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Lakeshore Museum Center

To tell the story of Muskegon County by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the history of its people and natural environment.

<table fr-original-style="" style="border: none; border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;">You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. &nbsp;&ldquo;Little Learners&rdquo; is a free literacy-based program for &nbsp;Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. &nbsp; During this program participants will be invited to join us for story time and free play with themed activities. Registration is required but there is no charge for this program. &nbsp; &nbsp; All attendees must register including caregivers &amp; siblings. &nbsp;&nbsp; This program will run for 50-60 minutes, 15-20 for an organized storytime, and the rest for free play and a craft. During this program adults and children will have fun learning through songs, stories, sensory stations, motor skills stations, art and more! &nbsp;We will spend some time outside weather permitting. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our theme for this summer will be &quot;Water&quot;. &nbsp;Note- For our water theme we welcome bathing suits and water shoes as some of our activities might cause our little learners to get wet.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will have a free book for families to take home as well as special crafts and activities to do.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Summer 2026 Play & Learn

Bring your blanket or lawn chair and join us outside(weather permitting) for a nighttime viewing of two Nature Cat episodes related to things that glow in the dark. Then join us for some glowing crafts and a glow scavenger hunt. Free popcorn will be provided, but bring your own drinks.

Nature Cat Watch Along

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the fight for our independence, we examine those who have fought since the Revolution to maintain that freedom. This tour will look at the various wars America has been through and look at local residents&#39; part in those wars. We will see monuments dedicated to those who participated and learn about some industries that helped support the cause. This walking tour will be 90 minutes and cover 1 mile of the downtown area of Muskegon. There may be uneven surfaces, but the tour will mostly be on sidewalks.

Maintaining American Independence Walking Tour

Learn about Muskegon&#39;s past with this walking tour of downtown Muskegon. Hear about the past and current uses of different buildings, discover the history of former Muskegonites, and see what downtown is like today. This walking tour lasts 90 minutes and covers 1 mile of downtown sidewalks. There are frequent stops with seating available at many stops. It is accessible for mobility devices and strollers.

Historic Walking Tour 2026

Looking for an interactive camp for your kids? Check out our museum day camp as we explore a variety of subjects, including Michigan&rsquo;s prehistoric fossils, a deep dive into archaeology to learn how we connect past and present, and our newest exhibit, Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond, where we talk about nature, recycling, and more. This camp runs each day from 9am - noon. Camp is for children aged 6 - 11.

2026 Enviroworks Day Camp

The coastal sand dunes along Lake Michigan are the largest assemblage of freshwater dunes in the world. This session explores how dunes were formed, why they matter ecologically, their historical significance in our state, and state laws related to them. Learn about dunes that were once here such as Pigeon Hill, and the stories of how our dunes have been used - and sometime overused - in the past. Participants will also learn how significant these dunes are, and what we can do to care for these remarkable places into the future.

Lake Michigan Coastal Dunes: History, Science, and Protection

<table fr-original-style="" style="border: none; border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;">You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the second and fourth Thursday, except November &amp; December which will be the 2nd Thursdays only.&ldquo;Little Learners&rdquo; is a free literacy-based program for&nbsp; Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. &nbsp;During this program participants will be invited to join us for story time and free play with themed activities. &nbsp;Registration is required but there is no charge for this program. &nbsp; &nbsp; All attendees must register including caregivers &amp; siblings. &nbsp;&nbsp;This program will run for 50-60 minutes, 15-20 for an organized storytime, and the rest for free play and a craft. &nbsp;During this program adults and children will have fun learning through songs, stories, sensory stations, motor skills stations, art and more! &nbsp;&nbsp;Our themes for this year will be:September/October: &nbsp;ImaginationNovember: &nbsp;Lakeshore Little ReadDecember: &nbsp;Fun in the SnowJanuary/February: &nbsp;ColorMarch/April: &nbsp;SortingMay/June:&nbsp; Nature&nbsp;&nbsp;We will have a free book for families to take home as well as special crafts and activities to do.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Play & Learn Fall '25-Spring '26

Invasive species are non-native plants and organisms that can outcompete native species and disrupt ecosystems. Managing them often requires long-term treatment and monitoring. This presentation will cover common invasive species in the Muskegon area, effective management strategies, and how the Muskegon Conservation District works with landowners and partners to reduce their impact.

