Location: 1st Floor

Celebrate our state's rich geological formations, awe-inspiring prehistoric life forms, and diverse ecosystems in Exploring Michigan.  Life-size dioramas highlight Michigan’s varied habitats and wildlife, and hands-on activities engage kids—and curious people—of all ages.

 

Things to Look For

 

Michigan Wolverines? University of Michigan sports teams may be called “The Wolverines,” but these fierce, independent animals are not native to Michigan.

 

Michigan was home to many prehistoric animals such as mastodons, whales, walruses, and more!

 

Discover native animals and plants hiding in our life-size dioramas.

 

The Kirtland’s Warbler nests primarily in Michigan jack pine stands every summer.

 

North America’s only marsupial is very useful in urban environments. Opossums eat cockroaches, beetles, slugs, and ticks—helping keep pests at bay!

 

One drop of water can contain thousands of microorganisms, including algae, protozoans, bacteria, and viruses.