Let’s face it, in this economy, we are all pinching our wallets and making the necessary cut backs to stay afloat. So, how can we still have fun without breaking the bank? With a little creativity, that’s how! Here are a few ideas to enjoy some time spent in Michigan without having to spend a dime!
Museums
Always fun and great for the whole family, also a great place to take a date! What could be more enjoyable than a little history lesson while having fun in the process? The following museums are free of charge:
Kelsey Museum of Archeology (Ann Arbor, MI)
Art Center of Battle Creek (Battle Creek, MI)
Historical Museum of Bay County (Bay City, MI)
1839 Courthouse Museum (Berrien Springs, MI)
Mann House Museum (Concord, MI)
Coopersville Area Historical Society & Museum (Coopersville, MI)
Detroit Historical Museum and Dossin Great Lakes Museum (Detroit, MI)
Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum (Detroit, MI)
Southern Michigan College Museum (Dowagiac, MI)
Kresge Art Museum (East Lansing, MI)
Delta County Historical Museum (Escanaba, MI)
Flint Institute of Arts (Flint, MI)
The Grand Rapids Art Museum *Note: only free on Friday* (Grand Rapids, MI)
Museum of Surveying (Lansing, MI)
Mackinac Bridge Museum (Mackinaw City, MI)
The Museum of Cultural and Natural History (Mount Pleasant, MI)
Muskegon County Museum (Muskegon, MI)
Muskegon Museum of Art (Muskegon, MI)
Michigan Iron Industry Museum (Muskegon, MI)
Fort St. Joseph Museum (Niles, MI)
Tecumseh Area Historical Museum (Tecumseh, MI)
Wildlife & Nature Centers
Want to learn more about wildlife, perhaps see native mammals you might normally not get a glimpse of in the wild? You may be interested in the following places; it’s almost like visiting a zoo without the admission charges! Children and adults alike are sure to enjoy these free destinations:
Whitehouse Nature Center (Albion, MI)
Seney National Wildlife Refuge (Germfask, MI)
Blandford Nature Center (Grand Rapids, MI)
Carl G. Fenner Nature Center (Lansing, MI)
Chippewa Nature Center (Saginaw, MI)
Park & Recreation Areas
Most recreation destinations require a daily fee, or a fee to use the park for the season. But believe it or not, there are a few areas that won’t cost you anything. So, there’s no excuse not to get outside & enjoy the weather, when you stop in one of these areas:
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park (Bad Axe, MI)
Cranbrook Grounds (Detroit, MI)
Belle Isle (Detroit, MI)
Hart Plaza (Detroit, MI)
Metro Beach Metro Park (Detroit, MI)
Chene Park (Detroit, MI)
Genesee Recreation Area (Flint, MI)
Historic Charlton Park Village Museum & Recreation Area (Hastings, MI)
St. Joseph’s Shrine (Irish Hills, MI)
Presque Isle Park (Marquette, MI)
Memorials & Cemeteries
What better way to look toward our future, then to have a look at the past? Whether you are an avid ghost hunter, history buff, or want to pay respect; these memorials can be a popular destination. The most visited, and free places include:
Veterans Garden of Honor (Allendale, MI)
Fort Custer National Cemetery (Augusta, MI)
Michigan Fire-men’s Memorial (Roscommon, MI)
Arboretums
Arboretums are collections of trees and botanical gardens, which can be a great way to enjoy a scenic view. Take pictures, walk trails and smell the flowers. These arboretums are easy on the eyes, and even easier on the wallet:
Nichols Arboretum (Ann Arbor, MI)
Leila Arboretum (Battle Creek, MI)
As you can see, there are many options available, and nothing short of free fun available in Michigan. Whether you want a taste of history from museums, a peek of wildlife or nature, to memorials & arboretums; Michigan has it all for you. Now you can’t say everything you want to do costs money!
Sources:
http://www.free-attractions.com/state_pages/michigan.htm
