General Tours
The general tour is a self-guided tour of the Michigan Historical Museum's permanent exhibits. Groups receive a brief orientation to the museum before their tour. Plan approximately 90 minutes for the tour. Please see our admission fee FAQ.
Groups of 20 or more that would like to take a general tour must make a reservation through the Capitol Tour and Information Service: telephone (517) 373-2353. Dates become available for making reservations one year in advance. For example, if you would like to bring your group to the museum on October 7, 2013, the earliest date that you can call to make your reservation is October 7, 2012. You can try to make reservations with a shorter lead time but please be aware that dates fill up fast and your first choice may not be available.
If anyone in your group has a special need (e.g. wheelchair, sign language, interpreter for a foreign language), share that information when you call—we do our best to meet our visitors' needs.
Students studying Michigan history will benefit from visits that concentrate on one part of the exhibits or a few selected galleries rather than trying to see the whole museum. This is also true for our youngest visitors. See Museum Education Programs for these options.
Supervision
Teachers and chaperons are responsible for their students' behavior. Chaperon requirements are one chaperon for every four or five students.
Best Times to Visit
The museum is busiest during the spring field trip season. We encourage teachers and other group leaders to plan your visit for other times of the year when your group can get the most out of the museum experience.
When You Arrive
Please check your group in at the information desk located inside the south entrance of the Michigan Library and Historical Center.
Lunch at the Michigan Historical Museum
Students and chaperons can bring sack lunches and eat at the museum's eating area located on the first floor, across from the Museum Store. Seating is limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis.A snack shop is open weekdays and offers fresh pizza, sandwiches and soups.
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Updated 10/07/2011
