300 River Place, Suite 1600, Detroit 48207
(313) 259-3425
Experience Everything Automotive! MotorCities National Heritage Area was created by Congress to preserve, promote and interpret Michigan's rich automotive and labor heritage through educational opportunities about Michigan heritage, world-class museums and venues, tours of amazing historic homes built by auto barons, and more.
MotorCities is known for many things - jazz and the Motown sound, beautiful lakes and rivers, professional sports, vibrant entertainment, and some of the top cultural attractions in the world. But, by far, when asked what comes to mind when one thinks of the MotorCities, it can only be one thing - the Automobile Capital of the World! Flint and Genesee County are home to many automotive attractions that are part of the MotorCities National Heritage Area including:
G-10205 N. Saginaw, Clio 48420
(810) 686-9500
"Where the thunder rolls" at one of the Midwest's most exciting speedways. Enjoy one of America's most exciting spectator sports. Check frequently for specials! BUICK GALLERY & RESEARCH CENTER
303 Walnut Street, Flint, 48503
(810) 760-1415
Facility Rental: (810) 237-3427
Newest component of Sloan Museum, housing the world's largest collection of vintage Buicks, automotive memorabilia and research archives.
CROSSROADS VILLAGE AND HUCKLEBERRY RAILROAD
6140 Bray Rd., Flint 48505
(810) 736-7100 / (800) 648-7275
Genesee County’s fascinating history comes to life in the restored, working community of Crossroads Village. Wander through 30 historic buildings and shops including Michigan’s oldest operating gristmill, a cider mill, General Store, an old-time Barber Shop, and an authentic blacksmith shop. Enjoy live demonstrations spinning, blacksmithing, and broom making.
Kids will enjoy the Toy Barn with its collection of vintage toys. Take a cruise aboard the beautiful Genesee Belle, a genuine paddle wheel riverboat. You will also enjoy live entertainment on the stage of the Victorian Colwell Opera House. And don't forget a trip aboard the steam-powered Huckleberry Railroad, Michigan’s only authentic narrow-gauge rail line. Flint Cultural Center
The Kearsley Street Campus of the Flint Cultural Center includes: Alfred P. Sloan Museum, Bower Theater, Buick Gallery & Research Center, Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Youth Theater, Longway Planetarium, and The Whiting. For additional information, please refer to individual listings below. KETTERING COLLECTION OF INDUSTRIAL HISTORY--SCHARCHBURG ARCHIVES
1700 W. Third Ave., Flint 48504
(810) 762-9890
A premier engineering school with a world renowned automotive archive - Kettering University is the site of the largest collection of automotive papers-the Scharchburg Archives. Richard P. Scharchburg was instrumental in the establishment of The Kettering/GMI Alumni Foundation Collection of Industrial History in 1974. When he died in 2000, the collection was renamed in his honor. Scharchburg dedicated his life's work to automotive history.
SLOAN MUSEUM
1221 E. Kearsley St., Flint, 48503
(810) 237-3450
Facility Rental: (810) 237-3427
Flint’s dramatic history as the birthplace of General Motors comes to life at Sloan Museum. The museum’s newest history gallery, "Flint and the American Dream," takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Flint in the 20th century - from the birth of General Motors to the present. The gallery is packed with over 600 artifacts and photographs, including rare antique automobiles, colorful neon signs, period clothing, household furnishings,commercial goods and original film footage from each decade.
For the antique car buff, there are more cars in the Pierson Automotive Gallery, which showcases the museum’s own unique collection of vehicles, as well as cars from private collections with a new exhibit each June. The 19th Century Gallery showcases Flint’s early history. Visitors can see a Woodland Indian wigwam and exhibits on fur trading, pioneer life, lumbering and carriage making.
The Science Discovery Center features hands-on exhibits, discovery boxes and exciting demonstrations. The Hometown Gallery offers hands-on history experiences.
Snacks and soft drinks are available in the Halfway Cafe. The museum store offers a fine selection of gift items and Michigan memorabilia. The Sloan Museum Antique Auto Fair, one of the largest antique auto shows in the Midwest with nearly 1,000 antique, classic, and special interest vehicles, takes place the fourth weekend in June. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10a.m.-5p.m., Sat. & Sun. 12-5p.m. WHALEY HISTORICAL HOUSE MUSEUM
624 E. Kearsley St., Flint 48503
(810) 235-6841
Whaley Historical House Museum was the home to the Whaley family from 1885 to 1925. This restored Queen Anne home tells the story of the Whaleys, their contributions to the community and Flint during the Victorian period. Tours available. WALTER P. CHRYSLER MUSEUM
One Chrysler Dr., Auburn Hills 48326
(248) 944-0432 or 888-456-1924 toll free
The 55,000 square foot Walter P. Chrysler Museum, located on the Chrysler LLC campus, houses more than 65 production and concept vehicles showcasing the corporation's American heritage. Cars are interspersed with interactive displays and exhibits illustrating the automaker's impact on American culture and the industry through design and engineering firsts.
