residence of Edsel Ford, the son of innovator and businessman Henry Ford and his wife. The Ford family is largely responsible for Michigan’s booming automotive industries in the early 1900s. After the death of Edsel and Elanor, the space was deemed a historic place and transformed into a museum.

Today, the mansion museum is notable not just for its size and sprawling grounds but also for its collection of antiques and art, most of which was acquired by the Fords while they were still in residence. The museum is also, in part, a history museum dedicated to the Ford family and their impact on the state’s economy,

Since the grounds are so large and serene, the museum is often rented as an event venue. The space frequently hosts classes, lectures, and other activities.

Admission is free for members and children under 6, $7.50 for kids 6 to 12, $13 for seniors 65 and over, and $15 for all other adults. Tickets to just access the grounds are between $5 and $7. Opening hours vary by season. The nearest bus stop is Lakeshore and Fair Lake Lane.

• Address: 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236

9. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (Grand Rapids)

Since its inauguration in 1981, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum has honored the life and political career of Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the U.S.

Ford’s presidency was of particular note because he was notably not voted in for his term. He was vice president and took the role after Nixon’s resignation in 1974. As a result, his time in the role didn’t have the same typical trajectory as other presidents, a fact documented in the museum’s galleries.

There are currently 6 permanent exhibits that explore the politics and pop culture of the time. One of the most popular is the “At Work in the Oval Office” exhibit, which recreates the famed office as it looked during Ford’s presidency.

There are also 20,000 items, including gifts, campaign material, and personal effects.

Admission is free for all visitors. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Scribner and Pearl.

• Address: 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

10. Gilmore Car Museum (Hickory Corners)

The Gilmore Car Museum has an impressive collection of over 400 vehicles and motorcycles that span decades of automotive history. Originally, the museum just showcased the personal collection of the space’s namesake, Donald S. Gilmore. However, the space has grown over the years. Today, it even houses a steam car from 1899 and prop vehicles used in films and television shows.

Currently, there are 6 exhibits on the museum’s grounds. Some, like the “1930s Shell Station” exhibit, are outside and are only open seasonally. Others, like “Automotive Mascots,” are indoors and open all year. Additionally, the Gilmore Car Museum hosts special events during the year, including vintage car rides.

Admission is free for active military personnel and children under 11, $12 for kids 11 to 17, $18 for veterans, and $20 for other adults. Tickets often have a $2 discount between January and March. Opening hours can vary. There are no public transport stops in the museum’s immediate vicinity.

• Address: 6865 West Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, MI 49060

11. Grand Rapids Public Museum

Spread across 3 floors, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is a multidisciplinary museum that delves into science, astronomy, and the history of Michigan. The space even houses one of the largest collections of artifacts that tell the story of Michigan’s development over millennia. The museum has 12 core exhibits and 2 seasonal galleries, though a number of traveling exhibitions are also on view.

These exhibits all use a combination of hands-on and interactive elements to make the museum experience enriching for visitors of all ages. Some highlights include the 1928 Spillman Carousel, though this exhibit is routinely closed for repairs and refurbishments, the 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, and the “Fashion + Nature” exhibit. There are even live exhibits housing fishes that call Michigan’s waters home. There’s also an on-site planetarium.

Admission is free for members and children under 3, $5 for students and children 3 to 17, $10 for seniors 62 and over, and $12 for other adults. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Museum District.

• Address: 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

12. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum (Paradise)

Many consider the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum one of the state’s best tourist spots. It tells the history of maritime transport in the Great Lakes.

It’s worth noting, however, that the museum is only open seasonally, between May 1 and October 31, due to its location on the water. Part of the museum’s appeal is the facility’s complex, which includes multiple buildings, including the Whitefish Point Light Tower, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in this part of the country.

Other historic buildings that can be visited via the museum’s tour include the Fog Signal Building, the Lookout Tower, the Assistant U.S. Coast Guard Chief Quarters, and the Boat House. This museum is also popular among nature enthusiasts as it’s home to a variety of birds and plant life.

Admission is free for children under 6, $11 for kids 6 to 17, and $15 for adults. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no public transport stops in the museum’s immediate vicinity.

