Museums in Michigan Offer the World – Right in Your Backyard
One of my favorite things to do in Grand Rapids is visiting all the museums and cultural attractions at our doorstep. There are so many world-class learning opportunities and hands-on experiences for both kids and adults.
Chances are you’ve heard Meijer Gardens, the massive sculpture park and gardens that draws visitors from around the world.
But have you been to the Air Zoo? It’s an incredible aviation museum full of rare an historic artifacts AND has amusement rides. And it’s only an hour away.
There’s Broad Art Museum in Lansing, whose architecture alone is breathtaking. We have a garden with an authentic operating Dutch windmill in Holland. A historic, barrier-free zoo is just two hours away.
You can visit these places for a day or get a membership and return again and again.
in this article
West Michigan & Greater Grand Rapids Museum List
Air Zoo *MAP Pass Participant*
6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002
The Air Zoo is a highly charged, multi-sensory aviation and science museum that goes beyond anything you’ve ever seen. It’s like no place else on Earth! With over 50 historic and rare aircraft & spacecraft, amusement park-style rides, interactive exhibits, flight simulators, a 4D theater, and much, much, more, there’s truly something for everyone! Admission is FREE for children 4 and under.
269-382-6555
Website | Our Review
Allegan Old Jail Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
113 Walnut St, Allegan, MI 49010
The Allegan Old Jail Museum is operated by the Allegan County Historical Society. The museum served as the Allegan County jail from 1906-1963. The Museum has well over 10,000 artifacts that have been donated by people in this County, from a pencil collection, to the first piano in Allegan that came here by ox cart in the 1800’s from Buffalo NY. One room in the residence has been set aside for rotating displays.
Call 269-673-8292
Averill Historical Museum of Ada
7144 Headley St, Ada, MI 49301
The Ada Historical Society operates the Averill Historical Museum of Ada in an 1870s farmhouse and barn owned by Ada Township. AHS displays collections in exhibits about the area’s original inhabitants, Rix Robinson and the fur trade, Ada’s military history, life in a farming community, the business of Ada, children’s toys, the railroad in Ada, and local schools. Admission is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.
616-676-9346
The Bailey Museum
903 S Bailey Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
The Bailey Museum is located on the Liberty Hyde Bailey homestead. Built in 1858, it’s one of the oldest homes in South Haven and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the historic home, the museum features both permanent and rotating historical exhibitions, a series of horticultural gardens, a nature trail, and South Haven’s historic Blacksmith’s Shop. The main exhibit features many artifacts original to the story of Liberty Hyde Bailey’s life and work and tells that story through a series of interpretive exhibit rooms. Admission is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.
269-637-3251
Cedar Springs Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
60 Cedar St, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
We are a historical museum for the Cedar Springs area. Step back in time as you visit the Cedar Springs Museum or tour the one-room Payne School that was moved to Morley Park. Be sure to check out our excellent genealogy library!
269-696-3335
Coopersville Farm Museum
375 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
The Coopersville Farm Museum was built in 2001 with the primary purpose to “honor farming and rural life.” The continually changing exhibits include collections from residents all over West Michigan, tractors, feed sacks, tools, and art from many very talented people. Special events and classes throughout the year. FREE for age three and under.
616-997-8555
Curious Kids’ Museum
415 Lake Blvd, St. Joseph, MI 49085
The Curious Kids’ Museum believes in providing unique, engaging experiences for children of all ages and abilities. Exhibits include a farmer’s market and vet clinic, simple machines, bubbles and more. Toodle Farm is a special gated area for children fours year old and under which is designed like a 1940s farm. It even has a cow to milk! Nursing nook and baby changing stations are here as well. FREE for children 12 months and under.
269-983-2543
The Dekker Huis/Zeeland Historical Museum
37 E Main Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464
The Dekker Huis was built in 1876 by Dirk Dekker, one of Zeeland’s prominent early residents and businessmen. The house was restored to its original style in 1979. Explore rooms filled with artifacts and replicas of Zeeland’s history, particularly clocks and clock making. Admission is FREE, but donations are gladly welcomed.
