Pure Michigan - Michigan's Official Travel and Tourism Site

Historic Sites

History. The human story. The significant events marked by names, dates and intriguing places. From bridges to battlegrounds. From lighthouses to mansions. From museums to maritime military theaters. Sure we can read about history. And see it in pictures. But when we visit the places where battles were won. Where the spark of invention took hold. And where life was forever changed, the experience is Pure Michigan.

Thunder Bay National Underwater Marine Sanctuary, Alpena

Explore shipwrecks in real time via live video feeds, discover the Great Lakes’ rich maritime past through innovative exhibits, and learn how underwater archaeologists work to preserve historic shipwrecks.

Photo courtesy of Thunder Bay National Underwater Marine Sanctuary

USS Silversides, Muskegon

Step back into time and tour a WWII submarine and a Prohibition-Era Coast Guard Cutter. These vessels are currently berthed at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum near beautiful Lake Michigan.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living

Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, Flint

Always family friendly! A magnificent steam railroad and a living history village of 34 historic structures, including Masters Cider Mill. Friendly villagers in period dress welcome you to the homes, mills and shops where they demonstrate crafts and skills of the 1800s.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living

Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinac Island

Colonial Michilimackinac, a recreated 18th century outpost and center of the Northern Frontier fur trade, sits beside the Straits of Mackinac. Play along with interpreters dressed as British redcoats staging black powder musket demonstrations and firing cannons over the water.

Photo courtesy of Mackinac Historic State Parks