Tour Michigan’s Historical Sites the Fourth of July
As we look back and celebrate our nation’s history this Fourth of July, it’s also a good time to remember Michigan’s history and its contributions to our country. Here are a few places where you can learn more about how Michigan became a state and the people who helped it grow into the modern combination of natural beauty and innovation it is today.
1. Michigan Historical Museum – Located in Lansing, our state capital, this museum chronicles all of Michigan’s history from its earliest settlers to its progression from lumber industry king to auto manufacturing giant. With interactive displays designed for hands-on-learning, adults and children enjoy this journey from past to present.
2. Michigan Capitol Building – The capitol building in Lansing is open for guided tours Monday through Saturday. Visitors will see public areas of the building as well as the House and Senate galleries. Tour guides provide information about the history of the building and the legislative process.
3. Colonial Michilimackinac – Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City takes you back in time to the 18th century. Re-enactors in period costume demonstrate life in the colonial fort, showing how they prepared meals, made goods for trade and survived on the rugged shores of The Straits of Mackinac. You’ll also learn about military life at the fort and witness musket and cannon demonstrations.
4. Fort Mackinac – Fort Mackinac sits on Mackinac Island, across the water from Michilimackinac. You’ll gain even more insight into colonial life in the military at this fort where you learn about how soldiers were trained, medical practices at the time and battles fought at the fort. It also has a cannon demonstration, and you may even have a chance to fire the cannon yourself!
5. Fort Wilkins Historic Complex – Fort Wilkins is on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Part of a state park, the complex is a restored 1844 military outpost and features interpreters in period costume. It played an important role in securing our country’s northern border and protecting the once booming copper mining industry in the peninsula.
6. Copper Harbor Lighthouse – Near Fort Wilkins, this lighthouse is one of the oldest in the state and a part of Michigan’s rich maritime history. The lighthouse once protected the ships that carried copper from the Keweenaw to the rest of the world. Copper played a major role in Michigan’s economy in the 19th century. A boat ride will take you to the lighthouse where you can tour the keeper’s quarters.
7. Greenfield Village – In the 20th century, Michigan moved out of its role as a provider of lumber and copper to a major manufacturing hub, thanks in part to Henry Ford and his automobile. At Greenfield Village, near Detroit, you’ll learn about Ford and how Michigan and America transformed itself at the turn of the 20th century and set a course for innovation and invention that continues today.
8. USS Silversides Submarine Museum – The USS Silversides Submarine Museum in Muskegon is representative of the many men and women from our state who have continued to defend and protect our country’s freedom throughout the world in modern times. The submarine completed 14 missions in the Pacific during WWII and won 12 battle stars for her service. Now you can tour the restored sub and see what life under the sea was like 74 years ago.
9. Fort Custer National Cemetery – Located near Battle Creek, the cemetery serves as a final resting place and memorial to the men and women who gave their lives and served our country. The Avenue of Flags features 152 flags that line the main road, leading to a semi-circle of 50 more flags. The flags are displayed Easter through Veteran’s day, weather permitting.
