Museums · Galleries · Science centers · Detroit & MichiganINDEPENDENT CITY GUIDE · HU / EN¼ · October 2026
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Things to do Detroit & Michigan / ¼

Free museum daysMuseums for free? Here’s when.

Plenty of museums in Detroit and Michigan let you in for free. Some on any day, some on one set day a month, some only if you carry the right card. We put them all on one flippable wall calendar, month by month, forward and back.

Flip the calendar Always free ↓Free with a card ↓
87
museums and attractions on the calendar
25
free days this month
49
places are always free
Next free day · today October2Friday Cranbrook Institute of ScienceMackinac Art Museum 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Free todayCranbrook Science everyone✳Mackinac Art Museum everyone✳Free tomorrowFlint Arts everyone✳Mackinac Art Museum everyone✳Muskegon Heritage everyone✳Stahls everyone✳Hackley & Hume local residents✳Muskegon Heritage local residents✳Arab American Museum with a Bank of America card✳Wright Museum with a Bank of America card✳Flint Arts with a Bank of America card✳GRAM with a Bank of America card✳GR Children’s Museum with a Bank of America card✳Henry Ford Museum with a Bank of America card✳Mi-Sci with a Bank of America card✳Always freeBelle Isle Conservatory✳Belle Isle Aquarium✳Hellenic Museum✳Pewabic✳Heidelberg Project✳Belle Isle Nature Center✳Detroit Artists Market✳Algonac Museums✳Anton Art Center✳Argus Museum✳

01The wall calendar

Flip through: where do you get in free, and when?

Tap a day to see where you get in free. Green dots are for everyone, blue for local residents, violet means you need a card, orange is for kids, students, the military or veterans. Flip forward to next month, or back to see what you missed.

Free for
Where
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Photo of the month: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American HistoryQuick fix · CC BY-SA 2.0

October 2026

24 free days · 25 places

October 2026
SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday

    Free days in October

    1. 1Thursday

    2. 2Friday

    3. 3Saturday

    4. 4Sunday

    5. 6Tuesday

    6. 7Wednesday

    7. 8Thursday

    8. 10Saturday

    9. 11Sunday

    10. 12Monday

    11. 13Tuesday

    12. 14Wednesday

    13. 15Thursday

    14. 17Saturday

    15. 18Sunday

    16. 20Tuesday

    17. 21Wednesday

    18. 22Thursday

    19. 24Saturday

    20. 25Sunday

    21. 27Tuesday

    22. 28Wednesday

    23. 29Thursday

    24. 31Saturday

    02Always free

    These never charge at the door

    No calendar needed: these places never charge at the door on any day they’re open. Where they ask for a donation or charge for parking, we say so.

    03Museum by museum

    Where, when and for whom?

    Every museum on its own card: when it’s free, for whom, what it costs otherwise and when the next free day is. The cards are sorted by the next free day.

    • Science · Detroit

      Michigan Science Center

      • First full weekend of every monthOne general admission per Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, with photo ID · Free for the cardholder only, the rest of the party pays; in person only.15
      • Every day it’s openChildren under 315
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID15
      • May 26 to September 7, 2026Detroit police, firefighters, emergency responders and their families, with ID16

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3

      Otherwise: Explore package ages 3+ $23, under 3 free. Closed Mondays.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Art · Detroit

      Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)

      • Family Day on the second Saturday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Free for everyone · MOCAD doesn’t call it a fixed rule, so we only mark the announced dates.14
      • Every day it’s openChildren 12 and under14
      • Every day it’s openActive-duty military and families14
      • Every day it’s openSNAP recipients (Museums for All)14
      • Every day it’s openGilbert Family Culture Pass holders14
      • Any open day with a Michigan Activity PassMichigan public library card holders, with a pass reserved online · Free admission; check the events calendar first, some dates differ.12

      Next free day: Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

      Otherwise: $12, 12 and under free. Free parking off Garfield Street.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Culture · Detroit

      Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

      • Second Sunday of every month, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.Free for everyone · Free Second Sundays: some editions ask you to register.5
      • September 20, 2026, Dr. Charles H. Wright’s birthdayFree for everyone7
      • Third Thursday evening programs, 6–9 p.m.Free for everyone · Free to attend the evening program; donations welcome.8
      • First full weekend of every monthOne general admission per Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, with photo ID · Reserve online with the “MUSEUMS ON US” ticket and show the card at check-in.6
      • Every day it’s openChildren 5 and under6
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID4

