Full Day of Exploring at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing, Michigan
The Michigan History Museum in Lansing, Michigan, is so full of interesting history and exhibits that it takes most of the day to explore them all. There are a total of 5 stories! The building is a unique piece of architecture that encourages some wonder and exploration itself.
Museum Details
The Museum is in downtown Lansing, just two blocks from the State Capitol building. The entrance and parking are both behind the building. Google Maps took us to the front of the building, so be aware that after you get there, drive around to the back if you end up in the front. Check the Museum website for address, hours, and fees. Sundays are currently free, but make sure to check before heading there. This Museum is also popular for school field trips, so you may want to plan around those. The Museum covers Michigan’s history from its first peoples to the later 20th Century.
The Tree in the Center of the Building
The tree in the center of the building is fascinating. There is just something that pulls you to it. First of all, it is usual to see a building that appears to be built around a large tree. Then, the display itself is beautiful. The light and the tile work draw your eye, and the seats surrounding the glass wall invite you to sit for a few minutes to appreciate the display.
Main Floor
The main floor has that amazing tree mentioned above, as well as the rotating exhibit that is displayed for a limited time. You can see from the photo of the sign above that the current exhibit was Michigan Makers. There are also a permanent Michigan Civil War Flag exhibit and a local indigenous people’s flag exhibit on this level. When you finish these rooms, head to the GIANT elevator to go up to the next two levels. I have never seen an elevator so big!
2nd and 3rd Levels
When you exit the elevator, you enter a large atrium. Here, you will see the second level of the tree that greeted you downstairs through the tall glass wall to your right. On the left, you have a large space with a 2-story tall topographical map of Michigan. We had fun finding our hometown on the map and comparing the elevation to other areas. Across from this map is the beginning of what we know about Michigan’s History from the perspective of its peoples. You will see exhibits about our forests and who occupied and used them. This is the Museum’s beginning, which is self-guided so that you can explore at your own pace. The two levels of the Michigan History Museum on this floor go through the 19th Century.
Early Michigan History
This is part of the early Michigan history display and guides you through the land and its people.
Important Eras in Early Michigan History
A few major exhibit areas here focus on the Civil War, the Mining of copper and coal, and the Lumber Era.
Later 19th Century Exhibits
The stairs lead to the 3rd level of the Museum, an 1890s one-room schoolhouse, and some examples of rooms in homes of the period. Just underneath that, you will enter the rural Michigan area when you return down the stairs. All these exhibits are so well done that you may lose track of time and place as you wander.
Wisdom of the Late 1900s
These old advertisements were rather amusing. We just had to share with you so you could chuckle along with us. Who needs fruits and veggies when you can have Grape-Nuts and Postum Cereal Food Coffee?
4th and 5th Levels
Unfortunately, we were in a time crunch and didn’t realize how much there was to explore here. We did not have the time to go to the next floor and explore the 20th Century. I can’t wait to get back there and finish our tour. The Michigan Historical Museum is very well-planned and engaging. We were there for about 2 hours, which wasn’t enough, so we recommend at least 3 hours to see the entire museum.
We hope you take the time to check out this enthralling Museum in Lansing and learn more about our Michigan History.
Other History Museums that we recommend:
- The Northeast Oakland Historical Museum in Oxford
- The USS Edson in Bay City
- The Port Huron Museums in Port Huron
If you find yourself thirsty and hungry after your explorations, try Old Nation Brewing in Williamston. It’s a short drive and well worth the extra time. Outstanding beers and food.