Discover the Best Things to See and Do in Flint MI
Looking for the top things to do in Flint Michigan?
As a longtime area resident, I’m all about giving Flint the credit it deserves, and sharing the fun things to do in this city in Michigan’s Genesee County. It’s an understatement to say that Flint Michigan has been through a lot over the years. But many people don’t realize how much the city has to offer.
Growing up in that area, I have so many happy memories of going to tasty restaurants, visiting the museum and planetarium on school field trips, running in the Crim Festival of Races, performing dance recitals, exploring unique book shops, and enjoying beautiful artwork with my friends, just to name a few.
Whether you’re looking for a pure Michigan road trip, kids activities or a fun date idea, read on to discover why visiting Flint is the perfect place for you! Experience the city’s inspiring and flowing energy for yourself by visiting some of the best places to go in Flint, Michigan.
You’ll be amazed at how much the beautiful and bustling city has to offer!
With a population of over 80,000 people, Flint residents are proud of their roots and
constantly strive to make it a better place to live and visit. It has over 11,000 acres of parks and nature areas, a number of historic sights to discover, live entertainment, sporting events, music and art festivals, and so much more.
10 Best Things to Do in Flint Michigan
Back to the Bricks
Flint is perhaps best known for being the “Vehicle City” of Michigan. It’s where General Motors was founded in 1908 and grew into an automobile manufacturing powerhouse. They honor that title in many ways, one of them being an annual, week-long classic car show held in August called Back to the Bricks.
Ths massive car show attracts more than 500,000 automobile enthusiasts to the area. During the five-day extravaganza, excited crowds line the streets for the “Rolling Cruises” as the parade route stretches from the “red bricks” of Saginaw Street in downtown Flint to the city of Grand Blanc.
On Friday, there will be a car show and a Live Cruise “N” Concert. It’s a truly unique festival and one for your Michigan summer bucket list!
Flint Institute of Arts
1120 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
The Flint Institute of Arts has been in existence for over 90 years and holds a collection of over 8,500 world-renowned objects. It is the second largest art museum in Michigan, accredited by the American Association of Museums for 40+ years.
Inclusivity is held in a high regard at the FIA, and they are committed to making art available and accessible to all. They provide valuable, lifelong learning opportunities that include guided tours, lectures, art classes, workshops, studio demonstrations, and more.
Open seven days a week, the FIA hosts an abundance of exhibitions and special events for people of all ages and interests. Admission to the beautiful venue is only $10, and it’s free on Saturdays. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, you’re bound to have a wonderful time admiring the breathtaking pieces that are on display.
Flint Institute of Music
1025 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
Dating back to 1913, the Flint Institute of Music has blossomed into a highly valued multi- disciplinary performing arts organization. Reaching over 300,000 people annually through lessons, classes, outreach programs, performances, and concerts, the FIM strives to transform the Flint community through the power of performing arts.
They operate five different performance venues: Whiting Auditorium, Elgood Theatre, Bower Theatre, MacArthur Recital Hall, and Capitol Theatre, each providing a unique genre of performances. Get lost in the beautiful melodies of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky with The Flint Symphony Orchestra.
Discover wonderful productions of plays and musicals like Hook, Singin’ in the Rain, and Ragtime. Treat yourself to a concert ticket or two with singers and musicians including Boz Scaggs, Don McLean, and LeAnn Rimes. With such an eclectic mix of shows, you can guarantee to find an event perfect for your next date night, family outing, or night out with your friends.
Sloan Museum of Discovery
1221 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
Since 1966, the Sloan Museum of Discovery has proudly engaged the community in Genesee County’s vast history. Featuring regional history, historic automobiles, and hands-on science, you’ll find attractive exhibits to enjoy whether you’re a history buff or not.
- The museum houses five unique galleries for different ages and interests:
Hagerman Street is an interactive child-sized neighborhood for early childhood learning, containing roundabouts for tricycles, cute shops, and a charming three-story tree house! It’s the perfect way to get kids excited about learning. - For car enthusiasts, the Durant Gallery is where they exhibit rare collections of vintage and concept vehicles.
- The History Gallery is the place to find out all about Flint’s history with inclusive stories, interactive stepping stones, and popular cultural artifacts including the basketball costume that Will Ferrell wore in the Flint-based movie, Semi-Pro.
- The Discovery Hall is Sloan’s science gallery, with tons of fun hands-on activities featuring an
interactive Great Lakes water table and a multi-story Earth Globe exhibit, just to name a few. - Finally, the Fun Gallery is where the world-class traveling exhibits come to visit, currently
featuring the REAL BODIES exhibition. With such a large amount of exhibits and learning experiences, it’ll be easy to spend all day taking a trip down memory lane and filling your mind with fascinating facts about how the wonderful city of Flint came to be.