616-772-4079
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
547 East Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824
Opened in 2012, the 46,000-square-foot museum was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. The museum has mostly temporary exhibitions, instead of a permanent collection. This means that every time you come, you can expect to see something very different. The displays are always changing, and are very unusual. Since modern art is so conceptual, you probably won’t know what you’re looking at unless you get an explanation from a guide. They provide docent tours if you want to pin down the concept behind the piece. FREE to visit.
517-884-4800
Website | Our Review
Engine House No. 5 Museum
6610 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, MI 49401
Engine House No 5 Museum displays the heritage and traditions of firefighting through the stories, pictures and artifacts. Visitors can see buckets, uniforms, and helmets dating as far back as the early 1800s. Other artifacts include engines, hose carts, and fire extinguishers. FREE for children age two and under. Check Facebook page for open hours.
616-895-8121
Gerald R. Ford Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
This Grand Rapids museum will teach you and your kids everything you need to know about Gerald R. Ford, whose boyhood home was in Grand Rapids. Learn about Ford’s early life and unusual road to the Presidency. There is a replica of the Oval Office and other White House features. Don’t miss out on the Betty Ford exhibit. Admission is FREE for kids age five and under.
616-254-0400 |
Website | Our Review
Gilmore Car Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
6865 Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
The Gilmore Car Museum is North America’s largest auto museum, drawing visitors from across the world. The 90-acre campus boasts over 400 cars, motorcycles and auto memorabilia.
269-671-5089
Website | Our Review
Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
87 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Spend a day at GRAAMA and learn about African American culture and life in Grand Rapids. Or take a FREE interactive tour of Grand Rapids’ Civil Rights history on a two-mile walking tour through downtown. Stops on the tour include Fountain Street Church and Crescent Park. GRAMMA also hosts many events throughout the year.
616-649-3778
Grand Rapids Art Museum
101 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is constantly changing. Its small size is perfect for little legs to explore. The first and third floors have permanent exhibits and the second is rotating. There are magnifying glasses available for guests to get a better look at – and truly engage with – the art around them. Drop-in studios are offered every Saturday. Admission is FREE for children age five and under.
616-831-1000
Website | Our Review
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is full of amazing new discoveries for kids of all ages. Kids will love the permanent exhibits that include bubbles, Legos, and Little Grand Rapids. Family favorite rotating exhibits include Kidstruction and To the Rescue. Reduced admission on Thursday nights. FREE for children age one and under.
616-235-4728
Website | Our Review
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504
Another one of the popular Grand Rapids museums is the public museum. Step back in time as you walk the streets of Old Grand Rapids and go for a spin on the carousel. Catch a show at the planetarium or learn about Michigan habitats. There is so much to explore at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
616-929-1700
Website | Our Review
Holland Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
31 W 10th Street, Holland, MI 49423
Learn about the history of Holland and the Dutch at the Holland Museum. Must-see artifacts include: dog butter churner, medal of honor interactive display, and Indonesian guardian statues. The museum has more than 90,000 artifacts and archival materials that includes everything from art, books and coins to dolls, stamps and quilts. Admission is FREE for children age five and under.
616-392-9084
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
314 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is packed with gorgeous artwork. Featured exhibits spotlight local artists – including elementary school children. The Kirk Newman Art School, a community-based non-degree art school, features classes on ceramic, jewelry, sculpture and more. FREE for children age 12 and under as well as active duty military.
269-349-7775
Kalamazoo Valley Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
230 North Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is three levels of interactive learning space. Exhibits change frequently and are loaded with play-based activities and learning tools for all ages. Be sure to catch a show at the planetarium. FREE for ALL ages.
269-373-7990
Website | Our Review
Kingman Museum
175 Limit St, Battle Creek, MI 49037
Kingman Museum has a natural history collection, three floors of exhibits, and Digistar Planetarium. They work to provide a hands-on experience at every age. Enjoy scavenger hunts for all ages. Don’t miss one of 20 planetarium shows. FREE for all ages on weekends.
269-965-5117
Kruizenga Art Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
271 Columbia Ave, Holland, MI 49423
The Kruizenga Art Museum functions as an educational resource for Hope College and the greater West Michigan community. The museum features two public galleries and a sculpture garden, as well as a classroom and climate-controlled storage space for its over 4,500 permanent collection. It is named in honor of a leadership gift from Dr. Richard and the late Margaret Kruizenga of Holland, both of whom graduated from Hope College in 1952.
