Michigan is a dynamic state in the US with diverse and eclectic offerings. One of the most famous destinations in the state is Mackinac Island. The quaint city is steeped with old-world charm and natural wonders. It makes a perfect setting for travelers who want to enjoy a slow-paced vacation close to nature and without pollution. Alternatively, if you want to experience something unique, the bustling and extraordinary side of the state is Detroit. The vibrant city boasts a thriving automobile industry, impressive architecture, and captivating local art. You can also visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore perched atop Lake Michigan for a tranquil escape that affords gorgeous waterfront scenery to guests.
Meanwhile, when you don’t feel like going out, a dose of indoor entertainment is just what you’ll need! Scroll down for our recommendations of the best things to do indoors in Michigan, USA.
1. Step into the world of innovation at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn
Step into the world of innovation and discover groundbreaking advancements inside Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. This museum spans over 9 acres (3.64 hectares) featuring an extensive collection ranging from automotive to microprocessors as well as interactive experiences.
This massive museum houses some of the most monumental vehicles in history. Here, you can see the presidential limousine that former President John F. Kennedy rode when he was assassinated and the iconic bus where Rosa Parks refused to vacate a seat to stand for her rights.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI
Website: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 26.25 USD
2. Satisfy your curious mind at Michigan Science Center, Detroit
With a mission to inspire and stimulate curious minds, Michigan Science Centers focuses on hands-on, minds-on interactivity by employing engaging interactive exhibits, live shows, and educational programs that encourage guests to become actively involved. These exhibits and shows center on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics to promote literacy and understanding of the natural world and environment.
This avant-garde science center features live stage shows, an IMAX® Dome, a four-dimensional theater, and a planetarium for great sensory experiences. There’s also an 8,700-square-foot (808.26-square-meter) special exhibit hall for holding massive display collections.
Michigan Science Center
Address: 5020 John R. Street, Detroit, MI
Website: Michigan Science Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: From 14 USD
3. Heal your inner child at SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, Auburn Hills (from USD 24.99)
Your little ones and inner child will surely have a healing time inside Michigan’s largest aquarium. Traverse through Michigan’s only underwater ocean tunnel where you can meet 500 sea creatures up close. If you want a more sensory experience, you can also feel the rough sea star and a sticky sea anemone with your hands in the touchpool.
Further, Stingray Bay is designed with a tropical beach lined with palm trees. You can watch the stingrays move seamlessly on the sand. There’s also a dedicated pirate shipwreck zone where you can catch sight of the awe-inspiring coral reef.
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium General Admission
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4. Appreciate art at Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
Detroit Institute of Arts holds more than 65,000 works preserved and collected from the earliest civilizations to modern-day times. The diverse art pieces cover African, European, and American art, showcasing distinct human creativity worldwide. These collections are spread across 100 galleries, so take time to saunter around and appreciate every piece.
Apart from permanent displays, this art institute hosts short-term exhibits, workshops, and film screenings. Detroit Film Theatre presents classic and contemporary motion pictures for those with a penchant for visual arts.
Detroit Institute of Arts
Address: 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit Institute of Arts
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 4pm; Fri: 9am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 6 USD
5. Enjoy family time at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Traverse City
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Great Wolf Lodge on Saturday, March 7, 2009
The ultimate weather-proof family entertainment is what you can anticipate at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. Among the many locations throughout North America is the indoor park in Traverse City, which was built in 2003.
This indoor waterpark comprises a four-story water fort treehouse, lazy river, canyon, and many different thrilling water slides. Kids can also splash around in the paw pool or shoot some hoops in the water playground with basketball courts. Meanwhile, adults can take a relaxing plunge in the Manitoba tubs to soak away their cares.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Traverse City
Address: 3575 N. US 31 S., Traverse City, MI
Website: Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, Traverse City
Opening hours: Hours vary
Price: 30 USD for half-day passes and 40 USD for full-day passes
6. Travel back in time at Michigan History Museum, Lansing
History buffs will be delighted to travel back in time and learn about Michigan’s storied past at Michigan History Museum. This attraction is made up of five floors filled with archives and artifacts about historical topics.
