All animal museums to visit in Michigan

Delve into the diverse world of animals at 18 animal museums in Michigan. These museums showcase a variety of species, habitats, and the role of animals in our ecosystem.

Are you an animal lover looking to explore the best animal museums in Michigan? Here are your best options:

  1. Belle Isle Aquarium1

    Belle Isle Aquarium

     Detroit, MI
    The Belle Isle Aquarium, located in Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan, is a public aquarium with a rich history. It was designed by renowned architects George D. Mason and Albert Kahn and first opened its doors to the public on August 18, 1904. This makes it one of the oldest aquariums in North America.
  2. Belle Isle Nature Center2

    Belle Isle Nature Center

     Detroit, MI
    The Detroit Zoological Park, situated in Royal Oak, a suburb north of Detroit, Michigan, is a notable destination for animal lovers. Managed by the Detroit Zoological Society, a non-profit organization, the park is home to a diverse range of animals. The same organization also oversees the Belle Isle Nature Zoo located in Belle Isle, providing visitors with two distinct zoological experiences in the region.
  3. Detroit Zoo3

    Detroit Zoo

     Royal Oak, MI
    The Detroit Zoological Park, a prominent American zoo, is situated in Royal Oak, a northern suburb of Detroit, in the state of Michigan. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the Detroit area. The zoo is managed by the Detroit Zoological Society, a non-profit organization, which also manages the Belle Isle Nature Zoo located in Belle Isle.
  4. John Ball Zoo4

    John Ball Zoo

     Grand Rapids, MI
    John Ball Zoo is home to more than 2,400 individual animals, representing over 220 different species. This diversity of wildlife makes it a significant regional attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of animals in one location. From exotic species to local wildlife, the zoo provides an educational and engaging experience for all ages.
  5. Potter Park Zoo5

    Potter Park Zoo

     Lansing, MI
    Potter Park Zoo, located in Lansing, Michigan, spans over 102 acres and holds the distinction of being the oldest public zoo in Michigan. This expansive zoo is home to a diverse range of species, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore and learn about the natural world. The zoo's long history and commitment to conservation make it a significant part of Michigan's cultural and natural heritage.
  6. Children's Zoo At Celebration Square6

    Children's Zoo At Celebration Square

     Saginaw, MI
    The Saginaw Children's Zoo, situated in Saginaw, Michigan, is a delightful destination for families and animal lovers. The zoo operates from May through September, with part-time operations in April and October. This schedule allows visitors to plan their trips accordingly and ensures they can enjoy the zoo's offerings during its operational months.
  7. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History7

    University of Michigan Museum of Natural History

     Ann Arbor, MI
    The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is an integral part of the University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States. It is a unit of the university's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. The museum is situated on the university's Central Campus and offers a rich collection of natural history exhibits.
  8. Lake Erie Metropark8

    Lake Erie Metropark

     Brownstown Charter Twp, MI
    Lake Erie Metropark is a vast recreational facility spanning 1,607 acres. It is strategically located between the mouth of the Huron River on Lake Erie to the south and the City of Gibraltar to the north. This positioning offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience.
  9. Wolcott Mill Metropark9

    Wolcott Mill Metropark

     Romeo, MI
    Covering an area of 2,625 acres (1,062 hectares), Wolcott Mill Metropark offers a wide range of activities for visitors. Whether you're interested in hiking, camping, or exploring historical sites, there's something for everyone at this expansive park.
  10. Roscommon Zoo10

    Roscommon Zoo

     Roscommon, MI
    The Roscommon Zoo is situated in the South Branch Township, in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is conveniently located along M-18, just to the east of the village of Roscommon. This makes it easily accessible for visitors traveling from different parts of the state or country.
  11. Kingman Museum11

    Kingman Museum

     Battle Creek, MI
    The Kingman Museum, situated at 175 Limit Street within the beautiful Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek, Michigan, is a natural history museum and planetarium. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the natural world, the universe, and human cultures all in one place.
  12. Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park12

    Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park

     Naubinway, MI
    The Garlyn Zoo, situated in Mackinac County, Michigan, holds the distinction of being the largest zoo in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This expansive wildlife park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of animal species in a spacious and natural environment.
  13. Gillette Visitor Center13

    Gillette Visitor Center

     Norton Shores, MI
    P. J. Hoffmaster State Park is a public recreation area situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. It is located five miles north of Grand Haven at the southwest corner of Norton Shores, in Muskegon County, and the northwest corner of Spring Lake Township, in Ottawa County, in Michigan. This location makes it a convenient destination for tourists visiting the area.
  14. Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center14

    Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center

     Cadillac, MI
    Devoted to Michigan's hunters, but also features exhibits on nature and Native Americans.
  15. Binder Park Zoo15

    Binder Park Zoo

     Battle Creek, MI
    As one of the largest zoos in Michigan, Binder Park Zoo boasts a diverse array of animals and plants. One of the highlights of the zoo is the Wild Africa Exhibit, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to see a variety of African species in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat.
  16. 16

    Raven Hill Discovery Center

     East Jordan, MI
    Raven Hill Discovery Center, located in Michigan, United States, offers a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits. These exhibits are designed for hands-on learning, making it an engaging experience for both children and adults.
  17. 17

    DeYoung Family Zoo

     Mellen Township, MI
    The DeYoung Family Zoo, which opened its doors to the public in 1990, operates annually from May through October. This gives visitors a wide window of opportunity to explore the zoo and its various attractions. Located in Wallace, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, United States, the zoo is about 15 miles north of Menominee.
  18. 18

    Chippewa Nature Center

     Midland, MI
    The Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) is a non-profit educational organization that also serves as a protected wildlife area. It is located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and spans over 1,500 acres. This vast area includes forests, rivers, and wetlands, providing a diverse and rich environment for visitors to explore.