These 21 Unique Michigan Museums Will Truly Inspire You

Michigan plays a big role in shaping the history of our great nation, what with the state's innovations in manufacturing, its proximity to the Great Lakes and for its impressive collections of art and culture. So as summer approaches and the kids are out of school, we thought now is a good time for Michiganders to get a taste of all the state's greatness by visiting one (or all!) of its many museums. Here are a few spots to get you started.

21) Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, Midland

It should come as no surprise that this home would be the home to one of the most influential architects of the 20th century, Alden B. Dow. Now, visitors can marvel at the visual masterpiece.

20) Arab American National Museum, Dearborn

Home to the largest Arab American community in the United States, Dearborn is the natural locale for this museum that celebrates the contributions of this community.

19) Automotive Hall of Fame, Dearborn

It's no secret that Michigan is the birthplace of the American automotive industry. This museum celebrates manufacturing's rich history.

18) Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit

This institution in Detroit's Midtown has the largest exhibit of African American culture.

17) Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores

This stately compound with buildings designed by architect Albert Kahn serves as a museum, complete with tours of the sprawling estate and gardens.

16) Flint Institute of Art, Flint

This is the second-largest museum in Michigan and attracts an impressive 160,000 visitors a year.

15) Castle Museum of Saginaw County History

Hard to believe, this majestic museum was built in 1898 and was originally a post office.

14) Cannery Boathouse Museum, Glen Haven

This museum is the largest to exhibit small crafts of the Great Lakes.

13) Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners

This place has one of the largest collections of classic and vintage cars in the state.

12) Air Zoo, Portage

All kinds of aircraft are on display at this museum and amusement park.

11) The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum

Located at the Indian Dormitory, this museum highlights the beauty of the island.

10) Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids

This museum serves as the presidential resting place of Gerald Ford.

9) Cranbrook Educational Community, Bloomfield Hills

This landmark campus consists of Cranbrook Schools, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science and Cranbrook House and Gardens.

8) The Scarab Club, Detroit

This historic site serves as a studio and gallery in the heart of Detroit's cultural center.

7) A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Houghton

Located on the Michigan Technological University campus, this institution gives Michiganders a glimpse of more than 25,000 wondrous specimens.

6) Motown Museum, Detroit

Commonly known as Hitstown, U.S.A., this former studio was where Berry Gordy's Motown Records made its magic.

5) American Museum of Magic, Marshall

This west Michigan museum houses a huge collection of vintage and historical magic paraphernalia.

4) Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum, Bay City

This museum dedicated to antique toys boasts the world's largest fire truck.

3) Bunert One-Room School House Museum, Warren

Built in 1875, this museum gives visitors a look at what school was like in an old-time school house.

2) Detroit Institute of Arts

Michigan's largest museum and is considered a top arts institution in the country.

1) Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Paradise

This museum is dedicated to surfacing the lost ships from the the deep.

Now that you've had a chance to read up a little on some of these museums, we think it's time for you to head out and them firsthand. And, please, tell us which museums in Michigan inspire you.