616-395-6400
Lakeshore Museum Center *MAP Pass Participant*
430 W Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
The Lakeshore Museum Center has two full floors of exhibits to explore. Permanent exhibits explore over 400 million years of Michigan history. Discover artifacts, photographs, historic dioramas, and videos that share the history and unique stories of the Muskegon area.
The Historic Sites division of the Lakeshore Museum Center includes five historic structures: the Hackley House, Hume House, City Barn, Fire Barn Museum, and the Scolnik House of the Depression Era. The main museum is FREE for Muskegon County residents and both are FREE for children age 2 and under.
231-722-0278
Website | Our Review
Lowell Area Historical Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
325 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
The Lowell Area Historical Museum has permanent, temporary and traveling exhibits on Lowell history topics. This includes exhibits dedicated to the history of Lowell. One of the changing exhibits features a different topic in Lowell history every two years. FREE for children age five and under, $10 family maximum.
616-897-7688
Michigan History Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
702 W Kalamazoo St, Lansing, MI 48915
The Michigan History Museum offers five levels of permanent and changing exhibits that tell the story of Michigan’s past. It’s made for kids and adults to interact and participate as they learn about Michigan’s history. Some staple exhibits haven’t changed in over 30 years. However, they have a first-floor exhibit area that rotates throughout the year. There is a kid’s room filled with interactive experiences. FREE for children age five and under. FREE Sundays for all ages.
517-373-3559
Website | Our Review
Michigan Maritime Museum
260 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
The Michigan Maritime Museum has something for every Great Lakes enthusiast. Learn about life as an early Michigan sailor. There are five different structures to explore including a workshop to learn about boat-building as well as maritime skills and a fleet of period and replica vessels. FREE for children age five and under.
269-637-8078
The Mitten Children’s Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
246 Broadway St, South Haven, MI 49090
This Michigan museum aims to provide Michigan-themed, play-based activities for children of all ages and abilities. Learn, and make memories while exploring Michigan-themed exhibits like, Let’s Grow, MakerSpace, The Studio & Reading Room, Under Our Feet, Vroom Room, and Motown & Me. Kids 12 months and younger are free.
269-561-8494
Midwest Miniatures Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
20 South 5th St, Grand Haven, MI 46417
Midwest Miniatures Museum features work by dozens of professional artists working in miniature scale in a variety of architectural styles and historic periods.
616-414-5809
MSU Museum
409 W Circle Dr, East Lansing, MI 48824
Lansing families fondly refer to the MSU Museum as the “Dino Museum.” The giant, grizzly animals set in habitats, and cultural exhibits are some favorites. You can take their guided tour through headphones as you walk through or do their scavenger hunt packets for students. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, visit on a day when Beaumont Tower allows the public to tour the Carillon bells in action.
517-355-2370
Muskegon Museum of Art
296 W Webster Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440
The Muskegon Museum of Art strives to provide an engaging experience that fosters both creativity and critical thinking. Look deeper, question more and think bigger! Exhibitions include student artwork, glass, and a trek through the past 100 years. FREE for children age 16 and under.
231-720-2570
Newaygo County Heritage Center *MAP Pass Participant*
12 Quarterline St, Newaygo, MI 49337
Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Center features exhibits covering Native Americans, Logging, Agriculture, Gerber, and Gangsters & Bootleggers. The museum also includes period rooms, a military room, and a museum store.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
240 Museum Dr, Lansing, MI 48933
Explore Oldsmobile from the very first prototype to today’s streamlined automobiles. Discover Lansing’s rich transportation history – the REO Motor Car Company, old-time bicycles and aviation endeavors.
517-372-0529
Tri-Cities Historical Museum
200 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
The Tri-Cities Historical Museum works to create connections to local history. Permanent exhibits include Native American history, fur traders, local industries, and the US Coast Guard. Exhibits are being updated so visit often. Admission is FREE, but donations are welcome.
616-842-0700
Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum
1740 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
With gold nuggets, a 100-million-year-old fossilizes octopus, meteorites, and glowing Yooperlites among the 375+ geological specimens from around the globe, there’s a lot to look at inside this tiny museum. Free.
616-526-6769
Website | Our Review
USS LST 393 Veterans Museum
560 Mart St, Muskegon, MI 49440
Tour a real WWII ship in Muskegon. The USS LST 393 has been restored to its WW II days. Visitors will experience the technology and living conditions WW II soldiers used and experienced. FREE for children age 4 and under.
