Email
Print
Feed
Historical Attractions in Southeast Michigan
Music, barns, art, cars, arcades and more! Here's the Metro Parent family guide to the best museums and other spots where kids and parents can get a taste of history.
(page 5 of 5)
The Heritage & History Center
- Address: Heritage Park, 24725 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills
- Phone: 248-701-8112
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- Admission: Free; donations welcome
At home in the Palmer Sherman house, this cozy history nook features themed displays, archives and more that preserve the stories of Farmington and Farmington Hills.
Plymouth Historical Museum
- Address: 155 S. Main St., Plymouth
- Phone: 734-455-8940
- Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday-Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, major holidays and in between exhibits.
- Admission: $5/adults, $2/ages 6-17, free/under 6
Be sure to scope out the impressive Lincoln exhibit that includes artifacts from Lincoln's youth, rare family photographs, handwritten legal documents and law books. There's also a timeline of Plymouth history tracing the city's history and a great walk-through 19th-century Victorian recreation of Main Street. Temporary exhibits frequently appear, as well.
Toy Museum at the Chelsea Teddy Bear Co.
- Address: 400 N. Main St., Chelsea
- Phone: 734-433-5499
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Tours: 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays. Weekdays and groups by appointment.
- Admission: Free
Did you know Richard Steiff, inventor of the teddy bear, lived in Jackson, Michigan? Learn more about this iconic pal – and trace toys' evolution from wood to tin to plush – at this unique spot, including original prototypes. Don't miss the factory tour just minutes away!
Ukrainian American Archives and Museum of Detroit
- Address: 11756 Charest St., Hamtramck
- Phone: 313-366-9764
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday or by appointment
- Admission: $3/general, $1/students
The heritage of Ukrainian Americans is preserved through the arts, crafts, musical instruments, photos and textiles at this cultural center, which also houses 20,000 books. Look for special exhibits during the holidays.
Greenmead Historical Park
- Address: 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia
- Phone: 248-477-7375
- Hours: Office: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Buildings (tours): 1-4 p.m. Sundays, June-October and non-holiday weekends in December (closed for November). Park/nature trail: dawn-dusk, daily.
- Admission: Tours: $3/adults, $2/students; fees vary/special events
Your family can "come visit yesterday" at this historic site that includes the original farm complex – along with other significant historical structures that preserve the legacy to the area's agricultural heritage. Throughout the year, holidays are celebrated with an old-fashioned flair.
Lorenzo Cultural Center
- Address: Macomb Community College campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
- Phone: 586-445-7348
- Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday
- Admission: Free; fees may vary for programs
This Macomb County center provides interactive programs that explore the influences and experiences that shape the community heritage, along with educational and entertaining events. The schedule is always full, so check in to see what's going on.
Troy Museum & Historic Village
- Address: 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy
- Phone: 248-524-3570
- Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
- Admission: $3/adults, $2/ages 6-12, free/under 6, fees vary/special programs
The charming village green is open all year round! Beyond the 10 historic buildings with 19th and 20th century originals, be sure to explore some hands-on activities at the Town Hall.
Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus
- Address: 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills
- Phone: 248-553-2400
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday (closing times indicate last admission). Open public tours: 1 p.m. Sunday-Thursday (groups daily, by appointment). Closed Saturday and Jewish, secular holidays.
- Admission: $8/adults, $5/students, $6/seniors
America's first freestanding Holocaust memorial center is dedicated to preserving the memory of the 6 million lost in the Holocaust. A timeline tracks the history of the Jewish people against major events in world history. Recommended for ages 12-plus.
Motown Historical Museum
- Address: 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- Phone: 313-875-2264
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (last tour at 5 p.m.). Closed Sunday and Monday
- Admission: $10/adults, $8/ages 5-12, free/ages 4 and under
Trace the roots of Motown's story that began at Hitsville USA and created a sound that influenced generations of music lovers throughout the world. The exhibits include historical photographs, artwork, music, costumes and other memorabilia from this musical era that included the Temptations and Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Rentschler Farm
- Address: 1265 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
- Phone: 734-944-0442
- Hours: Tours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and by appointment, May-early December
- Admission: Free
This family farm museum is now a stop on the National Passport Stamp Program! See for yourself why this 1906-built frame house and surrounding grounds are such Washtenaw County jewels. Check out the 10 barns here, too, for a taste of American farm life in the earlier 20th century.
