Michigan Institution Competing to be the Best Science Museum in the Country

Looking to get out of the cold and have fun with the kiddos while learning something new? Well, one of the best science museums in the entire country is right here in Michigan.

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As someone who grew up in southwest Michigan, I have fond memories of taking train trips to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Those field trips were the highlight of the school year—long rides filled with anticipation, knowing we were about to see mind-blowing experiments, incredible exhibits, and hands-on fun. It’s those kinds of experiences that stick with you and spark a lifelong curiosity about science.

I've never actually been to the Michigan institution competing for best science museum in the nation in a new USA Today 10best readers' poll, but I think it's time to make the trip!

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It's the Michigan Science Center in Detroit. It's among 20 science museums chosen by a panel of experts as the top in the U.S. Now it's up to a public vote to determine the top ten.

Located in Detroit’s cultural district at 5020 John R. Street, the Science Center is designed to make STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—fun and accessible for visitors of all ages.

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Guests can explore more than 220 hands-on exhibits like:

• Kids Town (ages 5 and under) – interactive sports arena, miniature market, vet clinic, STEAM lab, theater with costumes, and even a water feature.
• Spark!Lab Smithsonian – tinker, invent, and collaborate with facilitators and community innovators.
• STEM Playground – test forces on airplanes, design structures, and learn engineering basics.
• Roads, Bridges, Tunnels – walk an 80-foot Mini Mac Bridge and explore real-world infrastructure.
• Earth. Wind. Weather – create tornadoes, ocean waves, avalanches, and explore Jupiter’s atmosphere.
• Health Gallery – learn about nutrition, fitness, and even experience an MRI machine.
• Waves and Vibrations – experiment with sounds, colors, lasers, and reflections.
• Fatberg exhibit – discover what happens when the wrong things get flushed down the drain.

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Plus, there's live stage shows, an IMAX Dome, 4D theater, and planetarium. Whether you’re a child learning about physics for the first time or an adult discovering something new, it’s a place that encourages curiosity and creativity.

We can help make the Michigan Science Center No. 1. Vote once per day in the poll through Feb. 9 at noon here.