231-730-1477
USS Silversides Submarine Museum *MAP Pass Participant*
1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI 49441
Muskegon is also home to a real WW II submarine, USS Silversides. Learn about science, technology, and underwater robotics as well as military history. Groups can even spend the night on board! FREE for children age 4 and under as well as active duty military.
231-755-1230
Website | Our Review
Lower Peninsula Michigan Zoos & Animal Attractions
Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014
Binder Park Zoo is an exciting place to spend the day. Animals include Australian Wild Dingo, Chinese Red Panda, Grant’s Zebra, and Red Kangaroo. Don’t miss out on purchasing lettuce to feed the giraffes. Other experiences include Binda Conservation Carousel and Z.O. & O. Railroad. Visitors can choose to walk the entire zoo or take the tram to the African area in the back of the zoo. Admission is FREE for children 2 and under.
269-979-1351
Website | Our Review
Boulder Ridge
8313 Pratt Lake SE, Alto, MI 49302
Enjoy a different kind of zoo experience at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park. This zoo is filled with hundreds of interesting animals that you don’t see at your typical zoo, including antelope, bison, yak, lovebird, and horned frog. Visitors can feed the budgies and buy lettuce or carrots to feed giraffes, camels or kangaroos. Hop on the safari bus to head out to the back of the site to see more unique animals that you otherwise can’t see. The zoo is paved and flat which makes it perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. Admission is FREE for children 2 and under.
616-868-6711
Website | Our Review
John Ball Zoo
1300 W Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
John Ball Zoo is more than just animals. In addition to some pretty cool ones like bears, otters, tigers, and meerkats, there is also a lot to do. Kids will love the huge playground outside the zoo and the climbing rope courses throughout the zoo. Adventurous visitors can soar on the zipline. Kids can ride a camel or head into the petting zoo and brush a goat. The zoo was recently renovated to be easier to walk with a stroller or wheelchair. Admission is FREE for children age 2 and under.
616-336-4300
Website | Our Review
Potter Park Zoo
1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
Potter Park Zoo is the place to be for year-round fun. Exciting animals at the zoo include black rhino, gray wolf, tiger, lion, rattlesnake, and bald eagle. Spend time on the giant playground and picnic area outside the zoo. Kids can ride a camel or head into the petting farm inside the zoo. Visit in the fall for Zoo Goes Boo and in December for Wonderland of Lights. Admission is FREE for children under age 3. City of Lansing and Ingham County Residents are FREE on non-holiday Mondays from 9 AM to noon.
517-483-4222
Website | Our Review
West Michigan Science Centers
Impression 5 Science Center
200 Museum Dr, Lansing, MI 48933
This children’s science center is filled with hands-on learning opportunities for young learners. Build with giant blocks, shop in the grocery store, make bubbles, and so much more. Children age four and under have a special air-conditioned toddler play area in an enclosed room. Play options here include a play structure and water table. Admission is FREE for children age one and under.
517-485-8116
Website | Our Review
MSU Department of Entomology Bug House
Natural Science Building, 288 Farm Ln, Room 147, East Lansing, MI 48824
Located on the ground floor of the Natural Science Building, The Bug House features stunning specimen displays and a menagerie of live insects and arachnids — including beetles, tropical cockroaches, and tarantulas. Open for pre-arranged tours only.
517-355-4662
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Bird Sanctuary
12685 East C Ave, Augusta, MI 49012
Explore three miles of trails and experience a variety of habitats surrounding Wintergreen Lake, the heart of the Sanctuary grounds, all year long. Visitors will see a variety of birds including waterfowl, gamebirds, and raptors. The Sanctuary is a great place for birding, nature photography or simply enjoying a walk outside. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the whole day. Admission is FREE for children age two and under.
269-671-2510
Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery & Visitor Center *MAP Pass Participant*
34270 County Rd 652, Mattawan, MI 49071
Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery & Visitor Center is located on 78 acres. It features show ponds with trout that can be fed, and huge sturgeon, too. The interpretive center contains educational displays and programs that tell the remarkable tale of Great Lakes fisheries and the vital role played by fish hatcheries. Be sure to check out our Fish Market Gift Shop, which offers books, T-shirts, magnets, hats, postcards, and more.
