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Friday, August 24, 2012

Science and History

To round out our month of all things arts and culture, we couldn’t leave out history and science museums. On top of being educational and highly entertaining, these museums are interactive, fun, and historic. Luckily, a few of these very unique destinations have found a home in West Michigan.

First, we will kick things off with the
Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph. This awesome science museum hosts over 100 hands-on Exhibits for ages 1- about 10 years old. Kids can enjoy a wide variety of Discovery Fun from the Awesome Apple Orchard to the Vet Clinic to Global Child Village, to Media Mania. Navigate a Great Lakes ship, be an electron to make electricity, pull a bubble around you, and much more. Science, learning, and fun all in one? You bet!

Let’s talk about History. There is tons of it here in West Michigan, from historic homes and cars, to famous presidential museums and historic farms, it’s all here.


Looking for a historic castle? Look no further.
Castle Farms in Charlevoix has history and is an exceptional location for any event.

Historic Museums? Yep we’ve got em!

Coopersville Historical Society Museum
, Coopersville
Gerald R. Ford Museum
, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Public Museum

Historic Charlton Park
, Hastings
Historic White Pine Village
, Ludington
Lakeshore Museum Center
, Muskegon
      * Insider Tip- This museum is free 7 days a week!
Michigan Historical Museum
, Lansing
Maritime Museums? Well after all, we are surrounded by lakes.
Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum
, Muskegon
Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum/Historical Society
, Sault Ste. Marie
Michigan Maritime Museum
, South Haven
Old Lighthouse Museum
, Michigan City, IN
S.S. Milwaukee Clipper
, Muskegon
USS LST 393 Veteran’s Museum
, Muskegon
       *Insiders Tip- The USS LST 393, one of the last two Landing Ship Tanks from World  War II, invites the public to view movies on    deck every Friday during the summer!

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful?

The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is just what the name says. Home to one of the largest Antique Engine & Tractor shows in the state that is held every September, the Michigan Flywheelers Museum offers visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about our early American farming history and its equipment.

And what is a trip to West Michigan with out divulging in some Dutch Heritage?
Nelis’ Dutch Village Theme Park and Wooden Shoe Factory takes step back into the Netherlands of 100 years ago. Featuring Dutch klompen dancing, wooden shoe carving, museums, movie, Frisian farmhouse, kids' rides & much more! Open daily 10-5, April 24 thru Labor Day.

Lastly, for a true gem, visit the
Gilmore Car Museum. Dreams of finding an “old car in a barn” are a daily reality here. Nestled on 90 landscaped acres in restored historic barns are nearly 200 extraordinary vehicles spanning more than 100 years of automotive heritage. Here you will find exhibits ranging from a 1899 Locomobile, to the classic Duesenberg or the elusive Tucker '48, and from the Model T to the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s.

1 comment:

Jill said...

The Montague Museum is chock full of White Lake area history. It has everything from lumber era log brands, to a Nancy Anne Fleming (Miss America 1961) exhibit. Only open weekends in the summer (AND it's free!), this small museum is a great place to spend an afternoon browsing various collections, photos, local high school yearbooks and old newspapers.