West Michigan Attractions: Museums, Zoos, Botanical Gardens in Greater Grand Rapids
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Museums in Michigan Offer the World – Right in Your Backyard
One of my favorite things to do in Grand Rapids is visiting all the museums and cultural attractions at our doorstep. There are so many world-class learning opportunities and hands-on experiences for both kids and adults.
Chances are you’ve heard Meijer Gardens, the massive sculpture park and gardens that draws visitors from around the world.
But have you been to the Air Zoo? It’s an incredible aviation museum full of rare an historic artifacts AND has amusement rides. And it’s only an hour away.
There’s Broad Art Museum in Lansing, whose architecture alone is breathtaking. We have a garden with an authentic operating Dutch windmill in Holland. A historic, barrier-free zoo is just two hours away.
You can visit these places for a day or get a membership and return again and again.
Big List of West Michigan Attractions
Air Zoo
(269) 382-6555
The Air Zoo is a highly charged, multi-sensory aviation and science museum that goes beyond anything you’ve ever seen.
It’s like no place else on Earth! With over 50 historic and rare aircraft & spacecraft, amusement park-style rides, interactive exhibits, flight simulators, a 4D theater, and much, much, more, there’s truly something for everyone! Field Trips available.
Admission is FREE for children 4 and under.
Allegan Old Jail Museum
269-673-8292
The Allegan Old Jail Museum is operated by the Allegan County Historical Society. The museum served as the Allegan County jail from 1906-1963.
The Museum has well over 10,000 artifacts that have been donated by people in this County, from a pencil collection, to the first piano in Allegan that came here by ox cart in the 1800’s from Buffalo NY. One room in the residence has been set aside for rotating displays.
alleganoldjail@gmail.com
Averill Historical Museum of Ada
616-676-9346
The Ada Historical Society operates the Averill Historical Museum of Ada in an 1870s farmhouse and barn owned by Ada Township. AHS displays collections in exhibits about the area’s original inhabitants, Rix Robinson and the fur trade, Ada’s military history, life in a farming community, the business of Ada, children’s toys, the railroad in Ada, and local schools. Admission is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.
The Bailey Museum
269-637-3251
The Bailey Museum is located on the Liberty Hyde Bailey homestead. Built in 1858, it’s one of the oldest homes in South Haven and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the historic home, the museum features both permanent and rotating historical exhibitions, a series of horticultural gardens, a nature trail, and South Haven’s historic Blacksmith’s Shop. The main exhibit features many artifacts original to the story of Liberty Hyde Bailey’s life and work and tells that story through a series of interpretive exhibit rooms. Admission is FREE, but donations are always welcomed.
Curious Kids’ Museum – St. Joseph
(269) 983-2543
The Curious Kids’ Museum believes in providing unique, engaging experiences for children of all ages and abilities. Exhibits include a farmer’s market and vet clinic, simple machines, bubbles and more. Toodle Farm is a special gated area for children fours year old and under which is designed like a 1940s farm. It even has a cow to milk! Nursing nook and baby changing stations are here as well. FREE for children 12 months and under.
