Educational Destinations
The chimes of the school bell are about to toll, drawing us out of our summer-induced daze. Give your kids a head start this school year by introducing them to West Michigan's educational destinations. They'll have so much fun they won't even know they're learning!
The High Seas
Tragic shipwrecks, towering lighthouses, the modern day adventures of the U.S. Coast Guard: Michigan holds a proud and rich maritime heritage, and our tales from the high seas are as varied as they are thrilling. Our waterways have been used as highways for trade, seen the untamed side of weather and war, and offered a relaxing respite for travelers for centuries.
This month, explore the nautical side of West Michigan life on a replica 19th century tall ship while capturing "pirates" on Lake Michigan or make the scenic lakeshore drive to West Michigan's 35+ lighthouses and attached museums.
We recommend:
Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Northport
Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum, Muskegon
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Paradise
Michigan Maritime Museum, South Haven
Old Lighthouse Museum, Michigan City, Indiana
Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association, Ludington
Traverse City Tall Ship Company, Traverse City
White River Light Station Museum, Whitehall
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
If the image of expansive wings, spinning gears, and glistening chrome seems like paradise, you're in luck. The history and mechanics of planes, tractors, trains, automobiles, and more are on display for you in several impressive West Michigan collections.
Want to see the unmatched SR-71 Blackbird spy plane? Got it. How about over 250 pristine vintage cars in one place? Check. An antique Nicholas & Shepard steam engine? But of course!
We recommend:
Air Zoo, Portage
Coopersville Farm Museum, Coopersville
Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners
Michigan Flywheelers Museum, South Haven
From the Pages of History
As West Michigan's time line unfolds, a rich narrative is revealed, traveling from ice age mammals to lumber barons and a U.S. president, each with its own distinctive moment in history. This month, look deeper into the past to learn how the turn of the century furniture industry shaped our cityscapes today or what the shoreline looked like covered with the glittering lights and sounds of the boardwalk.
We recommend:
Coopersville Historical Society Museum, Coopersville
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids
Guntzviller Spirit of the Woods, Elk Rapids
Historic Charlton Park, Hastings
Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon
Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing
Music House Museum, Acme
Silver Beach Carousel & Amusement Park Museum, St. Joseph
A Not So Blank Canvas
Take a peek into West Michigan's thriving art communities, and you will see its heart, values, and traditions celebrated with each brush stroke, push of clay, and click of the shutter. Exhibits are ever-changing to explore works from the earliest settlers, world-famous artists, and the next batch of local talent looking to create their name in the art world.
We recommend:
Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids
Khnemu Studio on Fermwood Farm, Fennville
Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville
Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Saugatuck
South Haven Center for the Arts, South Haven