Muskegon County's Invasive Species

Our newest exhibit Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond is now open. This 2-day camp, from 9am-noon each day, is based on the ideas of the PBS show and exhibit, will teach young campers about being good caretakers of the environment. Campers will make bottle birdfeeders and go &ldquo;birding&rdquo; in the museum, they will make musical instruments out of things found in nature, go on a nature scavenger hunt, learn about types of clouds, and much more. &nbsp; This camp will be great for all nature lovers, lovers of Nature Cat, or just those looking to learn more about science and the world around them. This camp is for children aged 6-10.

Nature Cat Camp

<table fr-original-style="" style="border: none; border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;">This hour and a half program will invite homeschooling families to explore the museum with activities at a variety of age levels around our monthly theme/topic.We will have time as a large group for an introduction to each theme and then families will be welcome to explore the activity stations and the museum on their own.&nbsp;Schedule:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:00 - 10:10 Check in families/open explore</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:10 - Big Group Introduction in Auditorium</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:15-11:30 Theme Stations and independent exploration.&nbsp;</li></ul>Themes: &nbsp;Note September is at the Fire Barn, and November is at the Muskegon Museum of Business and Industry.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><ul fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">September 18: &nbsp;Fire Fighting History in Muskegon @The Fire Barn</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">October 14: &nbsp;Prehistoric Hunting &amp; Life @Muskegon Museum of Business &amp; Industry</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">November 11: &nbsp;Changes in Home Technology</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">December 9: Food Science</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">January 20: &nbsp;Michigan, the Glaciers, and the Ice Age</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">February 17: &nbsp;From Here to There</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">March 17: &nbsp;Historic Dirty Jobs</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">April 14: Nature in Your Backyard</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">May 19: &nbsp;The Power of Water</li></ul><li fr-original-style="">You must register via Zeffy to participate. &nbsp;We will be releasing links to sign up two months at a time. &nbsp;Links will be released in August, October, December, February, &amp; April.If no tickets are available please click this link: <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist</a> , to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list:&nbsp;</li></ul> </td></tr></tbody></table>

Homeschool Days '25-'26 May

When did the first airport appear in Muskegon? Why did Muskegonites riot and destroy streetcars? How was the Interurban line received? Join us as we travel around downtown Muskegon, talking about the various ways people of the past got from here to there. Along the way, learn about the trains, trolleys, depots, car dealerships, and aviation&rsquo;s place in Muskegon&rsquo;s past. This tour will be over several city blocks and may include some uneven surfaces

The Muskegon Planes, Trains and Automobiles Walking Tour

Join us for the second program in our 2026 Spring Speaker Series at the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry.&nbsp;Volunteer Dr. Patti Grossel shares the fascinating history of the Lakeside Inn. Discover how this beloved destination welcomed travelers, vacationers, and local families, becoming a treasured part of the White Lake area&rsquo;s story. Patti will also highlight several other historic resorts that helped shape the region into a vibrant lakeside getaway. Through stories, photos, and local insight, you&rsquo;ll gain a deeper appreciation for the people, places, and hospitality that has and continues to make White Lake a special destination.&nbsp;This program is free to the public and light refreshments will be available. &nbsp;RSVP to save your spot today!

Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry Spring Speaker Series April 2026

Homeschool Days '25-'26 March & April

STEM Camp 2026 🔬🧠&nbsp;Looking for something that will keep your kids engaged over the break? During our two-day camp, we&rsquo;ll spend some time in the current exhibit, From Here To There, which focuses on the way objects can move around. We will experiment with citrus science, allowing kids to get hands-on with food acidity. They&#39;ll also learn about and craft a mini terrarium! This camp is for ages 8-15 Camp is April 7th and April 8th from 9am to noon.

