Michigan factories to visit and tour

Michigan has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.

In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!

These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?

Here are some of the top factory tours in Michigan and contact information and tips about visiting them.

Factories, Engineering, Museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in Michigan

Amazon Fulfillment Center - tour of the facility
DET3: Amazon Fulfillment Center, 1200 Featherstone Rd, Pontiac, MI 48342.
BOOK ON THEIR WEBSITE. Each tour is approximately 60-90 minutes long. On the tour you may walk up and down at least one flight of stairs and walk approximately 1 mile. Amazon says "Ever wondered what happens when you shop on Amazon? Book a free walking tour of an Amazon warehouse and see how our people and technology deliver for customers." The also have the following recommendations and requirements:
Arrive Early - arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.
Attire - All guests must wear flat, closed-toed, and closed-heeled shoes (no sandals, clogs or high heels). We recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers. Additionally, long hair must be pulled at or above shoulder length. Loose fitting clothing (long-hanging jewelry, scarves, or ties) are not permitted. Headscarves worn for religious reasons are permitted but must be tucked in securely.
Identification - Upon your arrival, your tour leader will ask for a government issued photo ID. Please ensure that guest information submitted during sign-up matches the guest ID.
Ford Rouge Dearborn Truck Plant Factory Tour -
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124. Phone: 313-982-6001. Open 7 days a week, 9:30 am to 5 pm, but ALWAYS confirm with them, as they may not be operating - Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Price in 2023 was from $7.50 to $30. Walk through the Legacy Gallery and Electric Vehicle Display, and look back at the iconic vehicles manufactured at the Rouge complex, all while looking ahead to automaking’s electric future. Take a seat in our Legacy Theater to learn more about the history of Ford Motor Company. Feel the force of modern engineering in the multisensory Manufacturing Innovation Theater. Travel up to the observation deck for sweeping views of the historic Rouge Complex and one of the world’s largest living roofs. Step into the elevated plant walkway for a look at where the legendary Ford F-150 is assembled. Please note that active vehicle assembly times vary daily. Production is not expected after 2 p.m. on weekdays and all Saturdays.
Gilbert Chocolates - chocolate factory, Chocolatier
233 N. Jackson Street, Jackson, MI 49201. Phone 517-764-3141. Open: call to book a tour. Tour the Gilbert Chocolates Factory! We get asked all the time if tours are available, and the answer is YES! The FREE tour includes information about how chocolate is made, the history of Gilbert Chocolates, and an opportunity to watch our chocolate creation artists at work! Tour groups are limited to 30 participants at a time; so if you have a larger group, please call us directly to discuss how we can accommodate you.
Chocolates by Grimaldi - chocolate factory
Grand Haven, MI. Phone: 616-935-7740. Open: As of February 2021, their page says, physical Operation in Grand Haven is Temporarily Closed. It looks pernmanent now.

Michigan Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Keweenaw National Historic Park - Historic and Prehistoric copper mining
Calumet, MI. From 7,000 years ago to the 1900s people mined Keweenaw copper. Native peoples made copper into tools and trade items. Investors and immigrants arrived in the 1800s in a great mineral rush, developing thriving industries and cosmopolitan communities. Though the mines have since closed, their mark is still visible on the land and people.

Michigan State historic sites and parks

These are state-run parks, museums and historic sites that present the history of some manufacturing process, industry, or living settlement

Michigan has a huge number of state parks. State parks and historic sites. You can search them on their website. Recreation Search features information on Michigan state parks and recreation areas, trails, campgrounds, accessible recreation, events and much more. Use the filters on their page to search for the amenities and activities you are most interested in, such as boat launches, equestrian trails, cabins, swimming beaches, mountain biking and more.

MICHIGAN'S STATE MUSEUMS

Be forewarned their websites and pages load UNBELIEVABLY slowly!

Michigan Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Located in the Rockies and at the edge of the plains, Wyoming has both landscapes. In the summer, it tends to be semi-arid, hot during day and cool at night. Winters can be brutally cold. Many roads are closed or impassible in the winter.

Camping in Michigan

If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.

There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Michigan.

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