History buffs and those looking for a fun way to spend a few hours will be happy to learn that the Michigan History Museum is scheduled to reopen August 6th, 2021!
The Michigan History Museum, like so many attractions, has been closed to the public, due to coronavirus, since spring of 2020. News of its reopening is joyful, indeed, and a real sign that things are slowly getting back to normal.
The museum is located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center building in downtown Lansing. This is just a quick drive from our Lansing area hotel, The English Inn, Restaurant & Pub.
It is easy to make a fun, full day of your visit. The Michigan State Capitol building, bustling downtown, and the Lansing River Trail are all within easy walking distance of the museum.
Exploring the Museum
The Michigan History Museum offers four levels and more than 25 permanent and changing exhibits. The topics fully explore the state’s rich history, from pre-contact up through to the late 20th century. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes at the museum, if not longer.
Museum exhibits include interactive computers, audio-visual presentations, and a variety of hands-on elements. One of the biggest surprises are the live, three-story tall trees growing INSIDE the museum on the second level. The nearby, two-story high, relief map of Michigan is also a big hit.
Other attractions include a walk-through copper mine, a historic one-room schoolhouse, a 1920s street scene, and a lakes and lands diorama featuring a rustic cabin and lighthouse.
Michigan’s connection to automotive history is also well represented. Visitors can see the Highland Park Assembly line, a 1920s auto dealership, UAW Labor Hall, Arsenal of Democracy and the 1957 Detroit Auto Show.
The museum also offers a kids’ center, gift shop, and a snack shack to keep you going as you explore the exhibits.
Michigan History Museum
The museum is located at 702 West Kalamazoo in Lansing, MI just 20 minutes from the door of our Lansing area inn, restaurant, and pub. Parking at the museum is a snap, with easy access to the lot on on Kalamazoo street. Be sure to check out the sculpture green on your way to the front door!
As mentioned above, the museum is reopening on a limited basis in August. The cautious reopening sees limited weekend hours from August 6th through to August 29th, 2021.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
The museum plans to resume its full schedule, beginning September 7, 2021.
Monday through Friday: 9am to 4:30pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
Visit the museum website for more details. You can also follow the museum (via the Michigan History Center) on Facebook.
The Michigan History Museum is just one of 12 museums and historic sites that make up the Michigan History Center. Visit the Michigan History Center website to learn about the other, 11 fascinating Michigan museums and sites.