STEM Camp 2026

This year the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry will again be hosting a Spring Speaker Series. &nbsp;With talks on March 26 and April 16.&nbsp;3/26/26&nbsp;Shaping the Landscape: West Michigan&#39;s Environmental HistoryJoin us at the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business &amp; Industry as staff members Jennifer Reeths &amp; Kimberlynn Carlson discuss the environmental past, present, and future of West Michigan. They will highlight the many industries that have shaped our region and showcase how they and the community have come together to protect, clean, and restore our natural environment. Please RSVP. This program is free to the public and light refreshments will be available.&nbsp;

Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry Spring Speaker Series March 2026

The Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Muskegon Interurban line connected not only those cities together, but many smaller communities along the way. Learn about how the Interurban operated in Muskegon County, what reaction the public had to it, and the decline of this transportation method.

Muskegon and the Interurban

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="border: none; border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="636"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;" valign="top" width="100%"><p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" id="isPasted" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The Book Club at the Muskegon Museum of Business and Industry explores the connections between industry, innovation, and imagination through great books.&nbsp;<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> <p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">A few times a year we will read and discuss a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles that spark conversation about work, history, progress, and the human stories behind them. Whether it&rsquo;s a novel that captures the spirit of a changing era or a nonfiction deep dive into business and industry, this club brings together readers who enjoy stories that shape&mdash;and are shaped by&mdash;the world of work.<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">&nbsp;<p fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Roboto; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 0.25px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">This is a hybrid event where participants can attend in person or on-line via zoom. </td></tr></tbody></table>

Muskegon Museum of Business & Industry Book Club

Homeschool Days '25-'26 January & February

<table fr-original-style="" style="border: none; border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;">This hour and a half program will invite homeschooling families to explore the museum with activities at a variety of age levels around our monthly theme/topic.We will have time as a large group for an introduction to each theme and then families will be welcome to explore the activity stations and the museum on their own.&nbsp;Schedule:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:00 - 10:10 Check in families/open explore</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:10 - Big Group Introduction in Auditorium</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:15-11:30 Theme Stations and independent exploration.&nbsp;</li></ul>Themes: &nbsp;Note September is at the Fire Barn, and November is at the Muskegon Museum of Business and Industry.<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><ul fr-original-style="" id="isPasted" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">September 18: &nbsp;Fire Fighting History in Muskegon @The Fire Barn</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">October 14: &nbsp;Prehistoric Hunting &amp; Life&nbsp;</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">November 11: &nbsp;Changes in Home Tech @ Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business &amp; Industry</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">December 9: Food Science</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">January 20: &nbsp;Michigan, the Glaciers, and the Ice Age</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">February 17: &nbsp;From Here to There</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">March 17: &nbsp;Historic Dirty Jobs</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">April 14: Nature in Your Backyard</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">May 19: &nbsp;The Power of Water</li></ul><li fr-original-style="">You must register via Zeffy to participate. &nbsp;We will be releasing links to sign up two months at a time. &nbsp;Links will be released in August, October, December, February, &amp; April.If no tickets are available please click this link: <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist</a> , to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list:&nbsp;</li></ul> </td></tr></tbody></table>

Homeschool Days '25-'26 November & December

<table fr-original-style="" style="border: none; border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;">This hour and a half program will invite homeschooling families to explore the museum with activities at a variety of age levels around our monthly theme/topic.We will have time as a large group for an introduction to each theme and then families will be welcome to explore the activity stations and the museum on their own.&nbsp;Schedule:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:00 - 10:10 Check in families/open explore</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:10 - Big Group Introduction in Auditorium</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">10:15-11:30 Theme Stations and independent exploration.&nbsp;</li></ul>Themes:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">September 18: &nbsp;Fire Fighting History in Muskegon @The Fire Barn</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">October 14: &nbsp;Prehistoric Hunting &amp; Life @Muskegon Museum of Business &amp; Industry</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">November 11: &nbsp;Changes in Home Technology</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">December 9: Food Science</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">January 20: &nbsp;Michigan, the Glaciers, and the Ice Age</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">February 17: &nbsp;From Here to There</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">March 17: &nbsp;Historic Dirty Jobs</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">April 14: Nature in Your Backyard</li><li fr-original-style="box-sizing:inherit;" style="box-sizing:inherit;">May 19: &nbsp;The Power of Water</li></ul>You must register via Zeffy to participate. &nbsp;We will be releasing links to sign up two months at a time. &nbsp;Links will be released in August, October, December, February, &amp; April.If no tickets are available please click this link: <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist</a> , to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list:&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>

