Pages

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.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Performing Arts in West Michigan

There is something magical about watching a live performance, whether it be a ballet, theatrical performance, musical, dramatic play, or an 80’s cover band, West Michigan is home to all these different types of performances, and more! If you are one who enjoys a traditional theatre performance, be it a play, musical, concert or ballet, we recommend you check out these fantastic options on your next trip to West Michigan.

Barn Theatre
, Augusta
Broadway Grand Rapids
, Grand Rapids
Interlochen Center for the Arts
, Interlochen
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage
, Benton Harbor
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
, Saugatuck
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra
, St. Joseph

Perhaps the traditional theatre setting isn’t necessarily your scene, West Michigan is home to plenty of non-traditional theaters that will leave you wanting more. For example,
Cornwell's Turkeyville USA in Marshall has a year round dinner theater located right inside the restaurant. Each year the plays are different and always have a unique and funny twist.

For those who enjoy a summer on the water, the
Port City Princess in Muskegon is known for its concerts aboard the ship while out sailing the great Lake Michigan. If you’re ready to rock (literally and figuratively), this is the venue for you.

If you haven’t heard, the 80’s are making a comeback and the
Mega 80’s will make you feel like they never left. Enjoy this all-too-real cover band at a local West Michigan venue or you can catch them at venues all throughout the state.

If you’re feeling lucky on your next trip to West Michigan, try one of the many Casinos that also have great concerts and shows on a regular basis.


Kewadin Casino's DreamMaker Theater
, Sault Ste. Marie
Blue Chip Casino
, Michigan City, IN
Little River Casino Resort
, Manistee
Odawa Casino Resort
, Petoskey
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
, Mt. Pleasant
There are also quite a few summer festivals that focus on Music and the arts. Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids takes place the first weekend in June every summer and features local talent acts. The Ionia Free Fair takes place every July and features big name headliners and the Allegan County Fair happens every September and also features national top acts.

One of our favorite summertime venues is
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. These botanical gardens come alive in the summer. Dozens of hot musical acts come to the outdoor amphitheater and wow audiences. Bring a low chair or blanket and a snack and you have yourself a perfect night with one of your favorite performers.

And how is this for some fun, the
Grand Haven Waterfront / Musical Fountain is the world’s largest Musical Fountain and shows every night in the summer. Enjoy classic tunes accompanied by dancing fountains- cool, huh?

Lastly, if you want a true musical experience, the
Music House Museum just outside of Traverse City has it for you. This unique museum presents an extensive collection of some of the world's most fascinating & beautiful automated musical instruments. Guests enjoy docent guided tours that include demonstration of instruments in period settings and galleries for a 90 minute tour of memorable musical entertainment. Throughout the season, the museum also offers silent films accompanied with music from a Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Art Crawl: Museums and Galleries

West Michigan is home to many well-known artists, art festivals (can I get a yeah for ArtPrize?), and art galleries. Whether your favorite type of art is blown glass or maybe sculptures are more your thing to look at, West Michigan has a variety of galleries and museums for travelers to visit and appreciate. No matter where your trip in West Michigan takes you, you are bound to find some beautiful art. We have broken down lists of galleries and museums in the region.

Galleries

Jilly's Gallery
, Pentwater
Photographs by Karen Murphy
- Gallery Shop, South Haven
Shelby Gem Factory
, Shelby
Sun, Wind and Rain
, Muskegon
Khnemu Studio