Take a drive in Ford Ecosport, Edge, or Explore and visit the best museums around Plainwell, MI for fascinating glimpses into the past through vast collections of artifacts and captivating exhibits. See nearly 400 vintage American automobiles and 40 airplanes, explore the wonders of science, and discover the universe.
1. The Gilmore Car Museum
The Gilmore Car Museum preserves the history of the American automobile through a vast collection of 1,500 artifacts. There are nearly 400 automobiles on display, the oldest being an 1899 Locomobile Steam Car.
The museum boasts the Model A Ford Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to the trusty Model A, and the country’s most extensive collection of automotive mascots and name badges. Visit the 1928 Model A Ford dealership, a recreated 1930s Shell gas station, and an 1890s train depot, and enjoy a delicious meal at the authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner or at the Heritage Cafe in winter.
Address and Hours
The Gilmore Car Museum is a 16.7-mile drive from Plainwell at 6865 West Hickory Road in Hickory Corners. The museum is open daily from December to March between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., from April to November, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Go on a family adventure to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum to see the collection of 55,000 artifacts, including a real Egyptian Mummy, explore the universe and dive to the bottom of the Great Lakes at the planetarium, and explore the natural wonders of the living Rain Garden.
At the Innovation Gallery, kids can look inside the human body and build a racecar, and at the Children’s Landscape, preschoolers can go on a self-guided, hands-on journey to learn more about the world around them.
Address and Hours
Kalamazoo Valley Museum is at 230 North Rose Street in Kalamazoo, 15 miles from Plainwell. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3. The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum
The internationally renowned Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum is packed with multifaceted exhibition experiences, from STEM-related hands-on stations and multi-sensory interactives to the Apollo 11 moon landing and joining scientists searching for alien life.
The museum covers flight innovation from the 1700s and displays over 40 aircraft from the Golden Age of Aviation, WWII-era aircraft, and civilian and home-built planes. The exciting indoor airborne amusement park-style rides include state-of-the-art flight simulators and a heart-pounding two-story drop.
Address and Hours
The museum’s Flight Innovation Center is at 6151 Portage Road, and the Flight Discovery Center is at 3101 East Milham Road in Portage, 20.5 miles from Plainwell. Both centers are open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Enjoy the informative and visual exploration at these fantastic museums filled with cultural, artistic, historical, and scientific artifacts. While you’re out and about looking at riveting exhibits, stop at Zeigler Ford Plainwell to take a closer look at the new 2023 Ford models on display.
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