      Next free day: Sunday, October 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $15, seniors 62+ and youth 6–17 $12, 5 and under free; premiere exhibitions $10 extra.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • History · Detroit

      Dossin Great Lakes Museum

      • Free Thursday evenings, 5–8 p.m.Free for everyone13
      • Every day it’s openDetroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park residents with the free Detroiter membership (activate it first)9
      • Every day it’s openChildren under 611
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID11
      • Any open day with a Michigan Activity PassMichigan public library card holders, with a pass reserved online · One free admission per pass; mention MAP at the front desk.12

      Next free day: Thursday, October 15, 5–8 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults and children $5, under 6 free. Driving onto Belle Isle needs a Recreation Passport.

      Official site ↗

    • Art · Detroit

      Detroit Institute of Arts

      • Georgia O’Keeffe exhibition free days for residentsWayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents get into the paid special exhibition free (September 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027)2
      • Every day it’s openWayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents; show ID at the front desk1
      • Every day it’s openChildren under 51
      • Every day it’s openEducators with the free DIA Educator Pass (sign-up required)3
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID4

      Next free day: Sunday, October 25

      Otherwise: Adults $20, seniors and college students $10, youth 6–17 $8, under 5 free. Closed Mondays.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • History · Detroit

      Detroit Historical Museum

      • Free Thursday evenings, 5–8 p.m.Free for everyone · Part of the museum’s 75th-anniversary year; the 6:30 p.m. talks need registration.10
      • Every day it’s openDetroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park residents with the free Detroiter membership; activate it first, residency is checked9
      • Every day it’s openChildren under 611
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID11
      • Any open day with a Michigan Activity PassMichigan public library card holders, with a pass reserved online · One free admission per pass; mention MAP at the front desk.12

      Next free day: Thursday, October 29, 5–8 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $15; seniors, students, military and educators $12; children 6–12 $8, under 6 free.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Science · Bloomfield Hills

      Cranbrook Institute of Science

      • First Friday of every monthFree for everyone · Sponsored by MASCO, through December 2026. Planetarium shows are not included.37

      Next free day: Friday, October 2

      Otherwise: Adults $19, children 2–12 and seniors 65+ $15, under 2 free; planetarium shows $6 extra.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Culture · Dearborn

      Arab American National Museum

      • First full weekend of every monthOne general admission per Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, with photo ID21
      • Every day it’s openChildren 5 and under20
      • Every day it’s openSNAP EBT cardholders (Museums for All)20
      • Free in April 2026 for Arab American Heritage Month; 2027 not announced yetFree for everyone20
      • Any open day with a Michigan Activity PassMichigan public library card holders, with a pass reserved online · Free for two; not valid for guided tours or public programs.12

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3

      Otherwise: $10; seniors 59+, students and educators $5, 5 and under free. Free parking behind the museum.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • History · Dearborn

      Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

      • Veterans Day, November 11, 2026Active military, veterans and their families, up to six guests; free tour at 1 p.m.19
      • First full weekend of every monthOne general admission per Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, with photo ID17
      • Every day it’s openChildren 4 and under18
      • Every day it’s openActive U.S. military with military ID17
      • Every day it’s openEnrolled citizens of U.S. federally recognized tribes and Canadian First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, with tribal ID or band card17
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID17

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3

      Otherwise: $34–39 online depending on the date, more at the door; seniors 62+ 10% off, children 5–11 25% off, 4 and under free.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Cars · Chesterfield

      Stahls Automotive Foundation

      • Every Tuesday, 1–4 p.m.Free for everyone50
      • Third Thursday of every month, 5–8 p.m.Free for everyone50
      • First Saturday of every month, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Free for everyone · Closed on the first Saturday in July and on major holidays.50

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

      Otherwise: No ticket, donations welcome; open only on these days, and all of them are free.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Art · Bloomfield Hills

      Cranbrook Art Museum

      • Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.Free for everyone · No groups larger than 10 on Thursdays.35
      • Every day it’s openChildren 12 and under, with an adult35
      • Every day it’s openEBT (Michigan Bridge) or WIC cardholders and their guests (Museums for All)35
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID36
      • Any open day with a Michigan Activity PassMichigan public library card holders, with a pass reserved online · Full access any day except special events and openings.12

      Next free day: Thursday, October 8, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $12, seniors 65+ $10, Detroit residents $10, students with ID $8; 12 and under free.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Historic house · Grosse Pointe Shores

      Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

      • Visitor Center exhibitions, every open dayFree for everyone · The house, grounds and garage need a paid pass.26
      • Every day it’s openChildren 2 and under26
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID27

      Otherwise: Grounds: adults $7, children 3–15 $5; house and grounds: adults $15, children $7.50. Timed tickets are encouraged.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Aviation · Belleville

      Michigan Flight Museum

      • Every day it’s openChildren under 234
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID4
      • Any open day with a Michigan Activity PassMichigan public library card holders, with a pass reserved online · One adult and one child free.12

      Otherwise: Adults $16; seniors 60+, veterans, military, children 3–17 and students $13. Formerly the Yankee Air Museum.

      Official site ↗

    • Military history · Eastpointe

      Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum

      • Every day it’s openEastpointe residents46
      • Every day it’s openEBT cardholders46
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID36

      Otherwise: Ages 16+ $5, families $7, seniors, military and students $3.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Monroe

      River Raisin Territorial Park

      • Every day it’s openMonroe County residents63

      Otherwise: Non-residents: suggested donation $5 adults, $3 youth. Grounds open all year, buildings seasonal.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Farmington Hills

      The Zekelman Holocaust Center

      • Every day it’s openUniformed services40
      • Every day it’s openEBT card and photo ID (Museums for All)40
      • Any open day with a Michigan Activity PassMichigan public library card holders, with a pass reserved online · Two free admissions per pass.12

      Otherwise: Adults $8, seniors 62+ and college students $6, students $5. Closed Saturdays.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • Art · Mackinac Island

      Mackinac Art Museum

      • October 2–3, 2026, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.Free for everyone100
      • Every day it’s openOvernight guests of Mackinac Island visitors bureau member properties, with proof of stay, in season101

      Next free day: Friday, October 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $10.75, children 5–12 $7; included with a Fort Mackinac ticket.

      Official site ↗

    • Art · Flint

      Flint Institute of Arts

      • Every Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Free for everyone74
      • First full weekend of every monthOne general admission per Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, with photo ID21
      • Every day it’s openGenesee County residents (paid for by the county arts millage)74
      • Every day it’s openChildren 12 and under74
      • Every day it’s openEBT card and photo ID, up to four people (Museums for All)74
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID74

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $10, students and seniors $8, special exhibitions included.

      Official site ↗

    • Children’s museum · Grand Rapids

      Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

      • First full weekend of every monthOne general admission per Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, with photo ID21

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3

      Otherwise: Ages 1–64 $12, seniors 65+ $11.

      Official site ↗

    • Historic house · Muskegon

      Hackley & Hume Historic Site

      • On set datesMuskegon County residents, walk in; last tour at 4 p.m.90
      • Every day it’s openActive-duty military; ROAM and NARM members91

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3

      Otherwise: Adults $15, seniors $12, children 3–12 $5; includes a one-hour guided tour.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Muskegon

      Muskegon Heritage Museum

      • On set dates, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Free Community Days, open to everyone92
      • On set dates, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.Muskegon County residents93
      • Every day it’s openChildren 12 and under94
      • Every day it’s openActive-duty military; ROAM and NARM members94
      • Every day it’s openEBT cardholders (Museums for All)94

      Next free day: Saturday, October 3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

      Otherwise: Ages 13+ $5, 12 and under free.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Lansing

      Michigan History Museum

      • Every Sunday, 1–5 p.m.Free for everyone · Closed on some holiday weekends; the calendar leaves those out.67
      • Every day it’s openWith an EBT card and photo ID: 17 and under free, adults $267

      Next free day: Sunday, October 4, 1–5 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $8, seniors 65+ $6, youth 6–17 $4, 5 and under free.

      Museum page →Official site ↗

    • History · Alpena

      Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan

      • Every Wednesday, 2–4 p.m.Free for everyone117

      Next free day: Wednesday, October 7, 2–4 p.m.

      Otherwise: Ages 15+ $10, children 4–14, veterans and military $5.

      Official site ↗

    • Art · Grand Rapids

      Grand Rapids Art Museum

      • Every Thursday, 5–8 p.m.Free for everyone72
      • First full weekend of every monthOne general admission per Bank of America, Merrill or Private Bank card, with photo ID72
      • Every day it’s openActive-duty and retired military and family, all year72
      • Every day it’s openKCAD students; GRCC students and faculty72
      • Every day it’s openEBT (Michigan Bridge) cardholder plus up to three guests (Museums for All)72

      Next free day: Thursday, October 8, 5–8 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $12, seniors 62+ and students $10, youth 6–17 $6, 5 and under free.

