Trip to Michigan - Activities? Museums?

[Simonpie]

I will be traveling to Michigan August 5-6 for the State Games of America. I'll be in Grand Rapids, but I can make time to travel around a bit. It will be my first time there. Any must-see museums, shops, junkyards, etc? I'm mostly into speedsters, but I'm open to anything.

Thanks
Simon

[figment]

There are several places . The first place I would visit is the Ford Model A Museum near Kalamazoo at Hickory Corners. Others will add to the list.

[Tom Wesenberg]

For sure take in the Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners, MI.
It's large, so plan on several hours there.
Are you driving, and where are you coming from, because there may be things to do along the way?

[Simonpie]

I'll be flying in from Oregon, but I'll have a rental some of the time.

[Domino]

"The Henry Ford" in Dearborne - the Village, Museum, and Rouge River Plant.

[davehc]

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As already said , defiantly recommend the Gilmore Museum , especially since it will be a short drive from Grand Rapids , and if you can make it to The Henry Ford / Greenfield Village , that is awesome also .
http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/

[Jerry Kzoo]

August 5th at Gilmore will also have the Red Barns Spectacular which has a Swap Meet and over 1000 extra cars on display on the grounds. This would take a full day to take it and all of the buildings in.

There is the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo which is an good sized Museum of avaiation history with a lot of Military exhibits.

Jerry

[TerryO]

For sure take in the Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners, MI.
It's large, so plan on several hours there.

I spent all day and had to rush through and still could have spent more time.

TerryO

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

The "DANGER" is that see SO MANY things, you can't REMEMBER them all?????
Bill W.

[Roger V]

If you go to the Henry Ford in Dearborn, you may want to visit the Piquette Museum nearby. While I'm not into early cars, I found this one really interesting. http://www.fordpiquetteavenueplant.org/

[WTSHNN]

I second the Gilmore as well as The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village.

While in Grand Rapids the Gerald Ford Presidential Library isn't a bad way to spend two hours. I'd also suggest checking out Founder's Brewery if you like good beer.

-Tim

[5window]

Always wanted to visit the Packard Proving Grounds:
http://www.packardmotorfdn.org/

[gz]

The Gilmore Museum(s) are, without a doubt, the best car museums in the USA. I use plural because there are several museums on one, beautiful campus including the Model A Museum, Lincoln Museum, Franklin, Museum, Cadillac/LaSalle Museum, Pierce Arrow Museum, Classic Car Club of America Museum and the Gilmore Collection. Check their activities calendar, they may even have a special event going on when you are in town.

[gz]

Hold on to your hat, Simonpie. I knew something was going on August 5!!!!

You happen to be in town the weekend of the Red Barn's Spectacular Car show and Swap at the Gilmore Museum. In addition to everything I mentioned above, there will be several hundred show cars and a REALLY GOOD legitimate old car swap meet. It's their largest event and one of the best car shows and swap meets in Michigan.

You picked a good day to be in Michigan!!!

http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/even...nstance_id=281

[Dutchwonder]

Gilmore. It's probably a 45 minute drive from GR.

The Ford Presidential Museum has just been redone, so I would check that out. If you're into Presidential history at all. Some cool things there.

If you enjoy gardens, the Fredrick Meijer Gardens have been ranked one of the Top 100 art attractions in the world (it's gardens and a sculpture park). That's about 5 minutes from downtown.

Founders if you enjoy craft beers.

The first 3 would be on my list. ESPECIALLY the Gilmore if you have time and enjoy cars. If you have the time to drive 2.5 hours to Detroit, than definitely the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn too.

[henry's 31]

The above is great. If you go to the Rouge also try to go to Fairlane, the home of Henry Ford. If extra time available I would also visit the Edsel Home in Gross Point. Too bad the chrysler museum is now close, that one was also great.

[WTSHNN]

Originally Posted by henry's 31

If you go to the Rouge also try to go to Fairlane, the home of Henry Ford..

Believe Fairlane is currently closed for renovations.

-Tim

[Simonpie]

Wow, thanks everybody! it looks like the Gilmore is a must see. I'll also be heading to Detroit anyway, so I'll pick up Henry Ford in Dearborn.

Thanks again.

Simon