Things to do in Michigan, United States: The Best History Museums

The Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus opened in 1984. Local Holocaust survivors, with community support, founded the museum to teach about the senseless murder of millions, and why everyone must respect and stand up for the rights of others if the world is to prevent future discrimination, hate crime and genocide. As Michigan’s only Holocaust museum, the Holocaust Memorial Center annually touches the lives of more than 85,000 individuals, who leave the museum profoundly affected with a newly acquired sense of history, social responsibility and morality. The Holocaust Memorial Center’s exhibits create a call to action, teaching visitors through the examples of those who risked their lives to save others, and asking its guests to react to contemporary challenges such as racism, intolerance, bullying and prejudice.

NOTE: The History Center is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. The Port Austin History Center is located one mile east of Port Austin, at 1424 Pointe Aux Barques Road. The museum, housed in a 1904 Maccabee Society building, presents the history of Port Austin, Grindstone City and Port Crescent. There are several other historic buildings on the grounds, including a log cabin and log barn, a 19th century Grindstone City house, and a 1950's barbershop.

The Muskegon Heritage Museum exhibits the history of the industries of the Muskegon area. We have a working bowling alley. An 18 ton Corliss valve steam engine powering our machine shop with leather belts. Engines on display from Continental motors, including aircraft, marine and a tank engine. The first 75,000 Raggedy Ann's were made here, we have one from 1918 on display. There over 12,000 square feet of display space on the museums three floors. Open Mid May to Mid October except for prearranged tours and school groups.

The Motor City Exhibition, where visitors see how a Cadillac is assembled, is just one of the many interesting displays at this museum dedicated to telling the story 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.

We are OPEN for the season. At this National Historic Landmark, visitors can learn about 17th century St. Ignace: the Ojibwa who formed the population, the Huron refugees and the French who established the area as the center of fur trade. Check out our award winning Clan Park, the fun kids area, our authentic Native store along with the beautiful new Sculpture Park and our Longhouse on our grounds. Also visit Father Marquette's burial site in our Marquette Mission Park. Admission is by donation. Must be seen to be believed! Amazing! Bus tours welcome..please call ahead.

Museum serves to document, preserve and educate the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum features exhibits on science, technology and the history of Southwest Michigan. The Museum is currently open limited hours with registration. Please visit our website for more information and to register.