      Official site ↗

    • Art · Kalamazoo

      Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

      • Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.Free for everyone77
      • Every day it’s openChildren 6 and younger77
      • Every day it’s openActive-duty military77
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID77

      Next free day: Thursday, October 8, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $10, seniors 60+ $8, college students $7, youth 7–17 $5.

      Official site ↗

    • Art · Muskegon

      Muskegon Museum of Art

      • Every Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.Free for everyone87
      • Second Saturday of every monthFree for everyone · Thanks to Howmet Aerospace; closed on the second Saturday in June.88
      • Every day it’s openChildren 16 and under87

      Next free day: Thursday, October 8, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

      Otherwise: Adults $12, seniors 65+ $8, students $6, 16 and under free.

      Official site ↗

    • Art · Traverse City

      Dennos Museum Center

      • On set datesCommunity Free Days: Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Holiday Artist Market and Museum Store Sunday98
      • Every day it’s openMilitary families and veterans98
      • Every day it’s openEBT (Bridge) or WIC cardholders and regional foster families, up to four98

      Next free day: Monday, October 12

      Otherwise: Adults $10, children 5–17 $5, 4 and under free.

      Official site ↗

    • National park · Houghton

      Isle Royale National Park

      • On National Park Service free daysU.S. citizens and residents (since 2026)118

      Next free day: Tuesday, October 27

      Otherwise: $7 per person per day, 15 and under free; fee season April 16 to October 31.

      Official site ↗

    • National park · Munising

      Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

      • On National Park Service free daysU.S. citizens and residents (since 2026)118

      Next free day: Tuesday, October 27

      Otherwise: Standard pass $15–25, annual pass $45.

      Official site ↗

    • National park · Empire

      Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

      • On National Park Service free daysU.S. citizens and residents (since 2026)118

      Next free day: Tuesday, October 27

      Otherwise: $25 per private vehicle, valid 1–7 days.

      Official site ↗

    • Nature · Kalamazoo

      Kalamazoo Nature Center

      • On set datesFree for everyone81
      • Holidays when only the trails are openFree for everyone · Visitor center closed; the trails are free.81

      Next free day: Wednesday, November 11

      Otherwise: Adults $8, seniors 55+, military and children 4–17 $6.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Bay City

      Bay County Historical Museum

      • Every day it’s openBay County residents86

      Otherwise: Out of county $2 a person or $5 a family.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Saginaw

      Castle Museum of Saginaw County History

      • Every day it’s openSaginaw County residents83
      • Every day it’s openActive-duty military and veterans83
      • Every day it’s openCollege students with ID83

      Otherwise: Out of county $3 a person or $5 a family.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Jackson

      Ella Sharp Museum

      • Every day it’s openWoodlands Library Cooperative cardholders (50 libraries in 13 southern Michigan counties, Jackson District Library included) and immediate family96
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID97

      Otherwise: Adults $10, seniors, military and college students $8, children 5–17 $5; planetarium shows included.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Grand Rapids

      Grand Rapids Public Museum

      • Every day it’s openKent County kids 17 and under; a parent’s, guardian’s or teacher’s photo ID with address required73
      • Every summer from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day (in 2026: May 16 to September 7)Active-duty military and up to five family members, with military ID73

      Otherwise: Adults $15, seniors 62+ $10, students and children 3–17 $5; Kent County adults $10.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Holland

      Holland Museum

      • Second Monday of every month, 4–7 p.m.Free for everyone · The museum is otherwise closed on Mondays; this is an extra evening opening.95

      Otherwise: Adults $10, seniors $8, youth 6–18 and college students $5.

      Official site ↗

    • History · Muskegon

      Muskegon Museum of History & Science

      • Every day it’s openMuskegon County residents89
      • Every day it’s openActive military and immediate family89
      • Every day it’s openEBT cardholders (Museums for All)89

      Otherwise: Out of county $5.

      Official site ↗

    • Science · Flint

      Sloan Museum of Discovery

      • Every day it’s openGenesee County residents with proof of residency75
      • Every day it’s openVeterans, active military families and teachers, with proof75

      Otherwise: Out of county: ages 12–59 $15, seniors and students $12, children 2–11 $10.

