Tips for Visiting the Michigan History Museum in Lansing
As a proud Michigander, I love learning about the unique history and intriguing facts about our beautiful state of Michigan. The Michigan History Museum located in Lansing, Michigan is an ideal destination for children and families to learn together about Michigan’s past. I’ve visited the museum twice with my children, so I’m sharing my honest experience, with tons of tips and pictures of the museum so you know what to expect when you visit. Whether your planning a family outing, an educational school field trip, a fun day trip in Lansing, or a homeschool field trip there is something for everyone at the Michigan History Museum.
What to Expect
Michigan History Museum Topography Map of Michigan
Don’t be intimidated as you as you approach the massive five-story building, this museum is a kid-friendly spot filled with interactive displays and helpful staff. You can expect to learn a array of knowledge as you journey through Michigan’s vast history, beginning with earliest people groups up until the 20th century. From early mining practices to one room school houses in the 1800’s, experience first hand what it would be like living in Michigan through the wide expanse of years, all the while exploring hands on through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, memorabilia and informative signs.
Admission Cost:
Adults: $8 | Seniors: $6 | Youth (6-17): $4 | Children 5 and under are free
Sundays are FREE Admission for everyone!
The Michigan History Museum Address: 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48915.
The Michigan History Museum is located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center building downtown Lansing, two blocks west of the state capitol building.
Length of Time: I would allow at least 2 hours to walk through the museum
Tips for visiting the Michigan History Museum in Lansing
Check the Calendar : The Michigan History Museum is closed on state holidays, so double check their main page. Depending on the time you visit you may have to wait in lines, especially if you’re planning your visit during Sundays for free admission or during the spring season.
Plan Guided Tours in Advance: Reservations are required for guided tours, which must be made at least three weeks in advance.
* School groups or homeschool co-ops can schedule guided tours with a group of 10 or more students, but only Monday-Friday.
Stop at the Museum Gift Shop: The museum has a store which contains Michigan themed items, kid’s educational toys and various souvenirs.
Learn & Explore the History Museum Exhibits: The museum has 5 levels and is packed full of fun interactive exhibits on Michigan's extensive history and various special exhibits.
Parking The history building is situated a couple blocks from the state capitol, a large parking lot is located right outside with free parking. Visitor parking at the Michigan Library and Historical Center is located south of the building, with a $5 daily rate on weekdays and weekend parking is free. Buses park free every day. Use the Kalamazoo Street entrance by turning onto the circle drive for entry.
Add a Visit to the Michigan State Capital This outing pairs perfectly with a trip to see the State Capital building, which is located in easy walking distance.
A Small Lunch Room is Available to eat lunch. We brought in sack lunches to keep us full while we explored the museum.
Field Trips/Groups reservations Monday - Friday only
Monday - Friday, 9 -4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.
*Get a reduce entry through Museums for All, ranging from free to $5.00, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,400 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their SNAP EBT (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) card.
Interactive Exhibits & Highlights
Explore the interactive exhibits throughout the 5 levels of the Michigan History Museum. As you journey back in time, here is a peek into what you will see and experience during your outing. We’ve included some pictures of our favorite exhibits from the vast array of displays.
*Carl the Tree is the impressive tree sculpture you can view in the interior. It’s named after local Lansing native Carl D. Johnson, who was the designer of the landscape at the Michigan Library and Historical Center.
*Listen & Dance to Motown Record Hits in Detroit
*The Anishinaabe people were the very first known inhabitants of Michigan, which included the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. These three tribes together formed what is referred to by historians as the "Three Fires" confederation.
Penny Farthing - High Wheeled bicycles
*Climb aboard the high wheeled bicycle, also know as the Penny Farthing, which was one of the first bicycles characterized by a small rear wheel and large front wheel.
One Room School House Sit in a vintage school desk with inkwells and imagine what it would be like to attend a one-room school. Parents would pay as little as 50 cents to send their child to school for a term.
Explore the lumber exhibit During 1870- 1890, Michigan experienced the lumber boom. See one of the first inventions for moving giant logs, the “big wheels” on display. Fun fact- this contraption was first designed by Cyrus Overpack of Manistee, Michigan in 1875. These massive apparatuses were ten feet in diameter and were pulled by a team of oxen or horses.
Big Wheel invention transported logs
Ride in a wagon and experience the bumpy road and how it would feel to be transported in a horse drawn wagon during the 1840s to the 1860s. My kids loved climbing on the wagon and pushing each other.
Mining display A cave like display creates the setting for visitors, showing the dangerous conditions of hand drilling and blasting with unstable black powder in the early years of mining.
*View mock replicas of bedrooms, doctors offices, movie theaters, a beauty parlor and many more scenes from the past.
Doctor’s Chair
*Gaze at the evolution of the kitchen through the years from the industrial revolution (1760-1840), when pitcher pumps were common and see the continued evolution to the pastel 1950’s kitchens. My daughter especially loved the color scheme in this decade.
Where to Stay in Lansing
With so many wonderful activities to do in the area. Plan an overnight stay at a family-friendly hotel. Double Tree by Hilton is in a prime spot, located within a 4-minute walk of the Michigan State Capitol building, Michigan History Museum and Michigan State University. With an indoor pool and breakfast included, it’s a great options for families with kids. Enjoy easy walkability while visiting the many attractions in Lansing and along the Grand River.
Nearby Attractions for Kids
Michigan State Capital Take a free tour of the capital building and learn about our state’s political process.
Potter Park Zoo Animal lovers will love this low cost spot when visiting Lansing. In March they even have discounted rates, tickets cost only $5 adults/ $3.00 kids.
The Ledges Trail at Fitzgerald Park One of the most beautiful hikes in nearby Grand Ledge featuring sandstones cliffs and river views. Plus Fitzgerald Park has huge playground structures your kids will enjoy.
Impressions 5 Science Center This unique science museum allows children to learn, explore and play while revealing the many wonders of science. Read about our experience here.
Sleepy Hollow State Park Bike, hike or camp at this beautiful Michigan State Park. We spent a weekend camping and exploring this lovely park, read about our trip experience here.
Closing Thoughts
Learn more at the Michigan History Museum website. I’d recommend spending more time in Lansing since there are tons of kid-friendly activities to enjoy when you’re visiting the area, check out these spots to enjoy with kids around Lansing area. We highly suggest combining this activity with visiting the Michigan State Capitol since they are only a couple blocks apart.
Follow Discovering anew for more Michigan adventures, fun day trips and activity ideas to help get your family outside.
