Lakeshore Museum Center

STEM Camp - Registration FULL
2026-04-07 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Looking for something that will keep your kids engaged over the break? During our two day camp, we’ll spend some time in the current exhibit, From Here To There, which focuses on the way objects are able to move around. We will experiment with citrus science, allowing kids to get hands on with food acidity, and learn about and craft a mini terrarium!
For ages 8-15.
$15 for members
$20 non-members
Register for camp here.

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

Spring Break Open House - Muskegon Museum of History & Science
2026-04-10 11:00 - 14:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Spring break is here and spring is on the way! Join us at the museum for a fun day of spring related activities. Test your knowledge and detective skills in our flower scavenger hunt, plant some seeds to start your spring garden, and tour our newest hands-on kids exhibit From Here to There to try out the hover chair, lock system, and much more.
This event is free for museum members and Muskegon County residents and $5 for non-county residents.

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

Spring Break Opening - Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry
2026-04-11 11:00 - 16:00 | Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry, 561 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Looking to get out of the house during Spring Break? Be a hometown tourist and visit the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry on Saturday April 11 for a special Spring Break opening!
Join us from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and explore the stories, industries, and innovations that helped shape our community.
Regular admission rates apply–members and children 12 & under: free, adults and seniors: $5

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

April Saturdays: Inertia
2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion, meaning that objects at rest will stay at rest and objects in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon. Checkout two stations; coin drop challenge and rolling ball vs an obstacle.
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.

Homeschool Days - Nature in Your Backyard
2026-04-14 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. Register Here!
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.

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

The Muskegon Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Walking Tour
2026-04-15 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-18 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-05-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-09 16:30 - 18:00 | 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.

Muskegon Heritage Museum Spring Break Speaker Series - Echoes on the Water: The Story of the Lakeside Inn and White Lake’s Resorts
2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:00 | Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry, 561 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
This year the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry will again be hosting a Spring Speaker Series.
April 16 6:00-7:00pm.
Echoes on the Water: The Story of the Lakeside Inn and White Lake’s Resorts
Join us for the second program in our 2026 Spring Speaker Series at the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry. Volunteer Dr. Patti Grossel shares the fascinating history of the Lakeside Inn. Discover how this beloved destination welcomed travelers, vacationers, and local families, becoming a treasured part of the White Lake area’s story. Patti will also highlight several other historic resorts that helped shape the region into a vibrant lakeside getaway. Through stories photos, and local insight, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and hospitality that has and continues to make White Lake a special destination.
Registration for this event is full.

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

April Saturdays: Can You Defy Gravity?
2026-04-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Gravity is a fundamental, invisible force of attraction that pulls objects with mass or energy toward each other. Can you defy the force of gravity by constructing a protective structure for a plastic egg drop? Experiment with different weights to see how they fall.
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.

Little Learners Play & Learn
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-28 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.

April Saturdays: Lever and Launchers
2026-04-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
A lever is a simple machine consisting of a rigid bar pivoting on a fixed point (fulcrum) to amplify force. Stop in to create your own lever by building a mini catapult and test it with marshmallows. We’ll also have a giant lever demonstration setup for lifting weights.
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 Historic Sites 2026 Season Opening
2026-05-01 10:00 - 16:00 | MI
The Muskegon Historic Sites which include the Hackley & Hume Historic Site, Fire Barn Museum, and Scolnik House of the Depression Era are all opening for the summer season on May 1!
More information in the link below:
Historic Sites Hours and Admission

Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry 2026 Season Opening
2026-05-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Muskegon Heritage Museum, 561 W Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry invites you to join us for the start of the 2026 Season on May 1!

Hours and Admission

After Dark Tour
2026-05-01 21:00 - 22:00 | Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Have you ever explored history after the sun sets?
Experience the Hackley and Hume Historic Site After Dark! This unique evening tour invites you to discover the Site in a whole new light. Learn about the lumbering business, the Hackley and Hume families, and life during the Victorian Era in Muskegon.
Gather your friends or family and join us for this unforgettable after-hours adventure!
Space is limited, so secure your tickets today!
Check in at the City Barn (carriage house) behind the Hackley and Hume Historic Site.
Free parking is available on Webster Avenue and 6th Street.
Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/after-dark-tour–2026

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

May Saturdays: STEAM Along the Lakeshore
2026-05-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
The Museum is once again participating in the STEAM Along the Lakeshore event, alongside many other organizations downtown. Stop by our location to make your own glider out of straws and paper loops.
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.

MHM Free Community Days - Horse Transportation
2026-05-02 11:00 - 16:00 | Muskegon Heritage Museum, 561 W Western Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Join us at the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry for one free day each month!
During the 2026 season, this series will focus on the theme of transportation. Discover the many ways Muskegon County has moved people and products over time and how those connections helped our community grow.
Free to the public.

