MI Bucket List: Native American Historical Sites to Visit in Michigan
A Healthier Michigan
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Michigan has a long history with Native American communities and traditions. There are 12 federally recognized tribes of Indigenous peoples in Michigan. Many of the state’s natural wonders and historical sites have a history within the Native American cultures predating the state of Michigan.
Here is a list of some of the best and well-known Native American historical sites and communities to visit in Michigan.
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
The Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park, near Cass City in the Thumb, is home to ancient drawings, writings and teaching carved into stone called petroglyphs. Created by the Anishinaabe people, it is the largest collection of Native American teachings carved into stone in Michigan. Within a 240-acre park, there is a quarter-mile trail that follows along these carvings for visitors to see. The park is managed jointly by the state and the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Learn more at the park website.
Hours: The park is open year-round during daylight hours, but the enclosure around the carvings is only open Wednesday through Sunday, from May 29 through September 1.
Location: 8251 Germania Road, Cass City
Museum of Ojibwa Culture
The Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace focuses on the period in the 1600s when the cultures of the Ojibwa, Huron, Odawa and French settling peoples interacted and the history, culture, traditions and relics of that time. There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits and a Huron long house on site. There are often cultural and educational events on their schedule, and the site Native American goods and crafts available for sale. Admission is donation-based. Learn more at the museum website.
Hours: The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
Location: 500 N. State St., St. Ignace
Drummond Island
Drummond Island has been home to Native Americans at least as far back as 200 B.C. based on relics and artifacts found on the island. The Drummond Island Historical Museum is home to exhibits highlighting native artifacts as well as the history of Finnish and Yankee settlers. It is constructed from hand-hewn logs sourced locally from Drummond Island and has a fireplace built from stones from the British Fort Drummond. History of Native Americans in the area, primarily the Sault tribe and Chippewa, and their tools, art and handicraft from the 200 B.C. era through the 1900s are represented in the museum.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island has long been home to Native Americans and has long been considered a sacred place by the Anishinaabek People. It was an ideal spot for fishing and trapping. The island served as a meeting ground and a staging area for travel of the northern waterways and was also used for sacred burial grounds as far back as 1000 B.C. The name Mackinac stems from the original native name for the island. Today, there are a few ways to interact with the Native American history of the island. The Mackinac Island Native American Museum opened at the Biddle House in 2021.The museum focuses on a period in the 1800s, but also presents history from the centuries preceding settlers arriving to Mackinac Island and was created in conjunction with tribal partners and the state of Michigan.
Trails on the island originally created by the indigenous tribes, including the Native American Cultural History Trail, exist today. The cultural history trail includes six different panels along the trail that depict the Native American history of the island. Many of the island’s natural features such as Sugar Loaf and Arch Rock also have rich traditions within Native American history.
Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways
The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways in Mt. Pleasant is home to rotating exhibits of ancient and rare Anishinabe cultural artifacts, historical records, handicrafts and art. The goal of the museum is education of the culture of the Anishinabe people and is operated by the Saginaw Chippewa tribe. It is also home to research faculties and a conference center, as well as a café and gift shop. Learn more at the center’s website.
Location: 6650 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday,
Andrew J. Blackbird Museum
Chief Andrew J. Blackbird was a leader of the Ottawa people, as well as a historian and a staunch supporter of Native American rights and tribal sovereignty. Blackbird served as an intermediary between tribal communities and the United States government, filling important roles in U.S. government and as counselor for the Ojibwa and Ottawa tribes. The house, which previously served as the postal center for the Harbor Springs area as well as the Blackbird family home, has been operating as a museum since 1942 and has been on the National Register of Historical Places since 1972. It houses artifacts from the local Native American peoples who used the Harbor Springs area as a common meeting ground.
Location: 368 E. Main St., Harbor Springs
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
