Museums

(734) 761-1717

1528 Pontiac Tr.

The AACHM offers educational programs, exhibits, and Underground Railroad bus tours and talks. Sat. & Sun noon–4 p.m. aachmuseum@att.net, aachm.org

(734) 995-5439

220 E. Ann

Offering more than 250 interactive exhibits, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum attracts nearly 300,000 visitors annually and works to inspire curiosity, exploration, and respect for STEM and the natural world. The museum and Leslie Science & Nature also Center offer learning, nature, and outreach programming for schools and libraries statewide and around the world. Check website for current hours. museum@aahom.org, aahom.org

(734) 769-0770

525 W. William (Argus Building)

Features products manufactured by the Argus Camera Company and showcases unique collections. Housed in the Argus I Building, one of the company’s manufacturing facilities, the Argus Museum hosts photography exhibitions, group tours and meetings, and an international fall conference. Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; also open for special events or by appointment. Free, but donations appreciated. Volunteers welcome. https://argusmuseum.wordpress.com

(734) 794-7120

2781 Packard

This city-owned historic farm re-creates mid-19th-century rural life with living history days and a barnyard with a small collection of farm animals. Farmhouse museum admission: adults $2, families (up to 5) $5, ages 3–17 and seniors 60 & over $1. Museum open by appointment year-round and Thurs. 10-11 a.m. (call ahead to check). Drop-in tours available most Tues. 4–6 p.m. cfinfo@a2gov.org, a2gov.org/cobblestone

(734) 994-4898

312 S. Division

This 1853 Greek Revival house, listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, was home to the German-American Kempf family from 1888 to 1953. Now managed by a volunteer nonprofit board, it is furnished with Victorian antiques and many of the Kempfs’ treasures, including Ann Arbor’s first concert grand piano, an 1877 Steinway. When the coronavirus is no longer a threat, the museum will return to presenting exhibits of period domestic life, a traditional German family Christmas, Valentine teas, and a Wednesday noon lecture series in both spring and fall. There are currently guided tours by appointment with some Covid restrictions.
kempfhousemuseum@gmail.com, kempfhousemuseum.org. For event updates, you can also follow “Kempf House Museum” on Facebook.

(734) 547-0663

110 W. Cross, Ypsilanti

Includes a restored original 1898 firehouse on 2 levels plus a large, modern exhibit area on 3 levels featuring displays of antique fire rigs and fire trucks, fire extinguishers, equipment, tools, fire bells, and other memorabilia. Thurs.–Sun. noon–4 p.m., or by appointment. Adults (age 12 and over) $10, children 5–11 $5, children 4 and under free. Group tours and special events welcome. info@MichiganFirehouseMuseum.org, michiganfirehousemuseum.org

(734) 662-9092

500 N. Main at corner of Beakes & E. Kingsley

Rotating exhibits in an historic house, featuring compelling stories of early Washtenaw County life. Sat. & Sun. noon–4 p.m. wchs-500@ameritech.net, washtenawhistory.org

(734) 971-6337

4650 Geddes

County-owned restored 1873 gristmill with its original milling machinery. The surrounding 45-acre park also has one of the area’s few remaining log cabins. The mill is open for public tours on select Sundays in Sept. & Oct.; programs for school, civic, and community groups available by appointment May-Oct. Free. washtenaw.org/602/Parker-Mill-County-Park

(734) 764-3482

1398 E. Ann

Built in 1854, this historic observatory is the oldest research building on the University of Michigan campus. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the sky using historic telescopes, as well as attend lectures and events. Scheduled events are free and open to the public with advance registration. detroitobservatory.umich.edu

(734) 764-9304

434 S. State (public entrance on Maynard)

Houses a permanent collection of more than 100,000 Classical, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern artifacts. Highlights include textiles, glass, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, and artifacts of daily life. Tues.–Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Closed Mon. and U-M holidays. kelseymuse@umich.edu, lsa.umich.edu/kelsey