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5 Fun, Family-Friendly Attractions in Michigan

www.michiganblog.net — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Michigan is one of the most populous states in the U.S. As a result, family-friendly attractions abound. Here’s a peek at 5 fun, family-friendly attractions in Michigan.

1. Motown Historical Museum.

If you and your family love music, a visit to the Motown Historical Museum is a must. A few of the museum’s most popular exhibits include costumes, gold records, cigarette machines and even a candy machine.

2. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is a fun, family-friendly attraction in Michigan. Popular exhibits include the live beehive and the grocery store. A small fee is required upon entrance.

3. Grass River Natural Area.

The Grass River Natural Area boasts many fun boardwalk trails. The trails take visitors through a cedar swamp and overlook Clam Lake and the Grass River.

4. 4-H Children’s Garden.

Flowers, art and a peaceful atmosphere make the 4-H Children’s Garden one of the best family-friendly attractions in Michigan. The 4-H Children’s Garden is located in East Lansing.

5. Tahquamenon Falls State Park.

Beautiful waterfalls and natural scenery make the Tahquamenon Falls State Park one of the most popular attractions in Michigan. Be sure to bring along a camera as this attraction is stunning.

What is the Capital of Michigan?

admin — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Capitol of Michigan is Lansing, which is located in Ingham County. Where Capitol and Michigan avenues intersect there is a historic landmark that currently houses the offices of Michigan legislature. This is actually the third building to do so. Previously Detroit was considered to be Michigan’s state capitol but was relocated to Lansing in 1847. This happened in part because there was need to develop western portions of the state.

On March 31, 1871 Henry P. Baldwin, Governor at the time, convinced legislature to fund a new permanent capitol. This move would cost one point two million dollars and would be raised by state taxes on its citizens. It took six years to raise the funds. This building was the first fireproof building and started a trend after the civil war. This building also housed artifacts of war and was built large enough for future expansion.

Lansing has three medical schools, two nursing schools and two law schools. The largest law school Thomas M. Cooley law school is also located in Lansing Michigan. Lansing is also home to the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and is a strong supporter of fine arts. Blues on the Square is hosted on Thursday nights where you can enjoy live blues music in town.

Discover Michigan’s Past: Visit the Michigan Historical Museum

admin — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Michigan Historical Museum offers visitors a long history dating from prehistoric times to the late twentieth century. The museum features twenty-six permanent exhibits and a special gallery on five levels.

Patrons will be able to view a three story relief map of the state and walk through a copper mine down to a 1920s street and discover a 1957 Auto Show in Detroit. Traveling exhibits are brought to the museum such as a viewing of the 150-year-old “Custer Flag” from the famous general and 100 years of Girl Scouting.

The people exhibit is a permanent display that begins with the start of mankind. The exhibit then moves into how states were settled followed by the Civil War, Mining, Farming and Lumber. The last part of the display features a special portion called “Growing Up in Michigan 1880-1895″ and presents what it was like for five young people growing up in the state during those years. It even includes exact quotes from diaries along with mementos from that era.

The museum has also included history from modern times such as the Great Depression in addition to the 1950s and 60s. Museum patrons will enjoy the day spent learning about the great state of Michigan.You thought this was good? Brace yourself: DuPage County Historical Museum

10 Most Popular Places to Dine in Michigan

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The 10 most popular places to dine in Michigan include a variety of restaurants and menus.
Michigan has some very popular restaurants geared toward family dining as well as the more casual and elegant dining. These dining resources are listed below but the order does not indicate a ranking but rather a geographical tour:

1.Ann Arbor which is often referred to as the Athens of the Midwest offers dining for every palate and pocketbook. Great seafood, Italian and German food abound.
2.Frankenmuth is an authentic German town that serves wonderful fried chicken.
3.Cheboygan is a tourists’ and offers water front dining and a variety of restaurants.
4.Harbor Springs is known for its scenic water views and casual dining spots.
5.Traverse City has an abundance of remarkable restaurants and some are on the water.
6.The Leelanau Peninsula is scenic and offers several great dining spots for everyone.
7.Dearborn is known for the best Middle East food in the state.
8.St. Clair is on the St. Clair River and has classic dining in elegance and casual seafood dining at the water’s edge.
9.Farmington Hills is home to some very good restaurants of every type.