Lakeshore Museum Center

The Muskegon Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Walking Tour
2026-03-25 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
When did the first airport appear in Muskegon? Why did Muskegonites riot and destroy streetcars? How was the Interurban line received? Join us as we travel around downtown Muskegon talking about the various ways people of the past got from here to there. Along the way, learn about the trains, trolleys, depots, car dealerships, and aviation’s place in Muskegon’s past. This tour will be over several city blocks and may include some uneven surfaces.
Tours will begin at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science 430 W. Clay Ave. Muskegon, MI 49440
March 25 6:00pm
March 28 4:30pm
April 15 6:00pm
April 18 4:30pm
May 6 6:00pm
May 9 4:30pm
Museum Member: $13.00
Non-Museum Member: $15.00
Register on Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-muskegon-planes-trains-and-automobiles-walking-tour

This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

March Saturdays: Bingo Hunt
2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
As you explore the museum, try your hand at a unique take on bingo. Your bingo board has images of an object that you need to locate within the museum but they are zoomed in pictures of the items. Can you spot enough to get at least two bingos on your board?
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

Muskegon and the Interurban
2026-03-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Muskegon Interurban line connected not only those cities together but many smaller communities along the way. Learn about how the Interurban operated in Muskegon County, what reaction the public had to it, and the decline of this transportation method.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
Register here via Zeffy

This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

Homeschool Days - Historic Dirty Jobs
2026-03-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This hour and a half program will invite homeschooling families to explore the museum with activities at a variety of age levels around our monthly theme/topic.
We will have time as a large group for an introduction to each theme and then families will be welcome to explore the activity stations and the museum on their own.
Schedule:

10:00 – 10:10 Check in families/open explore
10:10 – Big Group Introduction in Auditorium
10:15-11:30 Theme Stations and independent exploration.

Themes:

September 18: Fire Fighting History in Muskegon @The Fire Barn
October 14: Prehistoric Hunting & Life @Muskegon Museum of Business & Industry
November 11: Changes in Home Technology
December 9: Food Science
January 20: Michigan, the Glaciers, and the Ice Age
February 17: From Here to There
March 17: Historic Dirty Jobs
April 14: Nature in Your Backyard
May 19: The Power of Water

Register via Zeffy to participate. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/homeschool-days-25-26-march-and-april
If no tickets are available please click this link: https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist, to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list.

March Saturdays: National Pi Day / International Day of Mathematics
2026-03-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
3/14 is celebrated as Pi Day for 3.14, the beginning of the constant. It represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter and appears everywhere in geometry, science, and engineering. To help remember the digits of Pi, we are making beaded bracelets.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

Muskegon Museum of History and Science Closing at 3 PM
2026-03-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Muskegon Museum of History & Science will be closing at 3 PM on Friday, March 13, for special programming. We appreciate your understanding!

Little Learners Play & Learn
2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the second and fourth Thursdays.
“Little Learners” is a free literacy-based program for Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. During this program, participants will be invited to join us for story time and free play with themed activities. Registration is required, but there is no charge for this program. All attendees must register, including caregivers & siblings.
This program will run for 50-60 minutes, 15-20 for an organized storytime, and the rest for free play and a craft. During this program, adults and children will have fun learning through songs, stories, sensory stations, motor skills stations, art, and more!
Our themes for this year will be:
March/April: Sorting
3/12, 3/26, 4/23
May/June: Nature
5/14, 5/28, 6/11, 6/25
We will have a free book for families to take home, as well as special crafts and activities to do.
Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/play-and-learn-fall-25-spring
This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

March Saturdays: Artifact Detectives!
2026-03-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The museum has a multitude of Muskegon County historical items in the collection. We’ll be pulling a few of our soft touch; gentle handle, artifacts. While looking at them, it’s your job to see if you can identify what this object is and how these objects would have been used.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

Fun with Science Days - Taking Flight
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Check out Fun with Science Saturdays revolving around different aspects of our current hands-on exhibit, From Here To There.
February 28th
Taking Flight Planes have evolved from early wood and fabric designs to modern metals. Hot air balloons use the difference in air density temperatures to lift off the ground. Stop in to fold and test your own paper airplane designs, try out the science of homemade hot air balloons, and more.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

February Saturdays: Natural History - Animal Hibernation Craft
2026-02-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
As we’re moving towards spring, animals who have been napping will be starting to wake. Did you know that there are six types of hibernation? These can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the mammal, reptile, or insects. Learn about how some animals nap while making a paper pop up of animals napping.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

Muskegon Museum of Business & Industry Book Club
2026-02-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Muskegon Heritage Museum, 561 W Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Book Club at the Muskegon Museum of Business and Industry explores the connections between industry, innovation, and imagination through great books.
A few times a year we will read and discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles that spark conversation about work, history, progress, and the human stories behind them. Whether it’s a novel that captures the spirit of a changing era or a nonfiction deep dive into business and industry, this club brings together readers who enjoy stories that shape—and are shaped by—the world of work.
This is a hybrid event where participants can attend in person or on-line via zoom.
February Book: Iron Empires by: Michael Hiltzik
Register here: www.zeffy.com

Homeschool Days - From Here to There
2026-02-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This hour and a half program will invite homeschooling families to explore the museum with activities at a variety of age levels around our monthly theme/topic.
We will have time as a large group for an introduction to each theme and then families will be welcome to explore the activity stations and the museum on their own.
Schedule:

10:00 – 10:10 Check in families/open explore
10:10 – Big Group Introduction in Auditorium
10:15-11:30 Theme Stations and independent exploration.

