Father Marquette National Memorial
Explore Fayette Historic Townsite, a former iron-making town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Explore Fort Wilkins and the Copper Harbor Lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to learn about people and events that shaped this region.
Explore the state’s 19th-century logging era at Hartwick Pines Logging Museum.
The museum has exhibits on everything from the CCC's role in planting trees and building roads to its impact on the environment.
The Mann House and its contents illustrate typical family life in the 1880s.
The house is under extensive renovation and is closed to the public. Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant, lived in this Detroit house from 1849 to 1850.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Michigan's iron industry.
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park protects and interprets Michigan’s largest known collection of early Native American teachings carved in stone.
The Tawas Point Lighthouse is a fascinating attraction for maritime buffs and an exciting destination for birdwatchers.
This secret network aided thousands of people on their journey to freedom.
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
From a robust system of museums and historical sites, to online museum and archives collections, to interactive maps, there are so many way to explore and learn about Michigan history.
Learn about Michigan's role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Michigan has 23 sites highlighting notable people and places that were part of the Underground Railroad story in Michigan.
The Great Lakes' cold, fresh waters preserve hundreds of shipwrecks — time capsules waiting to be explored. Learn about Michigan's shipwrecks, see their locations on a map, and see which ones you can access and how!
More than 1,700 historical markers have been placed across the state. Each reflects an important story of a place, event or person. They powerfully show the importance a community places on its heritage and serve as a signpost of historical significance.
From the Iron Ore Heritage Trail in the Upper Peninsula to the Huron River National Water Trail in southeast Michigan, heritage trails connect people with the natural and cultural heritage of the landscape they are passing through.
The Michigan History Museum in Lansing presents an overview of the state's history. Other historic sites and museums throughout the state focus on themes in Michigan history.
With documents dating back to 1792, we house much of Michigan's record heritage. Millions of state and local government records and private papers are available for research.
Engage with Michigan history at Michiganology, our companion website where we house our online digital collections, host a blog with unique stories we've uncovered through our collections and research, post information designed for young learners, and even sell Michigan history inspired gear!
Includes Archives of Michigan research guides and indexes, access to more than three million state and local government records, private manuscripts, maps and photographs.
Explore our story archive for a look at Michigan's stories and traditions from yesterday to yesteryear. Each post shares a unique story from Michigan's history written by our staff.
Discover how Michigan achieved statehood, about Michigan's state symbols, about archaeology projects around the state, and many other interesting facts about Michigan.
Unique, handmade products featuring images from the Archives, including puzzles, mugs, apparel, magnets, prints, jewelry and more. All items can be purchased online!