• Address: 18335 North Whitefish Point Road, Paradise, MI 49768

13. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn)

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, also known simply as the Henry Ford, is a museum complex dedicated to the founding father of the modern automotive industry, Henry Ford. Housing artifacts from pop culture as well as a selection of cars, locomotives, and aircraft, the museum not only preserves Ford’s life and career but also explains how his work impacted the rest of the country.

Over the years, the museum’s focus has broadened, so it now houses a number of historical artifacts from before Ford’s time as well, including the rocking chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated and a bed used by George Washington. Some of the most famous vehicles in the museum are a prototype helicopter by Igor Sikorsky and the bus Rosa Parks was arrested on in 1955.

Admission costs vary depending on the exhibits and attractions you visit. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Oakwood and Village North West.

• Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124

14. Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum (Mackinaw City)

For 62 years, the USCGS Mackinaw broke ice on the Great Lakes as part of the Coast Guard’s service. Since being decommissioned, it has been transformed into the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Its main purpose is to honor the work of the ship and its decades of crews.

Today, the ship can be visited as part of a tour, which takes guests through the most important parts of the vessel. Some of the most popular stops include the captain’s quarters, the engine room, and the bridge. It’s even possible to stay on the ship overnight, as long as arrangements are made with enough notice.

Mackinaw City is on the coasts of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, so it’s largely closed between November and April. As a result, the museum is only open on a seasonal basis between May and October, though exact dates vary.

Admission is free for children under 6 and Coast Guard personnel, $7 for kids 6 to 16, $11 for military personnel, and $15 for other adults. The Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Mak.

• Address: 131 South Huron Ave., Mackinaw City, MI 49701

15. Mackinaw Bridge Museum (Mackinaw City)

Though small enough to be above MaMa Mia’s Restaurant in the Lower Peninsula, the Mackinaw Bridge Museum tells the history of the bridge that connects the upper and lower portions of Michigan to each other.

In particular, the space shows what a feat of engineering the bridge is through memorabilia like photos, documents, construction equipment, and more. Mackinaw’s bridge was vital to the city’s growth, as it made traveling to and from Michigan’s 2 peninsulas faster and easier, so this museum has become one of the most beloved by locals.

In addition to the displays, the museum screens short films that recount the bridge’s history. Like many Mackinaw businesses, the museum is only open between May and October. Keep in mind that the exact dates are subject to change depending on the weather.

Admission is free for all visitors. The Mackinaw Bridge Museum is generally open daily from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. The nearest bus stop is Mak.

• Address: 231 East Central Ave., Mackinaw City, MI 49701

16. Michigan History Museum (Lansing)

The Michigan History Museum, spread across 5 floors, educates visitors about the state’s history. Using pieces from the Michigan archives and interactive displays, the center creates an engaging learning environment for people of all ages.

Although this museum is just 1 of 100 museums in the state’s historic center complex, it’s often considered to be the most all-encompassing. That’s largely because the space creates an immersive timeline that spans hundreds of years.

The Michigan History Museum begins by teaching visitors about the first people to inhabit the state and how this slowly gave way to settlers and the formation of the cities that still stand to this day. Currently, the museum’s exhibits stop in the mid-20th century, but the space is constantly acquiring new pieces, and additional galleries will likely be added with time.

Admission is free for children under 6, $4 for kids 6 to 17, $6 for seniors 65 and over, and $8 for all other adults. Admission is waived on Sundays. Michigan History Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The nearest bus stop is Kalamazoo before South Butler Boulevard.

• Address: 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48915

17. Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum (Saginaw)

The Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum is one of the state’s premier spaces for families with children under the age of 10. This entire museum was built to help enrich young minds and encourage imagination, creativity, and learning.

All of the spaces in the center are hands-on, creating immersive play areas that use elements like sets, props, and even water. There are currently 13 galleries at the museum, most of which are suitable for kids at a variety of developmental stages. A few beloved galleries are Car Works, Solar Spot, and Mind Unwind.

Special events are also a frequent part of the Mid-Michigan museum experience. It’s even possible to rent rooms for private events and birthday parties. There’s also an adaptive play program for children with special sensory needs to help them thrive and learn.

Admission is free for children under 2 and $8 for everyone else. Senior discounts are available upon request. Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Riverside Plaza.

• Address: 315 West Genesee Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602

18. Motown Museum (Detroit)

Inside a house that was once referred to as “Hitsville U.S.A.,” the Motown Museum tells the story of one of the most influential record labels in the country. Since 1985, the original label headquarters has been a museum dedicated to the music and artists that gave Motown its legacy.

