MUSEUMS, ART AND THEATER
Southwest Michigan has many opportunities to learn about and experience history, music of all kinds, theater, and the arts. Kids can learn about
the world around them through interactive exhibits at a children's museum. Those with a fascination for airplanes, cars, or boats can explore and
learn more about their interests. Take in a play, enjoy a local symphony, or visit a living history museum. Many offer volunteer opportunities.
CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS
Association of Children's Museums
Find information on children's museum located throughout the United States and beyond.
Curious Kids Museum St Joseph
Curious Kids' Museum is a hands-on children's museum dedicated to stimulating the curiosity of children from 1-100 with educational exhibits
and programs which challenge the senses and offer unique learning opportunities. A new annex at Silver Beach Center provides even more
chances for children to explore and learn about the world around them.
Kids 'N' Stuff Children's Museum Albion
A children's museum with interactive exhibits for kids and their families featuring two floors of exhibits including a birthday room, dance area,
messy art room, water table, sensory room and theater.
Deanna's Playhouse Holland
Deanna’s Playhouse is a 15,000 square foot indoor, multi-purpose activity center for families with children. This vibrant facility is designed to
inspire the advanced creative development in all children, with a special focus on those aged 0-3.
The Children's Museum of Fennville
Encourages children of all ages and abilities to experience hands-on learning by offering safe, fun, inviting exhibits and programs including group
visits, birthday parties, toddler time, summer camps, family programming and other special events.
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
The Grand Rapids Children's Museum celebrates childhood and the joy of learning by providing an interactive, hands-on environment geared
towards children ages 0-10 that inspires learning and encourages self directed exploration.
MUSEUMS, EDUCATIONAL AND HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
BERRIEN COUNTY
Upton Planetarium St Joseph
Featuring a newly painted dome, refurbished star machine, new seating and the latest in digital technology, lights and sound will amaze visitors of
all ages. Available for groups and open to the public with shows on select dates.
The Heritage Center St Joseph
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center offers a state-of-the-art setting for your trip to the past. The new center, which opened in 1997,
houses exhibit halls, artifact and archival collections, a research library and elegant banquet facilities.
Mary's City of David Museum and Tours Benton Harbor
In 1997 Mary's City of David opened its historic properties for the public to view with a museum, gift shop and tour program. Due to the urging
of several Southwestern Michigan historical organizations and numerous friends, the Israelite community decided to open its doors to the
surrounding area communities and the region's tourism.
Fort St Joseph Museum Niles
The Fort St. Joseph Museum is located in the former carriage house of the beautiful Victorian period Chapin Mansion (Niles City Hall). The
museum tells the story of Niles from its colonial start in 1691 to the present.
EASTERN COUNTIES
Kalamazoo Valley Interactive Museum
A participatory museum of history, science and technology featuring hands-on exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages, including a 50,000-
piece collection of historical artifacts, family shows in their 109-seat planetarium, and the innovative and educational Challenger Learning Center.
Kalamazoo Air Zoo
The Air Zoo is a highly charged, multi-sensory atmosphere that goes beyond anything you’ve ever seen. Experience full-motion flight simulators,
a breathtaking 4-D theater, indoor amusement park rides, a multitude of aircraft and the Michigan Space Science Center.
Gilmore Car Museum Hickory Corners
The Gilmore Car Museum welcomes you to enjoy a unique experience among automobile museums in the United States through automobilia and
antique buildings located in the pristine rural countryside. Open daily May 1-October 31.
House of David Museum Addison
The House of David is a story of great success and great wealth. A group of faithful Christians who not only believed in and lived a communal
life, are well known for their barnstorming baseball teams, exquisite mansions and Eden Springs amusement park and zoo.
NORTHERN COUNTIES
Michigan Maritime Museum South Haven
The Michigan Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation of Michigan Great Lakes waterways, maritime history, and culture. Take tours,
view collections, archives and exhibits, or even go for a sail on the replica tall ship Friends Good Will.
Michigan Flywheelers Museum South Haven
The Michigan Flywheelers is an organization of volunteers dedicated to the restoration and preservation of antique gas and steam engines and
tractors. The museum grounds has numerous historical and educational buildings and hosts one of the largest annual Antique Engine and Tractor
Shows in the state of Michigan each September.
Holland Museum
The Holland Museum features permanent exhibits on Holland's history "from settlement to city" and over 400 years of Dutch history.
Carr-Fles Planetarium Muskegon
The Carr-Fles Planetarium at Muskegon Community College has been in operation since 1972. Four different planetarium programs are shown
throughout the year, September through June, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
Lakeshore Museum Center Muskegon
Formerly the Muskegon Co. Museum, the LMC is made up of multiple sites and buildings. In addition to the natural and cultural history museum,
we have the Hackley and Hume Historic Site, the Fire Barn Museum, the Scolnik House of the Depression Era, the Archives and much more.
USS LST 393 Museum Muskegon
Walk where heroes have walked, right in downtown Muskegon. History jumps out at you from every deck and every corner of the veterans
museum that was created to restore and preserve USS LST 393, one of only two Landing Ship Tanks remaining from 1,051 built during WWII.
Historic White Pines Village Ludington
An historic village of over twenty-five buildings and sites of history dedicated to preserving and presenting Mason County's past. A self-guided
tour experience, Historic White Pine Village is an exciting, cultural and educational visit for individuals or the entire family.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids museum is a world class facility full of exciting, entertaining and educational exhibits. Ride the carousel, see a show in the
planetarium or view one of the many exhibits showcasing the people and history of Grand Rapids.
OTHER AREAS
The Henry Ford Dearborn
The history destination that brings the American Experience to life. Encounter ideas that change the world, travel through America’s past,
embark on America’s greatest factory tour and more. Five distinct attractions at The Henry Ford captivate and inspire visitors of all ages. Visit
the 90-acre Greenfield Village, the Henry Ford Museum, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, the Benson Ford Research Center, or the IMAX theater.
Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy Fenton
This site contains basic information on each Michigan lighthouse in the Light List and links to local preservation groups. Lighthouse history basic
facts are presented with old lighthouse photographs and how it looks today to see what changes have happened over the years.
US-12 Heritage Trail New Buffalo to Detroit
Traversing approximately 212 miles through the State of Michigan, US-12 retains a rich historic character and offers the traveling motorist a
unique opportunity to view the many intrinsic historic, cultural, and recreational assets along this east-west corridor.
College Football Hall of Fame South Bend
The College Football Hall of Fame is designed to put you in the middle of all the action. From your first step onto the Gridiron Plaza, to the
moment you exit through our unique gift shop, you'll see the sport from every possible angle.
You can find more information on art centers, orchestras and symphonies, and theater here.
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