Michigan History Museum Visitor Information

Michigan History Museum Visitor Information

Hours | Admission | Location | Parking | Amenities | Family Activities | Photography | Accessibility | Pets

Michigan Library and Historical Center building, viewed from the circle drive off Kalamazoo Street.The Michigan History Museum offers five levels of permanent and changing exhibits that tell the story of Michigan's past from pre-contact through the late 20th century. Exhibits include interactive computers, audio-visual presentations and hands-on elements. Please allow at least 90 minutes for your visit.

Hours

Although Governor Whitmer's Executive Order 2020-110 (COVID-19) allowed libraries and museums to re-open on June 8, 2020, the Michigan History Museum remains closed to the public until further notice. The museum will re-open once we can ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Check the DNR COVID-19 Response page for updates.

Back to top

Admission

The following shows individual admission charges for visitors to the Michigan History Museum.

  • Adults (18+) - $6 
  • Seniors (65+) - $4
  • Youth (6-17) - $2
  • Children up to 5 years - Free

Sunday admission is free for all visitors. You can save on admission and museum store purchases when you become a Michigan History Center member.

Back to top

Location

The Michigan History Museum is located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center building Downtown Lansing, two blocks west of the State Capitol Building. 

Our address is:

702 West Kalamazoo Street
Lansing, MI 48915

Back to top

Parking

Visitor parking is located south of the building, with a $1 hourly fee (maximum $8) on weekdays. Weekend parking is free. Buses park for free every day; please see instructions below. Visitors should use the Kalamazoo Street entrance, turning onto the circle drive to enter the visitor parking lot.

Additional public parking is available north of the building across Allegan Street (east of the Hall of Justice and Vietnam Memorial). However, the north entrance of the Michigan Library and Historical Center building is not accessible to those who cannot use stairs.

Tips on using the automated parking system:

  • This is a no cash, no coins system.
  • Swipe your Visa, MasterCard or Discover card to lift the entrance gate. You will not receive a spitter ticket - the system has logged your credit/debit card information with a time-stamp of your entry. Your card will not be charged at this time.
  • To exit the lot, insert the same credit/debit card you used to enter the lot. Your parking fee will be calculated and charged to the card provided; the gate will lift, allowing you to exit.

Bus drivers: When you arrive, pull forward close to the entrance gate. Laser sensors will note your arrival and the gate will be opened from a remote location. This may take a moment, so please be patient. Buses never need to use a credit/debit card to open the gate. If there is a problem, please press the button on the gate for assistance. Park in the areas designated for bus parking. When exiting the lot, please follow the same procedure as when entering. The exit gate is located across the lot from the entrance gate.

Back to top

Amenities

While visiting the Michigan History Museum, the following amenities are available:

  • The Museum Store gift shop
  • Wireless access to the Internet
  • Cafeteria-style food service
  • ATM
  • A nursing room
  • A sick room

Back to top

Family Activities

From hands-on/minds-on programs to individualized self-guided activities, the Michigan History Museum is a place where families make discoveries and enjoy good times together. Get a membership for your family for free admission to the museum.

Check out our family programs and download fun activity guides to use during your visit:

Back to top

Photography

Personal photography without flash for private use is permitted in the museum and on the grounds. Photographs may not be published, sold or otherwise distributed for commercial purposes.

Photography for weddings and other special events is allowed in the museum during regular open hours with advance permission. Please contact us in advance to schedule a time. Download our non-commercial photography policy agreement (PDF) for more information.  

Back to top

Accessibility

The Michigan History Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center. The main entrance off Kalamazoo Street is barrier-free and has designated accessible parking. Service animals are welcomed throughout this site.

A wheelchair may be borrowed (subject to availability) by museum visitors. All museum exhibit spaces are wheelchair accessible.

In addition:

  • Videos and touch-screen computers in the third-floor exhibits offer a caption option.
  • With at least two weeks' notice, every attempt will be made to provide sign language interpreters.

Back to top

Pets

Pets accompanied by and under the control of their human friends may enjoy the grounds but may not enter the building.

Back to top

For More Information

Please email us at MHCinfo@Michigan.gov or telephone 517-335-2573.

 

Updated 06/17/2020