You can witness the Upper Peninsula copper mine replicas and a lumbering exhibit. Walk through a one-room schoolhouse to get a grasp of how it feels to be a student from a different time. Moreover, vintage aficionados can stroll down the quaint 1920s-era-inspired street with a retro car showroom and theater.
Michigan History Museum
Address: 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI
Website: Michigan History Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 4 USD
7. Challenge yourself at Planet Rock Climbing Gym, Ann Arbor
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Indoor rock climbing boasts many health and wellness benefits, such as improved balance, mental alertness, and enhanced flexibility. You can also feel a sense of fulfillment upon reaching the top of a rock climbing wall!
Planet Rock Climbing Gym provides an opportunity for climbers to face their fear of heights without the peril of a possible fall or collapse. Safety orientations are aptly conducted prior to the activity for novice climbers.
The rock climbing options for beginners include bouldering, auto-belays, and top rope climbing. Advanced lessons are also available to take the rock climbing experience to another level.
Planet Rock Climbing Gym, Ann Arbor
Address: 82 Aprill Dr., Ann Arbor, MI
Website: Planet Rock Climbing Gym
Opening hours: Mon: 2pm - 10pm; Tue- Thu: 8am - 10pm; Fri: 2pm - 10pm; Sat-Sun: 10am - 6pm
Price: From 20 USD
8. Get a strike at Larry's Lucky Strikes, Ironwood
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Special Olympics is back at Larry’s Lucky Strikes after a 4 year break because of Covid. Such a great day! Special thank you to Barb Siira for all of her hard work to put this together.
Posted by Larry's Lucky Strikes on Wednesday, April 26, 2023
This bowling alley boasts 10 bowling lanes and a bar and grill. Practice your bowling skills by indulging in a few games until you achieve your dream number of consecutive strikes! Bowling is a sport that anyone can enjoy at any age, so invite your friends and family for quality time at Larry’s Lucky Strikes.
After or during your game, you can order snacks and drinks from the bar and grill to refuel your energy and keep the tension going. Leagues and events are also hosted occasionally here.
Larry's Lucky Strikes
Address: 213 E Cloverland Dr, Ironwood, MI
Website: Larry’s Lucky Strikes
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Thu: 2pm - 10pm; Tue: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
9. Clear out missions in Breakout Escape Rooms, Ann Arbor
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Do you enjoy magic? Well then you'd love our game Chamber of Illusions! Let us hypnotize you with our charming puzzles! Become the worlds next escape artist!
Posted by Breakout Escape Rooms Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 26, 2020
Are you on the hunt for a quirky and exciting experience with friends or family? Book a reservation at Breakout Escape Rooms and play games until before midnight. Here, a personal game facilitator dresses up according to the theme to make the experience more real and entertaining.
This indoor attraction offers six themed escape rooms, including puzzle-solving games, pirate-themed adventures, and a ghost zone. Keep in mind that all games are exclusively for you and your loved ones, not for sharing with other guests. You’ll also have to reserve your visit in advance.
Breakout Escape Rooms, Ann Arbor
Address: 3460 E Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI
Website: Breakout Escape Rooms, Ann Arbor
Opening hours: 10am - 11:45pm (daily)
Price: 29 USD per person
10. Take your kids to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan, Auburn Hills
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nothing compares to enjoying a day in LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan—at least for your little ones who love playing with Legos! This indoor attraction houses many different activity zones. Hop aboard the Kingdom Quest laser ride with a mission to save the captured princess. You can also marvel at the pulsating city of Detroit at a glance with the spectacular miniature Lego-built replica of the city’s well-known landmarks.
For an immersive experience, wear your four-dimensional glasses and set out on action-packed adventures in one sitting at the Lego 4D cinema. Other activities and entertainment facilities include a creative workshop, virtual reality encounters, and a play zone.
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan
Address: 4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI
Website: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan
Opening hours: Hours vary
Price: From 23.99 USD
Magnificent Michigan
Whether you want to be out in the open or prefer a roof over your head, Michigan has it all! Never let the fun stop, even on drizzling days or when you’re not in the mood for an outdoor adventure, by including these best things to do indoors in your itinerary.
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