5 Interesting Places to Visit in Flint Michigan (Plus an Insane Treehouse Featured on Treehouse Masters!)
5 Interesting Places to Visit in Flint Michigan | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
We love discovering hidden gems while exploring Flint Michigan! Flint used to be a city we simply passed by on our way to Detroit for an afternoon at Belle Isle or when we were headed to the Detroit International Airport.
But all that has changed.
While searching for authentic railroad excursions in Michigan, I discovered Huckleberry Railroad (which turned out to be a wowzer experience!) I thought, "what else can we do while in the area?" And the rest is history!!
Keep reading to see what impressed, surprised and delighted us while exploring Flint Michigan!
Is Visiting Flint Safe? Visiting Flint Michigan is definitely a concern for many people regarding safety. It's a topic to consider but you can visit safely if you travel smartly.
We parked and walked directly into the locations below without any problems. But with any city, don't leave valuables in sight, park only in the designated lots closest to the entrances and visit during the day if possible. Of course, if you feel unsafe, leave the area.
1. Visit Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad for an Unforgettable Experience
Location: 6140 Bray Road, Flint, MI
Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad may appear to be a scene from a nostalgic Norman Rockwell painting, but I assure you, it’s real.
This quaint and nostalgic lakeside village and railroad is reminiscent of the 1800s-era. It's definitely one of our favorite places to visit year-round, but here’s why visiting in winter is a such a special treat.
Prepare to step back in time as you wander the scenic tree-lined sidewalks while catching a whiff of roasted almonds wafting in the air. You'll enjoy discovering history while exploring 34 historic buildings including a post office, general store, mill, print shop, drying shed and stained glass windowed church.
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We love to grab warm crunchy almonds or freshly popped kettle corn from colorful stands as we wander the village. There's something very satisfying about walking and munching on warm homemade treats! |
While visiting Crossroads Village, step inside the dentist’s office...not to get a check up but to get an eye-full of the primitive dental tools, including a foreboding bone saw! It really makes me feel grateful that we live in this century!
Step inside the carousel house to warm up a bit and take a spin on a colorful vintage horse!
Or if you are feeling brave, take a whirl through the air on the vintage Ferris wheel. You'll shriek in delight as you are lifted up, up and away!
If you are hungry, Crossroads Village has a buffet dinner that features meat, sides and home style offerings. We indulged in warm apple crisp and ice cream for dessert. Check their website for information.
Lastly, hop aboard the #152 steam train for a scenic ride across sparkling rivers and through thick dark forests! I love watching the big puffy billows of steam dance past my windows. It adds such nostalgic charm to the steam train ride!
As a bonus, if you want to view the train from the warmth of your vehicle, the train follows Stanley Road. It crosses Stanley and Genesee Road. You can catch a great view of the train at this crossing.
Safety Notes: We were thrilled to see security was very tight in the parking areas and the village. The village was packed with families and was very orderly, friendly and safe.
When is Crossroads Village Open: Each year Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is open for the summer season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, for Halloween Ghosts & Goodies on select days through the month of October and for Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic on select days starting the Friday after Thanksgiving through December. Check their website for rates and info for each program. Crossroads Village is closed all other times of the year.
Booking Notes: I highly recommend booking your entry, buffet dinner and train tickets ahead of time to ensure you can participate in all your desired activities. We booked two weeks ahead of time in December as the village is very busy at that time.
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain
2. Visit For-Mar Nature Preserve and Their Insane Tree House!
For Mar Nature Preserve, Flint Michigan by Travel-Mi.comLocation: 2142 N Genesee Rd, Burton, MI
For Mar Nature Preserve is an amazing and safe place for families to visit all year. If you need a breath of fresh air, love to bird watch and enjoy outdoor exercise, this place is for you!
For Mar's walking trails, bird watching, and programs for adults and children will keep you busy 12 months out of the year. It is such fun wandering their scenic wooded trails as several several bridges span sparking ponds and you can climb the observation tower for exquisite views of nature!
Oh, and be sure to keep an eye out for wild turkeys! It was a joy to watch about ten turkeys pecking and strutting near the nature center during our last visit. And if you visit in winter, you can rent snowshoes for a completely different Michigan adventure.
Since this treehouse is so cool, it was featured on Animal Planet's show, Treehouse Masters! What do you think? Would you like a tree house like this at your house?
3. Be Wowed at the Flint Institute of Arts
Location: 1120 E Kearsley St, Flint, Michigan
Friends, let me just say, YOU NEED TO VISIT THE FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS! We were absolutely blown away by their expansive collections, live glass blowing demonstrations in their incredible hot shop and their huge gift shop packed with books, accessories, gifts, art and jewelry!
If you love glass art, you will be in heaven. Be sure to watch their live glassblowing demonstration and then spend an hour in the glass wing of the museum as all forms of glass art is on display. See kiln formed, blown, cast and torch works created by masters of the craft.
For photos, tips, glassblowing videos and more information, see our Flint Institute of Arts page!
4. Travel to a Galaxy Far Far Away at Longway Planetarium
Location: 1310 E Kearsley St, Flint, Michigan
Did you know Longway Planetarium is Michigan’s largest planetarium?! So prepare to be wowed!
Longway Planetarium is located on the campus of the Flint Cultural Center. This iconic Flint landmark is popular for their state-of-the-art planetarium shows on exciting STEM topics, classic rock light shows, and engaging hands-on learning experiences.
When visiting Longway Planetarium, you can park in the lot directly in front of the building. Plus, parking is free!
For more information on their hours, programs and fees, visit Longway Planetarium.
5. For an Interactive Dinner Experience, Eat at Black Rock Bar and Grill
Location: 1015 N Irish Rd, Davison, MI
I feel like an Arby's commercial but...THEY HAVE THE MEATS! This is seriously approved by Tim Allen as you are served raw steak (or seafood) on a 700 degree rock!
How freakin' cool is that? Not only are you dining on extraordinarily high quality meat, but you get to cook it yourself!
We love anything that involves an experience so this was a perfect evening for us.
Pictured: Filet Mignon, Truffle Fries and Green Beans. We also adore the warm bite sized pretzels to dip in gooey cheese as an appetizer. We ate it before I remembered to snap a pic! lol!
Reservations: I recommend calling ahead to be placed on their list. It's not a reservation but preferred seating time.
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Coming For A Visit? Flint Airport Maps, Photos and Information
I'm a big fan of flying out of the Flint airport as it's so super easy with very close parking (no need for shuttle buses!). Our Flint Airport page is filled with photos, notes and help if you are flying in or out of the Flint Airport.
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Visit Midland, It's Close!
We definitely feel you should visit Midland Michigan due to the wide variety of adventures and fun things to do!
- The Tridge-it's one heck of a gorgeous bisecting bridge with biking and walking trails.
- Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest-Stunning places to visit year round for walking, flowers, photography and events.
- The awesome Chippewa river is perfect for kayaking and canoeing.
- The Chippewa Nature Center that's a mecca for hikers, adventurers and kayakers.
- City Forest-A great place to walk, snowshoe, cross-county ski and jog.
We get more in depth about Midland Michigan here!
Top Interesting Places to Visit in Michigan During the Winter!
Seriously, don't hibernate all winter! We've got some seriously cool places to investigate this winter! Winter in Michigan is ripe with adventure!
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