Michigan Virtual Tours: Experience Michigan Virtually
Throughout the state of Michigan, virtual learning opportunities are expanding quickly, increasing the opportunities to discover Michigan from our own homes.
Multiple Michigan attractions now virtual travel opportunities – a new way to experience pure Michigan. Additionally, there are countless Michigan virtual tours, field trips and learning opportunities available online for free!
Here are some ways you can experience the state virtually.
PRO-TIP: You can also look through out website and use the Interactive Michigan Travel Map to explore the many guides to Michigan vacation destinations and attractions. You’ll find up-to-date information and beautiful pictures that tell the story of each location.
Field Trips and Museums
The Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford’s extensive collection of historical artifacts are on show in a virtual medium, making it a great virtual field trip option. On their website, a few pieces of interest are highlighted with informational blurbs.
Michigan History Museum
The Michigan History Museum in Lansing is a five-story wonder that explores Michigan’s past from early native people to the more modern 20th century.
This historical museum has a virtual tour available on their website for those interested in learning more about Michigan’s history. Also, they offer amazing online learning opportunities as well as the to travel back in time for those looking for an interesting escape.
The Detroit Zoo
Zoos are a popular field trip destination for kids of all ages and the Detroit Zoo is the hometown favorite for those in Southeast Michigan. They’ve made a series of virtual experiences called “Virtual Vitamin Z” which includes lessons, videos, and live video feeds from a few popular exhibits.
The live feed of the penguins is always entertaining and this interactive tour of the Polk Penguin Conservation Center gets you as close to that authentic field trip experience as possible.
Use our Guide to the Detroit Zoo if you want to explore in person.
Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center is of Michigan’s museums focused on learning opportunities in the STEM fields as opposed to history or art. This museum has a selection of virtual field trips geared towards various age groups ranging from kindergarten to high school, with subjects ranging from health and wellness to space.
For kids interested in science and math, a virtual tour of this Michigan science marvel is a must-do.
Air Zoo
Kalamzoo’s Air Zoo is a West Michigan gem, nestled in the hub of aviation industry and enthusiasm. Anyone – interested in aviation or not – will find this museum to be memorable and exciting.
There is simply no other place like it. A virtual tour or virtual learning lab makes a great activity for a child learning about STEM fields, and the aerospace subject matter will inspire any kid to reach for the stars!
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA is a Detroit marvel. Hosting artworks from around the world from ancient to contemporary, it is a powerhouse of art education. The home of the famed Diego Rivera Detroit Industry Murals or Van Gogh’s self-portrait, the DIA has artwork you simply must-see.
Social distancing hasn’t stopped their passion for educating either, virtual lesson plans and DPTV even has a virtual field trip designed so that kids of all ages can learn from this incredible art museum.
If you decide to head to Detroit, be sure and check out beautiful Belle Isle and the award-winning Detroit RiverWalk.
Menominee Range Historical Museums
The Menominee Range Historical Museums are a grouping of three museums located in the Upper Peninsula. They specialize in telling the stories from the area’s history and showcasing industrial developments, including the largest steam-driven pumping engine built in the United States.
Two of the three Menominee Range museums are accessible by virtual museum tours on their website.
Michigan Virtual Travel Destinations
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is the jewel of the Great Lakes and a beloved vacation destination in Michigan. It’s usually only accessible by ferry from Mackinaw City in the lower peninsula or St. Ignace (across the Mackinac Bridge to the upper peninsula), because now you can see the highlights of the island from home.
Instead of missing out on your favorite vacation spot, you can take a virtual trip to Mackinac using virtual tours. These videos focusing on the different island activities and specialties is bound to bring some of the Mackinac magic into your home.
Ann Arbor Film Festival
For movie buffs, the Ann Arbor Film Festival is a favored event. Like their 2020 event, the 2021 film festival in March will be held online, meaning you can enjoy screenings from the comfort and safety of your home.
Ann Arbor is a massive patron of the arts, rivaling Detroit and Grand Rapids. Additionally, hosting their annual film festival online is a true testament to the city’s dedication to supporting filmmakers.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
The Sleeping Bear Dunes are among the most beautiful places in America. These massive dunes in northern Michigan make up part of the shore of Lake Michigan, not far from Traverse City.
Sleeping Bear is accessible through a virtual visit on the National Park Service website, bringing the wonder of the
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to your computer.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula is a national lakeshore on Lake Superior. Characterized by the tall cliffs along the shore that have been colored by the elements, the Pictured Rocks are a must-see destination for anyone who loves Michigan’s diverse coastline.
The National Park Service website offers multimedia presentations about this magnificent lakeshore for those interested in learning about and exploring it.
Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie has become a staple of Upper Peninsula tourism, thanks to the Mighty Soo Locks which connect Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes.
A visit to Sault St Marie is commonly found on the lists of those who wish to travel Michigan, whether to see all the beauty Great Lakes or explore the rugged upper peninsula. There are a few virtual tours you can find online around the area.
This virtual tour of the Soo Locks will leave you in awe of the engineering marvel. Additionally, Rotary Park in Sault Ste. Marie is a popular spot, and this kayak tour shows you exactly why – the scenery is unbeatable. Whether your interest is in the stunning nature of Rotary Park or the mechanical prowess of the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie is a destination like no other.
About the Author
Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor at mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland and later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school and she is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.