May 2: Horse Transportation
June 6: Trucking
July 18: Motorcycles and Bicycles
August 1: Rail Travel – Trains and more
September 5: Ships & Ports
October 3: Air Travel

This event is sponsored by Hines Corporation.

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

May Saturdays: The Power of Friction
2026-05-09 12:00 - 14:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Friction is a force resisting the relative motion of two surfaces in contact. We’ll be experimenting with cars in a race on ramps of different materials. Test out sliding items across different textures to see which are easy and difficult to move on.
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.

Mother’s Day – Tours FREE for Muskegon County Moms
2026-05-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Celebrate the moms in your life this Mother’s Day!
Spend a delightful afternoon exploring the Hackley and Hume Historic Sites! Enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Hackley& Hume Houses, followed by self-guided experiences at the Fire Barn Museum and the Scolnik House of the Depression Era. On this special occasion, Muskegon County Moms receive free admission, while regular admission rates apply for other guests.
As a heartfelt thank-you, all mothers will also receive a special complimentary gift.
Bring the whole family and make this Mother’s Day a celebration of love, appreciation, and history! When you arrive, check in at the City Barn (carriage house)behind the Hackley and Hume Historic Site. Free parking is available on Webster Avenue and 6th Street.
Free For Muskegon County Moms
Other visitors on the day will pay normal admission:
Adults $15
Seniors $12
Kids 2-12-$5
No registration required. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. Visitors are welcome to walk in during open hours.
The last tour leaves at 4:00 pm.
This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

What’s the Station? Black Media in Greater Muskegon Exhibit Opening
2026-05-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry, 561 W. Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Join us as we celebrate the opening of What’s the Station? Black Media in Greater Muskegon, a new exhibit exploring the powerful role Black media has played in shaping communication, community, and culture in the Greater Muskegon area.
Since the late 1940s and early 1950s, Black business owners, employees, volunteers, and churches have helped build and sustain vital media outlets that informed, connected, and uplifted the community. This open-house style reception invites guests to be among the first to experience the exhibit.
Discover the stories, voices, and legacy behind Black media in Muskegon and the individuals who helped amplify them. All are welcome to attend this special evening celebrating local history, community impact, and the enduring power of media.
RSVP by May 8: marci@lakeshoremuseum.org
Admission to this event is free for all attendees.
Special thanks to our community collaborators, Dr.Pamela Smith and Andrew Sims.

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

Hackley Day Tours
2026-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Celebrate Hackley Day with Free Tours!
Join us at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site as we kick off the 2026 season with extended hours and activities for everyone. Muskegon County residents can enjoy free admission for a classic tour from 10 AM to 4 PM, while regular admission rates apply for all other guests.
Free for Muskegon County Residents.
Non-resident visitors (10am-4pm) will pay normal admission:
Adults $15 / Seniors $12 / Kids (2-12) $5
No registration required. Tickets are available for purchase at the door. Visitors are welcome to walk-in during open hours. The last tour leaves at 4:00.
This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

May Saturdays: Camouflage Butterflies
2026-05-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
As we move into Spring, there will be more and more insects, especially butterflies fluttering about. When butterflies land, they can be hard to see thanks to camouflage. That’s to protect them from predators. Stop in to color and camouflage your own butterflies.
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.

Hackley Day Community Celebration!
2026-05-16 16:00 - 19:00 | Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Celebrate Hackley Day with a day full of fun, history, and community!
Join us at the Hackley and Hume Historic Site as we kick off the 2026 season with extended hours and activities for everyone. Muskegon County residents can enjoy free admission for a classic tour from 10 AM to 4 PM, while regular admission rates apply for all other guests.
From 4pm to 7pm, all are invited to enjoy live music, classic lawn games, tasty food, and refreshing beverages in the courtyard. The evening festivities are free for Muskegon County residents and just $5 for non-residents.
Take a self-guided tour of the houses, discover the latest updates, and let the kids get creative with historic crafts. Bring your family and friends to this exciting celebration and create lasting memories!
Free for Muskegon County Residents, 10am-7pm
$5 for Non-Residents, 4pm-7pm
Regular Admission rates for Non-Residents, 10am-4pm
Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hackley-day-community-celebration-2

Underwritten by:

A big THANK YOU to our ‘Family Activities on the Lawn’ Level Sponsors:
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This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

Homeschool Days - The Power of Water
2026-05-19 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

You must register via Zeffy to participate. Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/homeschool-days-25-26-may
If no tickets are available please click this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a625e9a5-743b-4f34-8454-95bc619be00f, to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list.
This activity is supported by the MICHIGAN ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

May Saturdays: Turtle Day Craft
2026-05-23 12:00 - 14:00 | Muskegon Museum of History and Science, 430 W. Clay Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
It’s World Turtle Day! Celebrate with us by decorating 3-D paper turtles and tortoises while learning facts and differences between these two species.
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.

All Sites Closed - Memorial Day
2026-05-25 | MI
We are closed Monday, May 25, 2026 for Memorial Day. We look forward to seeing you at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science again tomorrow!