Over the years, the museum has amassed an impressive collection of music memorabilia, including a fedora and glove used by Michael Jackson on his “Bad” world tour. However, to ensure these pieces are well-preserved and the museum remains engaging, the space’s galleries are rotated a few times a year.

This isn’t a self-guided experience, and tour slots are limited, so you’re encouraged to reserve a spot ahead of time. Each tour lasts about an hour, and guests can ask one of the knowledgeable guides any questions they may have. The Motown Museum also hosts and sponsors music events each year.

Admission is free for children under 5, $17 for kids 5 to 17, seniors 62 and over, students, and veterans, and $20 for all other adults. The Motown Museum is open Wednesday through Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest tram stop is West Grand Boulevard and Holden.

• Address: 2648 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208

19. University of Michigan Museum of Art (Ann Arbor)

The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is one of the country’s largest art museums, with its complex stretching over 90,000 square feet. UMMA’s art collection is also notable, consisting of over 20,000 works of art that have been collected from around the world. This permanent collection features masters like Pablo Picasso, Franz Kline, Claude Monet, and James McNeill Whistler. It’s also a premier exhibition space for temporary galleries featuring more contemporary artists.

Media of all kinds are represented in the space, including furniture pieces and multimedia art alongside more traditional paintings and sculptures. Some highlighted pieces are “Campbell’s Soup Can—Pepper Pot’ by Warhol, “Le Givre a Veneux” by Sisley, and “St. Catherine’s Market at Honfleur” by Boudin. Special events like lectures and even fashion shows are regularly hosted at UMMA as well.

Admission is free for all visitors. University of Michigan Museum of Art is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.The nearest bus stop is State and South University.

• Address: 525 South State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109

20. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (Ann Arbor)

The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (UMMNH) is part of the school’s literature, science, and arts department and was originally used primarily for research. Over the years, however, it’s grown in popularity, and now it’s one of Ann Arbor’s most visited tourist destinations.

Today, UMMNH is split into 4 main areas:

• The Hall of Evolution showcases models and specimens of animals ranging from dinosaurs and ancient whales to plant life.
• Michigan Wildlife Gallery shows specimens and illustrations of the flora and fauna that are indigenous to the Great Lakes area.
• The Anthropology Display focuses on Michigan’s ancient people as well as artifacts from cultures around the world.
• Finally, the Geology Display showcases minerals and rocks from Michigan and around the world. A number of temporary exhibitions that delve into other areas of science are also hosted here.

Admission is free for everyone, but donations are welcome. Groups of 10 people or more must make plans with the museum before visiting. The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Central Campus Transit Center: Ruthven Museum.

• Address: 1105 North University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109

21. USS Silversides Submarine Museum (Muskegon)

Originally used during World War II, the USS Silversides Submarine Museum now showcases the country’s naval history. In addition to the histories and stories of some of the men who served in the U.S. Navy and on the USS Silversides in particular, the space displays photos and artifacts to create an immersive and engaging experience. The USS Silversides also usually has 1 or 2 temporary exhibitions on display.

A beloved recent exhibition was the “Patriot Day” gallery, which commemorated the heroism of the 9/11 first responders. Other exhibitions, like “Lake Michigan’s Call to Duty in WWII,” dive into Michigan’s contributions to the armed forces.

With enough advance notice, an overnight sleepover in the submarine is also possible, but this is only available for groups of 20 or more.

Museum-only admission is $8.50 for all ages. Combination tickets are also available. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum has various opening hours based on the season. There are no public transit stops in the museum’s immediate vicinity.

• Address: 1346 Bluff St., Muskegon, MI 49441

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Michigan Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. There are also several other programs that offer similar concessions.

The Museums for All program offers free or reduced admission to museums through the U.S. for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Participating attractions in the Michigan area include the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum at Michigan Tech, Air Zoo, Ford House, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, and more.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers cardholders free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to the following Michigan museums: the Arab American National Museum, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Flint Institute of Arts, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Michigan Science Center, and Motown Museum.

Participation is subject to change. Please verify which museums are participating and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Michigan has no shortage of museums worth visiting. No matter where you are in the state, there’s a facility or exhibit to add to your list. Whether you’re an art lover or are traveling with creative young children with wild imaginations, there’s a Michigan museum for you.