Michigan is a great state with enough outdoor activities to keep the entire family happy. Still, let’s be honest; when cold weather sets in, we often scramble to find ways to amuse our children during the blustery days before spring returns. One suggestion I can wholeheartedly recommend is the Port Huron Museum located at 1115 6th Street.   

Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie provided funding for this beautiful classical building that now houses over 15,000 objects and archival items relating to the history, pre-history and culture of the Blue Water area.

Even if you are not particularly interested in the story of the area, you will find exhibits to capture your imagination. The museum features the North and South Galleries: two rotating exhibition areas with more than 2,000 square feet of space for special local and national exhibits. >From August 15 through November 2 the featured exhibit is “Pirates and Smugglers!” and November 14 through February 16 the museum is offering “The World of Giant Insects” with Animatomic Insects.

In the Music Room you can view the extensive musical instrument collection which includes a display of an early 1900s-era musical instrument repair shop. Or, perhaps you will be more interested in the Marine Gallery where you can explore shipwrecks and ring bells from famous ships.

My grandchildren enjoyed their tour of a ship's pilot house and cabin – exact replicas from the turn of the century. They were amazed at how cramped they felt confined to such a small space.

The museum grounds also hold interesting exhibits including an 1850s log cabin and ship anchors.

The museum is open seven days a week from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Julie Albrecht Royce, Michigan Editor, is the author of Traveling Michigan's Sunset Coast and Traveling Michigan's Thumb, both published by Thunder Bay Press. She writes a bi-weekly column (monthly in winter) for wanderingeducators.com, entitled Michigan's Small Town Treasures.

Photos courtesy and copyright of the Port Huron Museum.