History Museums Tour

Highlights of the Northern Michigan History Museums Tour

Each stop along this history-focused driving tour reveals something unique about Michigan’s maritime past, Indigenous cultures, early settlements, and local industries. These museums and lighthouses preserve and celebrate the stories that make Northern Michigan’s history vibrant and unforgettable.

Stops on the History Museums Self-Guided Tour include:

• Benzie Area Historical Society & Museum (Benzonia) — Dedicated to preserving Benzie County’s rich history through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and historical collections focused on local life, industry, and culture.

• Leelanau Historical Society Museum (Leland) — Located in picturesque Fishtown, this museum showcases Leelanau’s maritime heritage, Indigenous history, and the region’s early settlers through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

• Grand Traverse Lighthouse (Leelanau State Park, Northport) — One of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, offering museum exhibits, stunning shoreline views, and a glimpse into Michigan’s maritime navigation history.

• Mission Point Lighthouse (Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City) — A beloved historic site offering exhibits on lighthouse life, shipwrecks, and Great Lakes navigation, located at the scenic tip of Old Mission Peninsula.

• Little Traverse History Museum (Petoskey) — Housed in a former train depot along the shores of Little Traverse Bay, this museum highlights the area’s Indigenous history, lumbering era, and resort town heritage.

• Harbor Springs Area Historical Society (Harbor Springs) — A community museum preserving the history of Harbor Springs and Little Traverse Bay, with exhibits highlighting Indigenous communities, early settlers, maritime heritage, and local architecture.

Why Take This Northern Michigan History Tour?

• Explore local museums and historic lighthouses that bring Michigan’s past to life

• Learn about maritime history, Indigenous cultures, early industries, and regional heritage

• Enjoy a scenic, self-guided driving tour through charming towns, coastal roads, and natural beauty

• Support local historical societies and cultural preservation efforts

• Combine your tour with opportunities for outdoor recreation, dining, and shopping in Northern Michigan’s lakefront communities

Plan Your History & Heritage Adventure Today

Ready to uncover the history of Northern Michigan? Use our interactive map to plan your journey and experience the stories, artifacts, and landmarks that have shaped this remarkable region.

View the Driving Tour Map Here.