Homeschool Days '25-'26 September & October

Muskegon played a crucial role both home and abroad during World War II. Learn what Muskegon was like for civilians and soldiers during these years. Stops will include the LST, the Hackley House, the Mart Dock, and more. Walking Tours are 90 minutes long and cover 1 mile on flat city sidewalks with minimal elevation changes. The tour route is accessible for all mobility aids and strollers. There are frequent stops along the tour and many stops have seating available.

World War II Walking Tour

Learn about the Muskegon&#39;s past with this walking tour of downtown Muskegon. Hear about the past and current uses of different buildings, discover the history of former Muskegonites, and see what downtown is like today. Walking Tours are 90 minutes long and cover 1 mile on flat city sidewalks with minimal elevation changes. The tour route is accessible for all mobility aids and strollers. There are frequent stops along the tour and many stops have seating available.

Historic Walking Tours

<table><tbody><tr><td>This year we will again be hosting a Spring Speaker Series.  We will be looking at an exhibit in process about Black-Owned Media, and we will also be looking at a little-known WWII salvage.  Both evenings are free to the public, but reservations are requested and light refreshments will be provided.   3/13/25 The Legacy and Impact of Black-Owned MediaJoin us at the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry as community curators Dr. Pamela Smith and Mr. Andrew Sims share their progress and research on an upcoming exhibit on Black-Owned media platforms in Muskegon County and their importance.  These media platforms and their founders and stewards have had a profound impact on shaping narratives, amplifying voices, and driving social change in our community. This program will offer a glimpse into a developing exhibit of the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Black publishers, broadcasters, and creators who defied systemic barriers to create platforms that celebrated Black culture, advocated for civil rights, and redefined the media landscape in our community. This program is free to the public and light refreshments will be available. 4/3/25Milkweed and WWII:  Noxious Weed or Strategic Wartime MaterialJoin us, as Andi Kantola from the Muskegon Conservation District and Wendy VanWoerkom from the Lakeshore Museum Center help guests look at the milkweed plant.  We will discuss the plant’s natural history and importance to habitats in our area.  We will also  look at how it transitioned from its status with farmers as a noxious weed in the 1940's to its wartime role as a strategic material.  Don't miss out on this chance to hear about the contributions of Muskegon citizens to gather this most unusual salvage for the WWII effort. This program is free to the public and light refreshments will be available</td></tr></tbody></table>

Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry

<table fr-original-style="" style="border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; border-image: none; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; user-select: text; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221);">You are invited to join a special Play and Learn program at the Lakeshore Museum Center on the second and fourth Thursday, except November &amp; December which will be the 2nd Thursdays only.&ldquo;Little Learners&rdquo; is a free literacy-based program for&nbsp; Muskegon County infants and toddlers ages 0-4. &nbsp;During this program participants will be invited to join us for story time and free play with themed activities. &nbsp;Registration is required but there is no charge for this program. &nbsp; &nbsp; All attendees must register including caregivers &amp; siblings. &nbsp;&nbsp;This program will run for 50-60 minutes, 15-20 for an organized storytime, and the rest for free play and a craft. &nbsp;During this program adults and children will have fun learning through songs, stories, sensory stations, motor skills stations, art and more! &nbsp;&nbsp;Our themes for this year will be:September/October: &nbsp;HabitatsNovember: &nbsp;Little Read of the LakeshoreDecember: &nbsp;WeatherJanuary/February: &nbsp;Natural History FossilsMarch/April: &nbsp;RainMay/June:&nbsp; Native Americans&nbsp;&nbsp;We will have a free book for families to take home as well as special crafts and activities to do.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Play & Learn Fall '26-Spring '27

