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Things to do in Michigan, United States: The Best Military Museums
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.
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1. Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is a visitor center for the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, featuring exciting exhibits for all ages. The exhibit, "Exploring the Shipwreck Century", includes a full-size replica of a wooden Great Lakes schooner and a shipwreck where visitors can walk the decks, feel a Great Lakes storm, and touch the massive timbers of the boat resting on the lake bottom -without getting wet!
Reviewed By AlpenaBill - Alpena, United States
Great place to visit with or without children. Lots of information about Great Lakes history. Very interesting and we will visit often.
2. Michigan's Military Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
"Where History Matters" Discover the Michigan Military Heritage Museum, and learn the stories of Pure Michigan Heroes! The Michigan Military History Museum was founded in 2016 to bring to life the rich history of Michigan's contributions in war and peace. We focus heavily on the involvement of Michigan in the U.S Military; we have artifacts from all over the world and from many different countries
Reviewed By jasmines328
Awesome museum honoring our veterans and the history of the wars they fought. Hundreds of historical items such as personal biographies, photos, uniforms, weaponry, flags, etc...from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and more. The museum staff were so friendly and informative. Be sure to ask them to show you around, because simple items like certificates on the wall might seem insignificant compared to bigger items like the war ambulance or cannon, but the items actually have really fascinating stories or purposes, and the staff know so many interesting facts and can share so much background information for each item. Be sure to check this place out!
3. Michigan Military Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
4. Fort Mackinac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,023 reviews
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.
5. Tuskegee Airmen National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
6. Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, home the the USS Edson DD-946. This Vietnam Era, Forest Sherman Class destroyer is one of two left in the United States. Guests are invited to step back in history on a self-guided tour of the Grey Ghost of the Vietnam Coast and see what life was like for the men who served aboard her. Approximately 90% of the ship is open to the public. If you are lucky, you'll meet one of our many volunteers who served aboard the USS Edson or a similar ship. Guests are asked to wear close-toed comfortable shoes since you will be climbing up and down ladders. Due to the amount of time it takes to tour the ship, no guests will be admitted one hour prior to closing. Please check our website for the latest information on our hours. There may be times when our times change due to private events or restoration needs.
Reviewed By K6433DEjenniferh
Bill gave us a great tour of the ship with lots of great information and stories. The grown ups enjoyed it throughly. It was a lot of walking for our 4 kids and a little warm for them but they did good and enjoyed seeing different parts of the ship and ringing the ships loud bell. It was a great place to visit Father's Day weekend.
7. Michigan Heroes Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
Michigan Heroes Museum is dedicated to Honoring, Respecting, and Remembering the memories of people from Michigan who heeded the call to military service during America's seven foreign wars. Located in Frankenmuth, the museum was started in order to tell the stories of servicemen and women from around the state and it now contains over 850 full collections of personal artifacts and stories of our wartime heroes. In fact, Michigan Heroes Museum has gathered so many stories that it is the largest museum of its kind throughout the country and still growing. Visitors to Michigan Heroes Museum can expect to be overwhelmed by the stories of sacrifice, bravery, and valor that they will find there as the museum strives to Honor, Respect and Remember those who have served in our nations military and our space programs.
Reviewed By lewdog44129 - Cleveland, United States
My wife and I stopped by after shopping at the Christmas place, (my reward for going shopping with her). I was not sure what to expect. I have been to a few small memorials and museums and was very impressed with this facility. The location is easily accessible and provides ample parking. We went on a Saturday morning around 10AM. There wasn't many people visiting so spacing was not an issue. The museum was well designed and the attendant (Mike I believe) was very helpful and knowledgeable. The displays were clean and bright. The information was detailed but not overwhelming. I found it interesting that they focused on individuals not events. There were a few videos playing and plenty of tools, uniforms and weapons to see. We spent about 2 hours which was about all my wife could take, lol. That was pleasant of time to take it all in. I could have spent another 2 hours but you can easily spend less time and still feel like you seen everything. I would consider this a must-see in Frankenmuth especially if you injoy military history or would like to show your gratitude to those who have fallen in defence of our nation.
8. Sleeping Bear Point Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By BellPepper68 - Michigan, United States
This museum is very informative and thorough. Do not let the size deter you because the in-depth explanations and visuals through various old boat items more than make up for it. Also very close to Lake Michigan’s shore.
9. WWII Glider & Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
2021 SEASON UPDATE: We are hoping to open by July 2021 for a shorter summer season if Covid-19 regulations & State guidelines allow. Check back for opening date! During World War II, the Ford Motor Company's plant in Kingsford built more Model CG-4A gliders for the United States Army than any other company in the nation at much less cost than other manufacturers. Our CG-4A Glider, one of seven fully-restored gliders worldwide, is the focal point of the World War II Glider & Military Museum. The museum also contains an extensive collection of military uniforms from the Civil War to Desert Storm, a WWII Ford jeep and meticulously restored Clark CA-1 dozer, historic photos, period film footage of glider construction at the local Ford Motor Company plant as well as the prestigious Army-Navy "E" Award presentation in 1944. Additional exhibits include a 1939 Ford V-8 DeLuxe “Woodie” Station Wagon, 1928 Ford AA Fire Engine, 1930 Ford Model A Tudor Sedan & 1930 Ford Model AA Dump Truck.
10. Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum
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