Themes:

September 18: Fire Fighting History in Muskegon @The Fire Barn
October 14: Prehistoric Hunting & Life @Muskegon Museum of Business & Industry
November 11: Changes in Home Technology
December 9: Food Science
January 20: Michigan, the Glaciers, and the Ice Age
February 17: From Here to There
March 17: Historic Dirty Jobs
April 14: Nature in Your Backyard
May 19: The Power of Water

Register via Zeffy to participate. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/homeschool-days-25-26-january-and-february
If no tickets are available please click this link: https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist, to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list.

All Sites Closed - Presidents Day
2026-02-16 | MI
We are closed on Monday, February 16, 2026 for Presidents Day.

February Saturdays: Valentines
2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
In honor of Valentine’s Day, staff members have chosen their favorite item or creature in the building and crafted them a mailbox. Stop in and make a card, explore the galleries, and place your card in one of the mailboxes.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

From Here to There Exhibit Opening
2026-02-07 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Join us for the opening of our newest hands-on family exhibit, From Here to There! This interactive experience invites visitors of all ages to explore the forces, motion, and mechanics that help move people and things across land, sea, and air. Experiment with real science in action—ride a hovercraft to feel the power of air pressure, float boats and test how airflow affects direction, and lift, launch, and levitate objects while uncovering the principles of gravity, friction, and motion. Operate a working canal lock system to raise and lower a boat between different water levels and try your hand at pneumatics, pulleys, hydraulics, and levers to see how mechanical advantage really works. Whether you’re a curious kid, a lifelong learner, or a hands-on tinkerer, From Here to There promises discovery, creativity, and fun around every corner.
Come explore, experiment, and play your way through the science of motion at this special open house event!
From Here to There runs February 7–May 9, 2026
RSVP by Feb 2 to marci@lakeshoremuseum.org or 231-724-5544

This exhibit is sponsored by:
. .

January Saturdays: Pop-up Crafts - 3D Snowhill
2026-01-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Drop in for a winter themed craft! Using a single piece of paper and folds, we can create a three dimensional snowhill scene. From there it’s up to you to decorate your hill with things like skiers, buildings, or forest scenery.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

Annual Meeting of Members
2026-01-26 16:30 - 17:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Annual Meeting of Members is January 26, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. The public is welcome to attend in person at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science.
Join the meeting virtually: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87311235805?pwd=[REDACTED]

January Saturdays: Scavenger Hunt: Michigan State Facts
2026-01-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
While exploring the museum see if you can find some of the official state animals, plants, and other facts on cards placed about the exhibits.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

Homeschool Days - Michigan, the Glaciers, and the Ice Age
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:30 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States

Closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2026-01-19 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
We are closed today for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We look forward to seeing you at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science again tomorrow!

January Saturdays: Science - Rocks and Minerals
2026-01-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Rocks are classified into three types based on their make up. Come check out our rock station and learn about the minerals that make up each one. See if you can identify them and ones that could be found in Michigan.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

January Saturdays: History - Lumbering Tools
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Lumbering was a seasonal job and there were many important positions within a lumber camp. Pop in to learn about the different roles and check out some of the tools lumberjacks would have used.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

January Saturdays: Challenge Crafts - The 12 Circle Challenge
2026-01-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Our imaginations help us create an array of things. Put your mind to the test and try a challenge to create 12 different things out of circles. Time yourselves to see who can create the fastest or simply enjoy the art of creating.
Free for members and Muskegon county residents, $5 for out-of-county.
These free family programs are underwritten by:

All LMC Sites Closed
2025-12-31 - 2026-01-01 | MI
All Lakeshore Museum Center sites are closed on December 31 and January 1 for the New Year.

Holiday Tours 2025
2025-12-28 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-27 15:00 - 19:00 | Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Kickoff the holiday season with joy at the Historic Hackley & Hume Houses!
Join us on Saturday, Nov 29 from 3pm-7pm for an evening filled with creativity–design your own ornaments and postcards snap a cozy photo in a carriage, and explore the beautifully decorated homes.
Help us choose the Best-Decorated Room! Your admission includes 2 FREE voting tickets to cast your vote. Additional tickets: $1 each or 6 for $5. Voting runs through Dec 28!
Be part of this cherished holiday tradition dating back to 1972! All dates are walk-through tours where visitors can experience the houses decorated for the Holidays.
Additional holiday tour dates:
December 6 from 3-7 pm
December 13 from 3-7 pm
December 20 from 3-7 pm
December 27 from 3-7 pm
December 28 from 3-7 pm
Normal Admission Prices:
Adults $12
Seniors (65 +) $10
Kids (3-12) $5
No registration required. Tickets are available at the door.
