Open Travel Guide
History of Michigan

Michigan History & Heritage Guide 2026

The history of Michigan told through its places: sites worth the detour and the context they need.

Michigan has 6+ historical sites covered in this guide, led by Fort Mackinac, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.). Each entry below includes the practical details — what it costs, when to go, and how to plan around it.

Michigan is the Great Lakes State, uniquely surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and offering 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other state except Alaska. From the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to the vibrant arts scene of Detroit, Michigan combines stunning natural landscapes with world-class cities, a rich automotive heritage, and a thriving food and craft beer culture.

Historical sites

Places where Michigan's past comes alive.

Historic

Fort Mackinac

Where: Mackinac Island

Admission: Adult: $14 | Child: $9 (ages 5-12)

Historic

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Where: Dearborn

Admission: Adult: $27 | Child: $20 (ages 5-12)

Historic

Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.)

Where: Detroit

Admission: Adult: $15 | Child: $10 (ages 4-12)

Historic

Soo Locks and Museum

Where: Sault Ste. Marie

Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free

Historic

Michigan Historical Museum

Where: Lansing

Admission: Adult: $6 | Child: $3 (ages 6-17)

Historic

Greenfield Village (Henry Ford)

Where: Dearborn

Admission: Adult: $30 | Child: $22 (ages 5-12)

Museums

Curated collections that tell Michigan's story.

Museum

Detroit Historical Museum

Hours: Wednesday-Friday 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free

Museum

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Admission: Adult: $10 | Child: $3 (ages 5-18)