More Amazing Things to do in Flint Michigan
Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad
6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
One of the top activities in Flint, Crossroads Village is a really cool place to visit. It’s like stepping back in time because it’s a living history museum! The Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission runs it, and they also have the Huckleberry Railroad.
Back in the day, the idea was to create a recreational area by the Flint River and a museum about farming. But then, in 1976, it became an awesome historical village instead.
There are 34 buildings in Crossroads Village, and a lot of them are actually restored buildings from the 1800s. How cool is that? They even have rides, like amusement park rides, a little train that runs on a narrow track, and a replica steamboat with a paddlewheel. It’s like going on a mini adventure!
Throughout the year, they also have a bunch of events and festivals there. There’s always something fun happening, too, like Christmas at Crossroads, which really brightens up winter in Michigan. Take a holiday train ride and visit the cute shops decorated for the holidays!
Longway Planetarium
1310 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
The Longway Planetarium opened in 1956 and is one of the largest and best equipped planetariums in the country. They are tightly linked with the Sloan Museum, offering several additional sights to behold and educational experiences to be had.
Due to their dedication to provide you with the most magical experience possible, it has grown to be the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium facility in Michigan! The planetarium hosts a number of shows including Skies Over Michigan, Secrets of the Universe, Dark Side: The Light Show, and more. They also offer valuable hands-on workshops and camps for children and families who are looking for fun and exciting opportunities to learn. This breathtaking, one-of-a-kind venue will leave you in a trance and eager to discover more about the fascinating universe above us.
Flint Farmers’ Market
300 East 1st St, Flint, MI 48502
The Flint Farmers’ Market is a staple of the city, with a vast history dating back to 1905. It is recognized as one of the top ten premiere public farmers markets in the country, and for good reason. Beautifully located in the heart of the city, this newly-renovated market has a bustling yet calming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and mingle with friends, family, and local vendors.
Open all year long, there are over 50 vendors inside the building and even more outside during
the warmer seasons. You can count on these dedicated vendors to provide you with exactly what
you need at a high quality including produce, meat, poultry, breads, baked goods, cheese, wine,
middle-eastern and Mexican groceries, and more.
They have restaurants and a quaint cafe where you can rest and appreciate being surrounded by the vibrant community. In addition to food, they offer beautiful plants and flowers, lovely souvenir shops, and even an art gallery. From great food to lively entertainment and events, the Flint Farmers’ Market has it all and you’ll be eager to go back and experience it all over again.
Whaley Historic House Museum
624 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
Take a step back in time in the 19th century restored Victorian mansion. Listed as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1977 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, you can take a guided tour to learn about the lives of this influential Flint resident and his family.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the past, the Whaley Historic House Museum is worth a visit.
Outdoor Things to Do in Flint MI
Looking for some outdoor activities? Flint and Genesee County are both filled with amazing things to do!
Hike the Flint River Trail
You’ll find 27 miles of paved, mixed-use non-motorized trail though county parks and neighborhoods. It’s a nice way to explore Flint.
Formar Nature Preserve and Arboretum
2142 N Genesee Rd, Burton, MI 48509
One of my favorite ways for see some stunning fall colors is to visit this sprawling natural area in autumn. This outdoor adventure means taking in the meadows, ponds and plenty of trees spread across 400 acres. Located near Flint in Burton, MI, you’ll also find a barrier-free treehouse for exploring!
Stepping Stone Falls and Picnic Area
5161 Branch Rd, Flint, MI 48506
Explore these captivating manmade falls where the Flint River meets picturesque Mott Lake, spanning 600 acres. It’s a treat for the senses as you embark on a pleasant and effortless walk that leads you to the falls.
. When the sun sets, a magical transformation takes place as underwater lights illuminate the falls, casting a mesmerizing glow that enchants all who witness it.
And if you’re looking for an extra dose of adventure, hop aboard the Genesee Belle Riverboat, which sets sail from the falls every Sunday evening, offering a delightful 45-minute cruise that lets you soak in the beauty of the surroundings and create unforgettable memories. Be sure to take a hike over to sandy Bluebell Beach and dip your toes in the water!
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- Oscoda Michigan Travel Guide
About the Author-
Gabrielle Trembley is a Content Writer at My Michigan Beach. She is a graduating senior at Grand Valley State University with a major in Writing and a minor in Applied Linguistics. She has been a passionate writer ever since she was a child. In her free time, she enjoys reading at the beach, watching her favorite shows, and playing with her kitty.