Michigan’s unique location in the Great Lakes region favors it with many natural attractions.
If you appreciate beautiful places, Michigan is a gem. You’ll have plenty to see, from national lakeshores that rival the Atlantic Coastline to vibrant cities and waterfront small towns.
What will probably take you by surprise is Michigan’s historical landscape. It’s rich and fascinating.
For a history buff looking to journey back in time, these historical sites in the Great Lakes State are irresistible.
1. Colonial Michilimackinac
The Straits of Mackinac in the UP is a place steeped in history and has witnessed events that contributed to the nation’s birth.
On the shores of these crucial waterways lies Colonial Michilimackinac. It’s a reconstructed British outpost that served as an important fur trading village in the 1770s.
Maybe you sometimes toy with the idea of traveling back in time to the simple but harsh days that are nothing but distant echoes today. Stepping inside the fort offers you something akin to that experience.
Experts were able to bring the village back to life, relying on decades of excavations and maps. Visitors can now glimpse what day-to-day life was like in the 1700s.
As you walk along the fort’s defensive wall and explore one garden after another, you may find yourself nostalgic for a past that has gone on to shape the present.
2. Fox Theater
The Fox Theater in Detroit offers a look into the early entertainment era. If you’re into film and theater history, you’ll appreciate the themes from different times.
From the time it opened its doors in 1928, the theater has remained operational to this day, serving as a venue for top shows and events.
Built by film pioneer William Fox, the theater has since hosted many legendary names in the film industry.
3. Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
Near Cass City is a 240-acre state park that showcases the state’s most extensive collection of Native American writings carved in stone.
The petroglyphs are preserved in an enclosed area, offering a historic tour. Away from the petroglyphs viewing area, you can take the short hiking trail loop offering striking views of the Little Cass River and the woods.
4. The Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is an exceptional site housing 26 million artifacts that capture the history of American innovation.
What started as entrepreneur Henry Ford’s collection of objects that capture American stories ended up becoming a highly celebrated open museum complex.
The 12-acre grounds hold an unbeatable display of historical significance, emphasizing the evolution of technology and items linked to notable figures in the nation’s history.
Among the objects on display is a series of historic automobiles, from stagecoaches and carriages to motor wagons and vintage cars.
Other notable historical items that call the museum home include presidential vehicles, several pioneer planes, an old McDonald’s sign, and the Rosa Parks Bus.
5. Quincy Mine
The copper industry flourished in 19th-century Michigan as demand for the metal grew. You can get a sense of just how big the operation was when you visit mining relics like the Quincy Mine.
Located on the outskirts of the waterfront city of Hancock, these historic mines provide a look into the history of copper mining in the region. Tours provide an opportunity to explore the mines and learn about the hardships miners faced during the industrial days.
6. Thunder Bay River Lighthouse
In Alpena, on the shores of Lake Huron, stands a historic lighthouse on Alpena Harbor. The little red lighthouse with a picturesque backdrop looks like something out of a storybook.
While today’s version was built in 1914, earlier structures date back to the late 1800s.
The lighthouse is a breathtaking site but also a historic landmark showcasing the role such structures played in the navigation of the region’s waterways.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing not to like about Michigan. It has fantastic landscapes, a rich history, amazing cuisine, and a progressive culture. You’ll find the state’s diverse traditions artistic and in line with modern sentiments.
A testament to that is marijuana use. Whether you’re a resident or an out-of-state visitor, you’re free to enjoy recreational marijuana. However, you’ll need to register to obtain medical marijuana, but it’s still a simple process.
While visiting Michigan’s historical sites, allow yourself to appreciate other good things the state offers.