10 Museums in Michigan That You Shouldn't Miss

“One of the world’s coolest museums” — The New York Times The Henry Ford is Michigan’s premier multivenue cultural destination with three must-see attractions: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. At The Henry Ford, you'll experience the history of America — its inventions, people, culture and can-do spirit — and hundreds of interactive ways to explore it, enjoy it and be inspired by it. Park at The Henry Ford’s Welcome Center to visit and buy tickets for all three venues for three hours or three days of experiences. Or purchase a membership for a full year of FREE unlimited visits to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, plus discounts, special events and more. We are conveniently located in Dearborn, Michigan, which is just outside of Detroit.

Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the Institute showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works. Don't miss the General Motors Center for African American Art, a part of the DIA which showcases 400 pieces, in various media, by African American artists.

Experience the Original Model T Factory Visiting the Piquette Avenue Ford Plant is a unique experience-it's the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building. Each floor is divided into sections by the original metal fire doors, complete with the shadows of Henry Ford's "Positively NO Smoking" stencils. The old plank floors are worn from the 12,000 Model Ts built on them, so wear appropriate shoes for your visit. The plant is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site. Walk the worn wood floors and touch the brick walls where Henry Ford and his team of automotive pioneers developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. See Henry Ford's office as it was in 1908 when he was on the cusp of fame. And learn why it still matters today. See a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century and learn their fates.

FIA Closed March 14 Through April 6 As the spread of COVID-19 continues worldwide, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) has been assessing and investigating all options regarding our venues and operations. We have made the decision to close all public spaces at the FIA and the FIA Art School effective tomorrow, Saturday, March 14. All public programs, special and/or private events, and meetings between March 14 and April 5 are postponed or canceled at this time. Although this was a difficult decision, the health and safety of our guests, students, volunteers, and staff is our first priority. The FIA recognizes its part helping minimize the spread of the virus and its impact on our community and national health systems. We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we move through this unprecedented time together. FIA Closed March 14 Through April 6 As the spread of COVID-19 continues worldwide, the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) has been assessing and investigating all options regarding our venues and operations. We have made the decision to close all public spaces at the FIA and the FIA Art School effective tomorrow, Saturday, March 14. All public programs, special and/or private events, and meetings between March 14 and April 5 are postponed or canceled at this time.

One of The Henry Ford’s three must-see attractions, Greenfield Village is an 80-plus acre outdoor living history museum with six historic districts. Stand in the very lab where Thomas Edison had his light bulb moment and the workshop where the Wright brothers began their quest to reach for the sky. Take a ride in a real Model T or explore our working farms. Meet and observe world-class artisans at their craft. Immerse yourself in a place like no other — a place where America’s can-do spirit will inspire you to go out and get it done. Park at The Henry Ford to visit and buy tickets for Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Or purchase a membership for a full year of FREE unlimited visits to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, plus discounts, special events and more. We are conveniently located in Dearborn, Michigan, which is just outside of Detroit.

Iconic. The cannon blasts, the rifles fire, the soldiers march and history comes alive. The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort. More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, where tourists to the island visited the great fortress on the bluff, much like they do today. This is Mackinac.

Michilimackinac 1778: Rumors of War. Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village, reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations. As you walk through the site, you are stepping back in time to 1778, when rumors of war and peace swirled around Michilimackinac. Here, you will see and hear how soldiers, civilians, and Native people responded to threats real and imagined as they attempted to maintain their livelihood, the fur trade. Historical interpreters representing voyageurs, British soldiers, and French-Canadian merchant families are stationed throughout the fort to answer your questions and perform demonstrations.

Explore the life and times of Gerald R. Ford, Michigan's only President. Here documents, artifacts, photographs, and videos combine to tell the dramatic story of the Ford Presidency in the mid-1970s. Museum galleries depict Gerald Ford's rise from a humble youth to Eagle Scout, star football player, World War II naval officer, and U.S. congressman, and the unique way by which he became Vice President and President. Meet the issues of the day - the energy crisis, the Nixon pardon, Vietnamese refugees, and learn about the Bicentennial. Your visit will include a stop in the life-sized Oval Office and Cabinet Room. See for yourself how President Ford shaped our world.