Located about 45 miles west of Detroit and home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI is a cultural center in its own right with some great museums that are easy to reach from anywhere in the city. Your tour of Ann Arbor’s best museums starts here, so let’s drive!
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
This museum belongs close to the top of your bucket list if you’re even remotely interested in natural history. Conveniently located right on the U of M campus at 1105 North University Ave, the museum’s forte is pre-history, so don’t miss the stunning “Evolution: Life Through Time” exhibit and its timeline of life on Earth. Astronomy and space exploration enthusiasts should check out the planetarium, too!
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Next up on our drive in and around Ann Arbor is the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology at 434 S State St. Here you can explore a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits, including impressive collections of rare coins, pottery, and other objects from Egypt, Rome and the rest of the ancient Mediterranean world. Graffiti, you say? Don’t miss the Graffiti as Devotion exhibit, a collection of everyday but ancient writing, symbols, and wall art conveniently archived to view online.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Located at 220 E Ann St, the “Hands-On” is a great place to learn about science, technology, engineering, math, or STEM. The museum features exhibits that allow kids and adults alike to experiment, create, and learn by doing. Highlights include the “Michigan Nature” exhibit, where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna, and the “H2Oh!” exhibit in the museum’s concourse, where visitors can play and experiment with water and its properties. Drive on over and get wet!
Yankee Air Museum
Our first destination outside the city limits takes us 25 minutes east to nearby Belleville, Michigan, and the Yankee Air Museum. Located at 47884 D St, a site where WWII B-24 Liberators were once built at historic Willow Run Airport, the Yankee is now home to a variety of aircraft, including historic military planes, helicopters, and more. A visit will give you a new appreciation for the flying machines that helped shape our history.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
About 30 miles east but absolutely worth the drive is the Henry Ford Museum at 20900 Oakwood Boulevard in Dearborn, Mi. The museum, which now houses tens of thousands of artifacts, documents, photographs, and other items that chronicle American history and innovation, bears the name of the famous industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford.
Some of the most notable exhibits include the Rosa Parks Bus, the chair in which President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, the Wright Brothers’ original bicycle shop, and the limousine in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Oh, did we mention that there are classic cars, too?
From ancient and natural history to American innovation and STEM, there’s a museum in or around Ann Arbor that’s sure to pique your interest. While you’re exploring, drive on over to Subaru of Ann Arbor, where you can let us know which museum you liked the best, and check out our great selection of new and used Subaru vehicles!
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