Detroit Skyline

8 Educational Places In Michigan To Visit That Every Smart Student Should See

You’re probably itching to get out of the classroom and into the real world as a student! Luckily, there are plenty of great educational places to visit in Michigan. So whether you’re visiting Detroit, Ann Arbor, or Traverse City (and everywhere in between), you can learn about Michigan’s history and culture, science and technology, and the natural environment. 

Education Is Outside of the Classroom Too

Education doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom or online platforms like SweetStudy. If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to experience Michigan, look no further than our list of 5 educational places in Michigan every student should visit. These locations will teach you everything from Michigan’s history to the world around us, from science museums to historic buildings.

It’s also a great place to study. There are plenty of activities for students to try out—from internships at some of the state’s most innovative companies to attending festivals like the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival. It’s not only fun but highly educational! 

Michigan History Center

As a student in Michigan, you have an incredible opportunity to explore your state’s history and see how it represents itself today. The Michigan History Center is the perfect place to do this. Located next to the Capitol Building in Lansing, it’s easily accessible, but even if you’re in another part of the state and need a change of pace, it’s worth a visit. 

Though they have plenty of great exhibits for kids (this author still remembers the hands-on experience of touching furs from different animals), many resources for adults and older students can help you understand the story behind Michigan’s rise and industrial power. 

Whether you’re trying to learn more about how Great Lakes shipping impacted Detroit’s economy or which acts passed by Michigan politicians helped shape its status as a national leader in education, this center has something for everyone.

The gift shop offers souvenirs from all over Michigan, from books on Upper Peninsula culture to posters showcasing what Motown music means to many people across America. In addition, there is a cafe where students can grab lunch or dinner with friends, taking advantage of what the center offers. 

Finally, there is also a library where researchers can access historical newspapers and other essential documents housed at the center. While anyone can use these services, members get access to exclusive events to learn more about specific issues relevant to their interests!

Michigan State University

Educational Places in Michigan
MSU Campus by Mustafa Altun from Pixabay

Michigan State University is not only one of the top research universities in the country, but it has also been a leader in ending hunger. The MSU student body has over 50,000 students. Many of these students are enrolled in the over 200 academic programs offered at this university; however, others are members of one or more of the 200 student organizations. 

In addition to learning and engaging with different student organizations at MSU, undergraduate students also have many options for living on campus. For example, students can live in one of the communities near various academic departments or other groups they may be involved with (such as fraternities and sororities).

Also located near MSU is a professional basketball team called “The Spartans.” They have won multiple national championships since their inception back in the 1950s!

MSU offers world-class professors who will bring life lessons into their classes so you can learn from textbooks and real-life experiences!

There are over 1,000 student-athletes at Michigan State University, and they represent 16 varsity sports teams, including football – men’s basketball – women’s soccer – men’s ice hockey – women’s volleyball, etc. So if you want to play competitive sports, this would be an excellent place!

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

One of the great educational places to visit is the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. This is where people of all ages can actively participate in learning and discovering. The museum demonstrates the importance of science, technology, and art in everyday life through interactive exhibits and programs.

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offers many events, including family nights, summer camps, birthday parties, field trips, and even teacher workshops.

This museum has many hands-on exhibits that provide educational and fun experiences for adults and children.

Chippewa Nature Center

The Chippewa Nature Center is an 1800-acre nature preserve and educational center in Midland, Michigan. It features hiking trails, a visitor’s center, and a canoe livery on the Tittabawassee River.

There are three miles of beautiful trails to explore through hardwood forests, wetlands, and grasslands teeming with wildlife, including deer and the elusive bobcat. The visitor’s center also features exhibits about local wildlife and Native American artifacts.

The Chippewa Nature Center is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm (though hours may vary in winter). Admission for adults is $6; students aged 7-18 are free; children under 7 are free but must be accompanied by an adult.

Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center is an excellent place for kids of all ages to get science lessons. It’s a world-class, hands-on science museum that encourages visitors to learn through play, which is how all learning should be experienced! At the Michigan Science Center, you’ll find regular demonstrations and activities in many different areas of science. 

Discover the universe at the planetarium, watch a laser show while learning about space, or explore the wonders of life sciences in an exhibit about animals. In addition, the engineering lab will allow you to test your skills with physics and other challenging concepts. 

Learn how things work by participating in robotics experiments or getting hands-on with machine tools and lathes. You can even practice being an engineer by designing a bridge or building a house at the Construction Zone exhibit!

Remember that science is everywhere around us—visiting this center will help you remember some critical science facts and enjoy yourself doing it!

The Henry Ford Museum

Tour Henry Ford Museum's new Apollo exhibit

Located in Dearborn, this museum is home to an extensive collection of American historical artifacts, including John F. Kennedy’s presidential limousine and old signs from roadside diners – perfect if you want your history lessons with a side of nostalgia.

The Cranbrook Institute of Science

Located on the Cranbrook Educational Community campus in Bloomfield Hills, this museum features an array of interactive exhibits designed to teach visitors about different aspects of science. There are also plenty of fossils and minerals on display for those who prefer their learning a little less hands-on. Cranbrook is considered one of the top educational places to visit in metro Detroit.

The Detroit Historical Museum

Detroit Historical Museum | Pure Michigan

Located in Midtown Detroit, this museum is home to many exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Detroit—including one dedicated entirely to Motown music! Go there for a deeper understanding of how our city came together as it did and where it may go next.

You’ve just finished reading a brief overview of 8 educational places every student should visit in Michigan. Hopefully, you’ve learned some of what you can do as a Michigan resident to educate and entertain yourself and your loved ones. If you’re from out-of-state, hopefully, we’ve inspired you to consider visiting the great state of Michigan!

Featured image by Peter Mol from Pixabay

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Paul Austin

Paul is a noted freelance writer with hundreds of articles online and in print. His most recent project is cataloging unique events in Michigan History. You can find more of his work at Michigan 4 You.

View all posts by Paul Austin →

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