269-668-2876
Greater Grand Rapids & West MI Gardens
The Bailey Museum & Gardens *MAP Pass Participant*
903 S Bailey Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
The Bailey Museum tells the story of Dr. Liberty Hyde Bailey and his family. Bailey, born in South Haven, revolutionized thinking about the natural world. He believed in putting people in sympathy with their environment. The grounds include the museum, curated gardens, a nature trail and picnic areas.
269-637-3251
Blandford Nature Center
1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Explore nature year-round at Blandford Nature Center. Many of the animals live at Blandford permanently due to injuries. This includes hawks, owls, turtles, and Elsa the American Mink. Blandford offers many classes for elementary aged children and story time for younger kids.
616-735-6240
Website | Our Review
Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens
1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
CCEP features 40 acres of forest, wetlands, and native gardens. One mile of trail is available for wandering, taking in the beauty of each season, and discovering the flora and fauna of West Michigan. The Bunker Interpretive Center is a LEED-certified education center featuring interactive seasonal displays. A variety of educational programs for all ages are offered throughout the year.
616-526-7600
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
There is so much to do at Frederik Meijer Gardens. With breathtaking landscaping, thoughtful sculpture art and hands-on children’s activities indoors and out, it’s easy to spend an entire day. Visit the children’s garden, backyard farm, sculpture walk, Japanese garden, and greenhouse. Special events throughout the year: concerts, butterflies, Christmas trees. FREE for children age 2 and under.
888-957-1580
Website | Our Review
Grand Ideas Garden
775 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Created by the Kent County MSU Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers, it serves as an open-air classroom for homeowners and gardeners, offering inspiration and education about locally suitable plants. Built on donated funds and resources, the GIG thrives under the diligent care of MSU Master Gardener volunteers and is open to the public 24/7.
616-632-7865
Website | Our Review
MSU Horticulture Gardens
1066 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI 48824
MSU has over 14 acres of gardens for plant lovers of all ages to appreciate and enjoy. There are six different garden areas within the MSU Horticulture Gardens. Kids can learn while they play at the 4-H Children’s Garden. Enjoy the newest annuals at the The Amien Carter Annual Gardens or ever-changing perennials at The Judith A. DeLapa Perennial Garden. Explore Japanese Gardens and more at The Clarence E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum. Watch bees in action at their bee hotel in The VIP Garden (Vegetables and Insect Pollinators) and marvel at the roses in The Frank’s Nursery and Crafts Rose Garden. Most gardens are FREE to visit and donations are appreciated.
517-353-0359
Windmill Island Gardens
1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423
Windmill Island Gardens is the perfect place to experience natural beauty wrapped up in an historic, educational opportunity. Each garden has photo cards of the different flowers so kids and adults alike can learn something. Take a self-guided tour of the only working authentically Dutch windmill in the United States. FREE for children age eight and under as well as for Holland residents.
616-355-1030
Website | Our Review
W.J. Beal Botanical Garden
412 Olds Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824
The W. J. Beal Botanical Garden is an outdoor laboratory for learning about plants. Visitors will find different areas dedicated to different kinds of plants including landscape plants, wetlands, useful, and endangered. Admission is FREE and donations are gladly welcomed.
How to Get Free Admission to Zoos, Museums & Other Cultural Places
Getting into cultural institutions is not always budget-friendly. Here are a few more ways you can save on admission:
- Reciprocal Memberships: Memberships to local museums, gardens, and zoos often come with reciprocal admissions to other places across Michigan.
- Michigan Activity Pass (MAP): With your library card, you can check out a seven-day pass to over 400 cultural attractions, state parks, and recreation areas. This includes fish hatcheries, railroads, lighthouses, and more. More about Michigan Activity Pass.
- Local Free Museum Days: Many Michigan museums offer free days or discounts for locals. For example, the Henry Ford Museum offers free admission for active U.S. military members year-round.
- Special programs like Museums For All and Bank of America’s Museums on Us® offer free or reduced admission to numerous museums.
- DNR Recreation Passport: The DNR’s Recreation Passport is just $14 and gets you free entry to state parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas for a year. This pass is great for year-round use, including trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing in the winter.
MAP of West Michigan Museums, Zoos & Science Centers
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