Explore maritime history, walk through Victorian homes, step back in time with World War II-era ships and planes, and examine museum artifacts while learning more about West Michigan history. Don’t consider yourself to be a history buff. West Michigan is also home to various exhibits and experiences highlighting the history of literary figures, inventions, art, and more!

 

Museum Exhibits and Historical Displays:

 

History

Experience driving an authentic Model T at the "Go Back to Driver’s Training…Old School!" at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners. Get behind the wheel of a genuine Model T Ford, built between 1908 and 1927, and learn to drive using 3-foot pedals, one-hand lever, and two-hand controls on the steering wheel. Drive 3 miles on paved roads within our historic campus with a skilled instructor. Ideal for families, couples, team building, or anyone looking for a nostalgic driving lesson. The 2025 class schedule coming October 15th.

 

Often overlooked in history are the contributions of Ransom Eli Olds, founder of both Oldsmobile and then REO Motor Car Company. The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is a car museum where you can explore over sixty Lansing-made vehicles including one of the first Curved Dash Olds to the more recent Tornadoes and Cutlass vehicles. 

 

History

 

Built initially as Saugatuck’s first water pumping station in 1904, the Saugatuck Pump House building is now home to one of Michigan’s best-known and most-visited small-town museums. Its riverfront patio in front of the main entrance offers a beautiful view of the Kalamazoo River and downtown Saugatuck and is a popular stop for tourists throughout all seasons, even when the museum is closed. Currently, The Lure of Mount Baldhead exhibit is being featured, highlighting the iconic dune feature, its natural formation, cultural significance to the community, and why it has attracted people to this location. While in Saugatuck, be sure to explore the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion, the Midwest's largest antique mall. 

 

The Cadillac Area honors and celebrates its past with historic tours, museums, preservation of stunning architecture, and so much more. Your visit to their region will not be complete without exploring Cadillac’s history. Locals and visitors alike can learn about their past through self-guided tours of historic stops throughout the downtown and beyond. They hope you enjoy stepping back through time! 

 

History

 

The Petoskey area is home to several museums, historical walking tours, and some self-guided walking tours through Petoskey and Boyne City. One topic for Historical Talks/Lectures is at the Harbor Springs History Museum: Lighting the Way – Harbor Point Association and Little Traverse Lighthouse. The Harbor Springs History Museum will also be hosting guided Lighthouse Tours to the Little Traverse Lighthouse which is otherwise on private land and not accessible to the public. The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society and Little Traverse History Museum also offer great exhibits to get to know the Petoskey Area history.

 

Historic Hotels and Buildings:

 

History

 

IndiGrow's facility, originally built in 1908 for a radiator manufacturer, has undergone a remarkable transformation that honors its rich history while embracing modern sustainability. They preserved as much of the original brick as possible, maintaining the building's historic character, including unique relics like a 1920s photo with a Model T out front and a lovers' inscription from 1947. IndiGrow, proud of the history their town of Muskegon holds, offers tours to share this heritage with the community. Now, as the most energy-efficient small-scale cannabis facility in the nation, IndiGrow seamlessly blends the past with the future, setting a new standard for the industry.

 

Visit the Pantlind Lobby at Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids to see three stunning Czechoslovakian chandeliers made of Austrian crystal, a massive hand-applied gold leaf ceiling, and historic features like a copper fountain and a wooden-gilded "sunburst." Originally Sweet's Hotel, this hotel was transformed by J. Boyd Pantlind in the early 1900s, reopening in 1916 with design inspiration from New York's renowned architects Warren & Westmore. It earned a reputation as 'One of the Ten Finest Hotels in America' by 1925. 

