What to do and see in Michigan, United States: The Best Natural History Museums

April 24, 2022 Renato Branum

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center

17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118-9747 +1 734-475-3170 http://www.michigan.gov/eddycenter
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center

Reviewed By JonesMomB - Grand Rapids, United States

Loved the nature center and was very informative but also the many trails were a big hit with our family. Our favorite was the bog trail.

2. Pete Edisen Fishery

Isle Royale National Park, MI http://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/mv-sandy-tours.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Pete Edisen Fishery

Old fishery now a living history museum maintained by the National Park Service.

Reviewed By mkw06 - Rochester, United States

Took the boat tour from Rock Harbor lodge. Captain and crew very knowledgeable and demonstrated superior customer service. Toured this historic fishery (tour guides were devoted NP volunteers who live on site - very rustic!). Hiked (short and easy) to cabin where distinguished moose researchers live- that was unbelievable! Ended touring Rock Harbor lighthouse and informative maritime museum.

3. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

1105 N University Ave Biological Science Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1085 +1 734-764-0480 [email protected] http://ummnh.org
Excellent
47%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 174 reviews

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is temporarily closed due to the global pandemic. 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! New exhibits include: On the Trail of Mastodons; Evolution: Life through Time; Under the Microscope; Exploring Michigan; and People and the Planet.

Reviewed By sisterida - Onsted, United States

Many times taking kids to a museum is overwhelming because there is too much to do. The University of MIchigan Museum of Natural History has great exhibits with great information posted and a good variety to help everyone enjoy the experience. This was a great Sunday afternoon trip.

4. Cranbrook Institute of Science

39221 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304-5162 +1 248-645-3200 http://science.cranbrook.edu/explore/bat-zone
Excellent
69%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Reviewed By anyomouse2

Very out going staff. Take your kids here for an educational and fun afternoon. It's on several floors. The only complaint I have, it's some what hard to find

5. DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207-4020 +1 844-622-6367 [email protected] http://www.michigan.gov/oac
Excellent
74%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Reviewed By Storyteller-N03 - Vero Beach, United States

This is a great place for a parent and child adventure. Make it a 2 hour diversion off your 'River Walk' experience. Parking is safe and more than adequate ... or, you could come by boat. Some displays were out of order, but more than enough to keep us busy. Fortunately, no one fell into the pond (but we were prepared). They have free combo lockers which you may be able to store stuff in for other activities. This is a gem that needs to be used and appreciated. *Note: they have senior, adult, and child admission rates (don't worry, it is a deal!)

6. Island Books and Crafts

101 E Portage Ave Corner of Ashmun and Portage, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783-2001 +1 906-253-1768 http://www.islandbooksandcrafts.com
Excellent
63%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Island Books and Crafts

Island Books & Crafts features a variety of one-of-a-kind items made by Michigan artisans and craftsmen. Items include furniture, photos, paintings, jewelry, pottery, clothing, cards, blown glass, stained glass, and much more. In addition, we have a large variety of new and used books in an area that makes for comfortable browsing. Books are arranged by subject and includes a large Michigan related section. Find us on Facebook.

7. Kingman Museum

175 Limit St, Battle Creek, MI 49037-2176 +1 269-965-5117 [email protected] http://www.kingmanmuseum.org/
Excellent
34%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 41 reviews

Kingman Museum

This natural history museum has great programs for kids and a planetarium.

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