Take a break from the questionable weather and explore Michigan’s rich history at one of these museums

The UP is best known for its natural resources, expansive landscapes, and diverse ecology. Though not made by man, these natural wonders have impacted our human history and helped define it.

Think of the Upper Peninsula as the cultural gateway to understanding and appreciating Michigan’s ancient history before we came along — and once we did, the arduous labors and accomplishments of past generations of peoples.

So if the weather is questionable or you want to see something new, these are the places to go. Many popular museums and indoor attractions, such as the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise, are not included in this list because they are closed during the fall and winter, reopening in the spring. The museums below are open year-round or by appointment.

Mineral Museum of Michigan (A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum), Houghton
Times: January – April, Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm; May-December, Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Admission Rates: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 college students, $2 junior, children 8 and under free with paid adult

A Detroit Free Press article stated, “You haven’t lived here

[in Michigan] until you’ve visited the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum at Michigan Tech.” Becoming a reality in 1902 but then dedicated to a new building in August 2011, the museum boasts the largest mineral collection in the Great Lakes region. And many of the specimens are quite eye-catching, especially the gemstone and fluorescent exhibits. The museum is divided into several galleries, including Michigan copper, Lake Superior Iron, and Michigan basin. Since the museum is on the campus of Michigan Technological University, you’ll get a comprehensive education of the state’s minerals from well-educated curators and staff members.

Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum, Naubinway
Times: 9am-5pm Daily
Admission Rates: $5 adults, kids 16 and under free

A one-of-a-kind attraction “where the history of snowmobiling comes to life,” this museum would captivate anyone with a passion for snowmobiling, engineering, or transportation history. There’s a 1926 Model T and a 1936 Westendorf, early predecessors to the wide industry we have today. You’ll be able to travel through time as you explore the sleds and memorabilia of the past.

National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, Ispheming
Times: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Admission Rates: Free, donations encouraged

How did they ski on those things? The Upper Peninsula – Ispheming specifically – is considered the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States and you can probably imagine why – great hills and lots of snow! This history is preserved and upheld at this museum in the Upper Peninsula, with 20,000 square feet of artifacts, trophies, clothing, and equipment from throughout the country as well as the sports’ early origins in other parts of the world.  The museum is also home to the Roland Palmedo Ski Library, with a collection of over 1,300 books, magazines, videos, and film on skiing and snowboarding.

Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum, Grand Marais
Times: October-May, call 906-494-2590 to set up a private appointment
Admission Rates: None, though for private appointments a donation or purchase is requested.

A unique collection of rocks and minerals with the agate as the star of the show, this museum offers both education and visual stimulation. One of the mineralogical displays at this museum features the Lake Superior agates, which are unique for their rich red, orange, and yellow coloring, caused by the oxidation of iron. There are also beach rocks, giant crystals, flourorescent minerals, and banded agates. The museum also highlights Michigan’s history – what it was like to work in the mines, how different the tools were in 1899 compared to today. During the high season are open houses, private art shows, and rock finding classes take place. Rockhounds rejoice!

Iron County Historical Museum, Caspian
Times: October-April by appointment only
Admission Rates: $10 adults, $5 youth, 5 and under free

If there are any industries that define Michigan, they’re logging and mining. Located on a former mine site and the UP’s largest local museum, the Iron County Historical Museum has 26 buildings and over 100 major exhibits. The buildings include the Caspian Mine Engine House, the Lee LeBlanc Wildlife Art Gallery, and a log cabin homestead and camp. A railroad depot can also be explored on the grounds, as well as a Victorian era farmhouse. Discover the equipment, including sleighs and “big wheels” used during the heyday of logging and mining. Events are mostly held in the summer, but you can still get a tour of this fascinating museum during the off-season.