      Official site ↗

    04With a card or pass

    Your ticket might already be in your wallet

    Some cards are tickets in disguise: a Bank of America card on the first full weekend of the month, a Michigan library card through the Michigan Activity Pass, an EBT card all year. Here’s where each one works.

    05Tips

    How to make the most of a free day

    1. Go at opening time

      Free days draw crowds, especially on the first weekend and on Sundays. At opening time you still have the galleries mostly to yourself; by the afternoon they fill up.

    2. Special exhibitions cost extra

      Free admission almost always means general admission. Special exhibitions, planetarium shows and giant-screen films usually still need a ticket.

    3. Bring ID

      Resident days need proof of address, card programs need the card and a photo ID. Visiting from out of town? Look for the everyone days and the always-free places.

    4. Check whether you need to book

      Some museums want a timed ticket even on free days; we flag it on the cards. Without one you can end up stuck at the door.

    5. Parking is rarely free

      The door may be free; the parking lot often isn’t. In Midtown, the QLINE streetcar takes you from downtown to the museums for free.

    6. Put it in your calendar

      Every free day has an “Add to calendar” button: one tap and your phone reminds you before you forget.

    A museum crawl by streetcar

    One free day, one free streetcar

    Midtown’s museums line up along Woodward Avenue, and the QLINE runs past them for free. Pick a day when several are free and hop off stop by stop.

    The QLINE guide →

    1. Canfield StreetMuseum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
    2. Warren Avenue (a short walk east)Charles H. Wright Museum of African American HistoryMichigan Science Center
    3. Ferry StreetDetroit Institute of ArtsDetroit Historical Museum

    06Questions

    Questions people ask

    Is it really completely free?

    General admission, yes. Special exhibitions, planetarium shows, films or parking can still cost money. Where the museum says so, we note it on its card.

    Do I need to book ahead?

    At some places, yes: the Charles H. Wright Museum, for example, asks Bank of America cardholders to reserve online. Where a source requires or recommends booking, a red note says so.

    What does “local residents” mean?

    Free for people who live in a given county or city, with proof. The Detroit Institute of Arts, for example, is always free for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents: just show your ID.

    How does Bank of America Museums on Us work?

    On the first full weekend of every month, Saturday and Sunday, a Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank debit or credit card gets you one free general admission. Bring the card and a photo ID. Seven Michigan institutions take part; the list is in the card section.

    What is the Michigan Activity Pass?

    A free pass from Michigan’s public libraries. On miactivitypass.org you pick your library and a venue, enter your library card number, then print the pass or save it to your phone. One pass per card every seven days.

    What if I get SNAP benefits?

    At Museums for All participants, an EBT card plus a photo ID gets up to four people in for five dollars or less each, all year. The Metro Detroit participants are listed in the card section.

    Can visitors get in free too?

    Yes, on the everyone days and at the always-free places. Resident days need a local address, and since 2026 the national parks’ free days are for U.S. citizens and residents only.

    Can I flip back to see what was on last month?

    Yes. The calendar starts in September 2026 and runs more than a year ahead. Past days are crossed out, but their entries stay, and as time goes on the calendar keeps growing backward too.

    What about the Detroit Zoo and the Motown Museum?

    The Detroit Zoo has no free days; only children under 2 get in free. Motown Museum tours have been paused since January 20, 2026 for construction, and the museum reopens in spring 2027.

    What if a museum changes its rules?

    We took every rule from the museums’ and programs’ own sites; the check date is below. Before you go, always look at the museum’s official site; each card links to it.

    Sources

    An independent guide; we have no business ties to any museum. Rules can change, so check the museum’s site before you go. Checked: Friday, October 2, 2026.

    1. Detroit Institute of Arts ↗
    2. Detroit Institute of Arts ↗
    3. Detroit Institute of Arts ↗
    4. Detroit Institute of Arts ↗
    5. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History ↗
    6. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History ↗
    7. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History ↗
    8. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History ↗
    9. Detroit Historical Museum ↗
    10. Detroit Historical Museum ↗
    11. Detroit Historical Museum ↗
    12. Michigan Activity Pass: directory ↗
    13. Dossin Great Lakes Museum ↗
    14. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) ↗
    15. Michigan Science Center ↗
    16. Michigan Science Center ↗
    17. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation ↗
    18. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation ↗
    19. Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation ↗
    20. Arab American National Museum ↗
    21. Arab American National Museum ↗
    22. Belle Isle Aquarium ↗
    23. Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory ↗
    24. Belle Isle Nature Center ↗
    25. Pewabic Pottery ↗
    26. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House ↗
    27. Edsel & Eleanor Ford House ↗
    28. Henry Ford’s Fair Lane ↗
    29. Dearborn Historical Museum ↗
    30. Ford-MacNichol Home ↗
    31. The Heidelberg Project ↗
    32. Detroit Artists Market ↗
    33. Hellenic Museum of Michigan ↗
    34. Michigan Flight Museum ↗
    35. Cranbrook Art Museum ↗
    36. Cranbrook Art Museum ↗
    37. Cranbrook Institute of Science ↗
    38. Cranbrook House & Gardens ↗
    39. Cranbrook House & Gardens ↗
    40. The Zekelman Holocaust Center ↗
    41. Meadow Brook Hall (Meadow Brook Estate, Oakland University) ↗
    42. Troy Historic Village ↗
    43. Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center ↗
    44. Waterford Historic Village ↗
    45. Selfridge Military Air Museum ↗
    46. Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum ↗
    47. Crocker House Museum & Gardens (Macomb County Historical Society) ↗
    48. Anton Art Center ↗
    49. Albert L. Lorenzo Cultural Center ↗
    50. Stahls Automotive Foundation ↗
    51. Sterling Heights Nature Center ↗
    52. University of Michigan Museum of Art ↗
    53. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History ↗
    54. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology ↗
    55. Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments ↗
    56. Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum ↗
    57. Leslie Science & Nature Center ↗
    58. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library ↗
    59. Argus Museum ↗
    60. Ypsilanti Historical Museum ↗
    61. Hamburg Township Historical Museum ↗
    62. Monroe County Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Museum ↗
    63. River Raisin Territorial Park ↗
    64. River Raisin National Battlefield Park ↗
    65. Old Mill Museum ↗
    66. Algonac-Clay Township Community & Maritime Museums ↗
    67. Michigan History Museum ↗
    68. Michigan State Capitol ↗
    69. MSU Broad Art Museum ↗
    70. MSU Museum ↗
    71. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum ↗
    72. Grand Rapids Art Museum ↗
    73. Grand Rapids Public Museum ↗
    74. Flint Institute of Arts ↗
    75. Sloan Museum of Discovery ↗
    76. Longway Planetarium ↗
    77. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ↗
    78. Kalamazoo Valley Museum ↗
    79. Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center ↗
    80. Gilmore Car Museum ↗
    81. Kalamazoo Nature Center ↗
    82. Saginaw Art Museum ↗
    83. Castle Museum of Saginaw County History ↗
    84. Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum ↗
    85. Japanese Cultural Center & Tea House ↗
    86. Bay County Historical Museum ↗
    87. Muskegon Museum of Art ↗
    88. Muskegon Museum of Art ↗
    89. Muskegon Museum of History & Science ↗
    90. Hackley & Hume Historic Site ↗
    91. Hackley & Hume Historic Site ↗
    92. Muskegon Heritage Museum ↗
    93. Muskegon Heritage Museum ↗
    94. Muskegon Heritage Museum ↗
    95. Holland Museum ↗
    96. Ella Sharp Museum ↗
    97. Ella Sharp Museum ↗
    98. Dennos Museum Center ↗
    99. Little Traverse History Museum ↗
    100. Mackinac Art Museum ↗
    101. Mackinac Art Museum ↗
    102. Michigan Iron Industry Museum ↗
    103. Hartwick Pines Logging Museum ↗
    104. Fayette Historic Townsite ↗
    105. Fort Wilkins and Copper Harbor Lighthouse ↗
    106. Walker Tavern (Cambridge Junction) ↗
    107. Civilian Conservation Corps Museum (Higgins Lake) ↗
    108. Mann House ↗
    109. Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park ↗
    110. Marquette Regional History Center ↗
    111. A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum (Michigan Tech) ↗
    112. DeVos Art Museum ↗
    113. Krasl Art Center ↗
    114. Tri-Cities Historical Museum ↗
    115. Michigan Maritime Museum ↗
    116. Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center ↗
    117. Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan ↗
    118. National Park Service: free entrance days ↗
    119. Keweenaw National Historical Park ↗
    120. Bank of America: Museums on Us ↗
    121. Detroit Institute of Arts: tri-county benefits ↗
    122. Museums for All: for visitors ↗
    123. National Endowment for the Arts: Blue Star Museums ↗

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