Children's Museums

Detroit Historical Museum

Name: Detroit Historical Museum
Address: 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, Detroit, MI, US
Telephone: (313) 833-1805
Rating: 4.8

★★★★☆ 4.8 (2029 reviews)

📍 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202

📞 (313) 833-1805

🌐 www.detroithistorical.org/visit/detroit-historical-museum

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	10 AM–5 PM
Thursday	10 AM–5 PM
Friday	10 AM–5 PM
Saturday	10 AM–5 PM
Sunday	1–5 PM

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About Detroit Historical Museum

Interactive & educational city museum. Museum features interactive & revolving exhibits on the city's history, including recreated streets. The museum features a permanent model train collection with a dedicated track layout, a beloved exhibit frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 2,029 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Natural History Museum
Best For: All ages
Highlights: Streets of Old Detroit, America's Motor City, rotating special exhibitions, model train collection
Admission: $15 adults, $8 children (6-12), free under 6 and members
Location: 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The museum features a permanent model train collection with a dedicated track layout, a beloved exhibit frequently mentioned in visitor reviews
⭐Detroit Historical Museum offers free admission to all residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park through its A Detroiter membership program, plus free admission for children under 6 and Detroit Historical Society members
⭐The museum's layout is intentionally designed across multiple levels in a compact, maze-like structure compared to modern museums, creating a unique exploration experience similar to a European village layout
⭐The museum maintains a dedicated 24/7 parking lot on Kirby Street with three free EV charging stations available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it one of the few museums in the region with complimentary electric vehicle charging

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan for 3-4 hours minimum and wear comfortable walking shoes. Visitors note the museum is surprisingly spacious with wall-to-wall exhibits across multiple levels, arranged somewhat like a maze. Come well-fed and with a clear mind to fully absorb Detroit's comprehensive history.
💡Download the Museum Guide before visiting for self-guided exploration. The compact layout with exhibits flowing into one another can feel overwhelming, so having a guide helps you focus on specific areas of interest rather than feeling lost in the maze-like design.
💬Visit for free admission—this is a major highlight mentioned repeatedly by visitors. The museum offers genuine free entry, making it one of Detroit's best cultural values. Pair your visit with nearby museums (DIA, Science, African American Museum) within walking distance for a full cultural day.
💡The automotive exhibits and interactive stations are the main draws for families. The museum has multiple interactive experiences throughout, making it engaging for both kids and parents, though some reviewers note it could have more interactive elements.
💡Use alternative transportation if possible: the nearby QLINE stop at Ferry St., MOGO bike share at Kirby & Woodward, or bus stops make access easy. If driving, museum parking is $10 in a dedicated lot on Kirby St., with 3 free EV charging stations available.