If you plan to stay at a Traverse City vacation rental then make it a point to visit one of the local museums in the area. There are different museums in Traverse City that you should not miss, from featuring local art to the history and culture of the city.
Dennos Museum Center
The Dennos Museum Center is situated in the campus of Northwestern Michigan College. This museum focuses on the performing and visual arts. It features 3 rotating exhibits. Aside from the exhibits, the Dennos Museum Center also features a sculpture gallery, a hands-on Discovery Gallery and a gallery for Inuit art. The Dennos Museum Center also has a video theater that can accommodate 32 people, a store and a community room. You can expect to see Hollywood memorabilia displayed in this museum together with Canadian Woodland Art. The museum's general collection includes over 2,000 art pieces, most of which are Inuit sculptures and prints.
Grand Traverse Heritage Center Museum
The Grand Traverse Heritage Center is the office of several organizations that work to preserve the history and culture of the region. The center also features a museum that houses the Con Foster Collection. The museum at the Grand Traverse Heritage Center is categorized according to history - easy gallery, Native American display, Northern Michigan Asylum, Victorian Parlor, Railroad History and Logging. The different exhibits showcase information about each historical event. Aside from these exhibits, the museum also houses the famed Con Foster Collection which features art, antiques and artifacts that dates back to the early 30s. You will find toys, furniture, vintage clothing, decorative art, and military uniforms. There is also a wide range of antique tools for logging, farming, blacksmithing, carpentry and leather making.
Great Lakes Children Museum
From one of the Traverse City vacation homes, go to Great Lakes Children Museum on South West Bayshore Drive. This family-friendly museum features hands-on, interactive exhibits. Some of the main features of the museum include the Water Table Playing in Water, which provides information about the properties of flowing water. Visitors can create their own waves and have a boat race using the waves they created. The museum was designed to inform kids about science by creating a huge playground-like exhibit. Other activities in the Great Lakes Children Museum are also available including games as well as science and art projects. The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, it opens at 1:00 p.m.
Music House Museum
Located 8 miles from Traverse City is the Music House Museum. This museum features a collection of rare and antique musical instruments and other music-making machines. You will find different musical instruments from all over the world. They range from the classic to the weird-looking. There are guided tours available where you will find the history of each piece on display. The Music House Museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday from May 1 to October 31 and then again in December. In November, the museum is only open during the weekends.
While at Traverse City, take the time to explore the local museums in the area. Visit Vamoose.com to find an accommodation that is near the wonderful museums in the area. You can find detailed description, prices and amenities for each property.