<p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(15, 14, 91);" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(15, 14, 91); line-height: 1.5;">Please select the date you want to be added to the waitlist. &nbsp;If you have issues contact wendy@lakeshoremuseum.org Themes:● &nbsp; &nbsp; September 17: Hackley &amp; Hume Tours @Historic Sites 484 W. Webster● &nbsp; &nbsp; October 14: &nbsp;Innovation @Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry 561 W. Western● &nbsp; &nbsp; November 18: Food Webs● &nbsp; &nbsp; December 9: Glaciers &amp; the Ice Age● &nbsp; &nbsp; January 20: &nbsp;Shocking● &nbsp; &nbsp; February 17: &nbsp;Water Travel on the Great Lakes● &nbsp; &nbsp; March 10: Art &amp; Nature &nbsp;● &nbsp; &nbsp; April 21: Light and Sound● &nbsp; &nbsp; May 19: &nbsp;First Peoples of Michigan in the Past and Today<p fr-original-style="width:100%;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:inherit;color:rgb(15, 14, 91);" style="width: 100%; margin: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgb(15, 14, 91); line-height: 1.5;">

Homeschool Days Waitlist

This 90-minute program invites families to explore a new topic each month through hands-on activities designed for a variety of ages.This year, we will offer our popular outreach and school programs for families to participate in for the months of September, November, January, April, and May. &nbsp;Due to the variation in programs one or two of these may be done a few minutes early.In October, December, February, and March, families will follow the format of a large-group introduction to the monthly topic before exploring themed activity stations and the museum at their own pace. Stations will be available until 11:30 a.m. Unless noted otherwise below all events happen at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science. Themes:● &nbsp; &nbsp; September 17: Hackley &amp; Hume Tours @Hackley and Hume Houses 484 W. Webster Ave● &nbsp; &nbsp; October 14: &nbsp;Innovation @Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry 561 W. Western Ave.● &nbsp; &nbsp; November 18: Food Webs● &nbsp; &nbsp; December 9: Glaciers &amp; the Ice Age● &nbsp; &nbsp; January 20: &nbsp;Shocking● &nbsp; &nbsp; February 17: &nbsp;Water Travel on the Great Lakes● &nbsp; &nbsp; March 10: Art &amp; Nature &nbsp;● &nbsp; &nbsp; April 21: Light and Sound● &nbsp; &nbsp; May 19: &nbsp;First Peoples of Michigan in the Past and Today If no tickets are available please click this link: <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist</a> , to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list:&nbsp;

Homeschool Days '26-'27 September & October

Music has a long history in Muskegon. One of the notable organizations is the West Michigan Symphony. Join the museum programming staff for a presentation about the history of the Symphony and what lies ahead for music in Muskegon.

Symphonic History

Have you ever wanted to meet some feathered friends up close? Join our friends from Blandford Nature Center and us as they talk about birds. See some of Blandford&rsquo;s birds up close, including owls, and learn about what sets birds apart from other animals. Space will be limited, so please make sure to sign up to reserve your seat for this special program.

Birds of a Feather with Blandford Nature Center

Margaret Drake Elliot was a renowned naturalist, author, librarian, lecturer, and teacher who called Muskegon home. Seemingly never still for a moment, she was also a pioneering woman in many fields and organizations throughout Michigan. Join us to learn about the legacy of this extraordinary woman and the mark she left on Muskegon.

Muskegon’s Naturalist- Margaret Drake Elliot

<table fr-original-style="" style="border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; border-image: none; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; user-select: text; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221);">This 90-minute program invites families to explore a new topic each month through hands-on activities designed for a variety of ages. This year, we will offer our popular outreach and school programs for families to participate in for the months of September, November, January, April, and May. &nbsp;Due to the variation in programs one or two of these may be done a few minutes early. In October, December, February, and March, families will follow the format of a large-group introduction to the monthly topic before exploring themed activity stations and the museum at their own pace. Stations will be available until 11:30 a.m. Unless noted otherwise below all events will be at 430 W. Clay Ave.Themes:● &nbsp; &nbsp; September 17: Hackley &amp; Hume Tours&nbsp;@Hackley &amp; Hume 484 W. Webster Ave● &nbsp; &nbsp; October 14: &nbsp;Innovation @Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business &amp; Industry 561 W. Western Ave.● &nbsp; &nbsp; November 18: Food Webs● &nbsp; &nbsp; December 9: Glaciers &amp; the Ice Age● &nbsp; &nbsp; January 20: &nbsp;Shocking● &nbsp; &nbsp; February 17: &nbsp;Water Travel on the Great Lakes● &nbsp; &nbsp; March 10: Art &amp; Nature &nbsp;● &nbsp; &nbsp; April 21: Light and Sound● &nbsp; &nbsp; May 19: &nbsp;First Peoples of Michigan in the Past and Today If no tickets are available please click this link: <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist</a> , to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list:&nbsp; </td></tr></tbody></table>

Homeschool Days '26-'27 November & December

<table fr-original-style="" style="border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; border-image: none; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; user-select: text; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221);">This 90-minute program invites families to explore a new topic each month through hands-on activities designed for a variety of ages.This year, we will offer our popular outreach and school programs for families to participate in for the months of September, November, January, April, and May. &nbsp;Due to the variation in programs one or two of these may be done a few minutes early.In October, December, February, and March, families will follow the format of a large-group introduction to the monthly topic before exploring themed activity stations and the museum at their own pace. Stations will be available until 11:30 a.m.Unless otherwise noted below all sessions will be held at 430 W. Clay Ave at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science. Themes:● &nbsp; &nbsp; September 17: Hackley &amp; Hume Tours&nbsp;@Historic Sites 484 W. Webster● &nbsp; &nbsp; October 14: &nbsp;Innovation @Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry 561 W. Western● &nbsp; &nbsp; November 18: Food Webs● &nbsp; &nbsp; December 9: Glaciers &amp; the Ice Age● &nbsp; &nbsp; January 20: &nbsp;Shocking● &nbsp; &nbsp; February 17: &nbsp;Water Travel on the Great Lakes● &nbsp; &nbsp; March 10: Art &amp; Nature &nbsp;● &nbsp; &nbsp; April 21: Light and Sound● &nbsp; &nbsp; May 19: &nbsp;First Peoples of Michigan in the Past and Today If no tickets are available please click this link: <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist</a> , to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list:&nbsp; </td></tr></tbody></table>

Homeschool Days '26-'27 January & February

<table fr-original-style="" style="border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; border-image: none; max-width: 100%; width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="" style="min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; user-select: text; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221);">This 90-minute program invites families to explore a new topic each month through hands-on activities designed for a variety of ages. This year, we will offer our popular outreach and school programs for families to participate in for the months of September, November, January, April, and May. &nbsp;Due to the variation in programs one or two of these may be done a few minutes early. In October, December, February, and March, families will follow the format of a large-group introduction to the monthly topic before exploring themed activity stations and the museum at their own pace. Stations will be available until 11:30 a.m. Unless otherwise noted below all sessions will be held at 430 W. Clay Ave at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science. Themes:● &nbsp; &nbsp; September 17: Hackley &amp; Hume Tours @Historic Sites 484 W. Webster● &nbsp; &nbsp; October 14: &nbsp;Innovation @Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business and Industry 561 W. Western● &nbsp; &nbsp; November 18: Food Webs● &nbsp; &nbsp; December 9: Glaciers &amp; the Ice Age● &nbsp; &nbsp; January 20: &nbsp;Shocking● &nbsp; &nbsp; February 17: &nbsp;Water Travel on the Great Lakes● &nbsp; &nbsp; March 10: Art &amp; Nature &nbsp;● &nbsp; &nbsp; April 21: Light and Sound● &nbsp; &nbsp; May 19: &nbsp;First Peoples of Michigan in the Past and Today If no tickets are available please click this link: <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/HomeschoolWaitlist</a> , to be taken to the waitlist. Be sure to choose the correct dates you wish to be on the list:&nbsp; </td></tr></tbody></table>

Lakeshore Museum Center

Lakeshore Museum Center

Events

Events

Play & Learn Fall '26-Spring '27

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Homeschool Days Waitlist

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Homeschool Days '26-'27 September & October

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Symphonic History

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Birds of a Feather with Blandford Nature Center

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Muskegon’s Naturalist- Margaret Drake Elliot

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Homeschool Days '26-'27 November & December

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Homeschool Days '26-'27 January & February

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Homeschool Days '26-'27 March & April

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