 

History


Experience history at Ludington's Cartier Mansion voted Newsweek Readers’ Choice for Best Historical B&B in America in 2024. Built-in 1905 by lumber baron Warren Cartier, this neoclassical estate features original woodwork, period antiques, and luxury rooms. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mansion has been meticulously preserved by its various owners. Guests enjoy daily gourmet breakfasts with locally sourced ingredients and modern comforts like lavish bath amenities and high-speed Wi-Fi. When in Ludington, be sure to also check out these three museums that pay homage to Ludington’s beginnings:  Historic White Pine Village, Mason County Historical Society, and Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.

 

Cultural and Arts Attractions:

 

History

Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain helps educators fill the gap by offering valuable learning opportunities through field trips. The sculptures serve as inspirational starting points for topics in history, geography, science, language arts, and environmental studies. Each fall and spring, teachers from area schools bring their students on field trips to the Art Park—a place where their textbooks spring to life through the sculptures they discover while exploring nature.

 

Soak in some culture while visiting the Charlevoix area. Whether you are interested in learning more about the mushroom houses, Castle Farms, or exploring Ernest Hemingway's old stomping grounds, there's something for everyone. Within walking distance of downtown Charlevoix, the Charlevoix Cultural Corridor comprises arts, architectural, and educational attractions. Check out the local art scene, take a class, walk through history, or read a book. 

 

History

 

Why not walk or roll your way through history? Holland offers many ways to move while uncovering the stories of this former Dutch colony. Pick up a free self-guided walking tour from the Holland Visitors Bureau or join the town’s most entertaining historian for a snack-and-stroll down 8th Street on a Holland Tasting Tour. Wander through the Holland Museum to admire artifacts such as a dog butter churner and the Southerner’s passenger list, in addition to the Dutch galleries of fine art and the “klok” from the 1939 World’s Fair. Holland also has a rather large 150-year-old authentic Dutch windmill surrounded by a botanical garden with paved pathways.


The Tri-Cities Treasures Annual Gala will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Tri-Cities Historical Museum in Grand Haven. This special fundraiser offers a unique glimpse into local history, featuring a menu inspired by the past and a display of historical artifacts. Guests will be transported back to November 29th, 1934, to experience a recreated Thanksgiving feast enjoyed by the officers aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter "Escanaba I." The evening will also include live local music, a silent auction, and a cash bar, making it a memorable celebration of the Tri-Cities' rich heritage.

 

Landmarks and Historic Sites:

 

History

 

From 7,000 years ago to the 1900s, people mined Keweenaw copper. Native peoples made copper into tools and trade items. Investors and immigrants arrived in the 1800s in a great mineral rush, developing thriving industries and cosmopolitan communities. Though the mines have since closed, their mark is still visible on the land and among people. Explore the Keweenaw National Historical Park this fall to learn more about the rich history of the Keweenaw Peninsula. 

 

One of the key historical landmarks in Marquette County is the Upper Harbor Ore Dock, built in 1912 and still in use today. Marquette's growth began after the discovery of iron ore in 1844, and the city became a vital hub for shipping this resource, especially during the Civil War. The Ore Dock, now operated by Cliffs Natural Resources, is a massive structure that can store up to 50,000 tons of iron ore pellets. Another notable landmark is the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, first lit in the 1850s, which guided ships through Lake Superior and played a crucial role in the region's iron ore trade.

 

History

 

Kalamazoo's museums and attractions have so much to offer! Whether you're an artist, historian, or scientist at heart, you'll find something to captivate your interests. Don't miss must-visit spots like the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum and the Gilmore Car Museum. Dive into Kalamazoo's rich cultural tapestry, where hidden gems from the past come to life. Uncover the history of Kalamazoo while exploring our array of sites and museums.

 

Take a walk back in time through Hemingway’s country in northern Michigan. The Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author spent the first 22 summers of his life on Walloon Lake, strolling around the woods and fishing the waterways, shaping his rugged persona. You can follow in his footsteps through Walloon Lake, Horton Bay, Petoskey, Kalkaska, and the Pigeon River Country along the self-guided Michigan Hemingway Tour. 

 

History

 

Additional Historic Fun around West Michigan: