Days of Yore: Immerse Yourself in History at The Newton of Ypsilanti
Do you love a good story? Are you a history buff? Really into the days of yore? Come for a visit at The Newton, and fill your cup! The inn itself has a fascinating history, and there are so many nearby destinations that share the stories of the people who have lived in and traveled through Ypsilanti and Southeast Michigan since prehistoric times.
Here is a general history of Michigan.
A day trip will take you to the excellent Grand Rapids Public Museum, which hosts the permanent exhibition Anishnabek: The People of This Place. The Norton Mounds are some of the best preserved burial grounds of the prehistoric Hopewell people. (The mounds do not currently have public access.)
Read about the Native Americans who first lived in the Ypsilanti area.
Here is a brief history of the City of Ypsilanti. There are three historic walking tours that will take you to see some of the interesting spots in the city’s history.
The Ypsi Historical Museum and Archives has an extraordinary amount of information on regional history, and fascinating exhibits.
The Ypsi Automotive Heritage Museum highlights the automotive and labor history of Michigan.
The Michigan Firehouse Museum, located in Ypsi’s 1898 firehouse, shares the history of firefighting.
Yankee Air Museum, located at the historical Willow Run Airport. (You can take a flight on a historical plane May-October!) Grab breakfast at The Bomber Restaurant to get in the spirit! Here is a great history of the Willow Run Bomber Plant.
The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County has exhibits and events.
The Ypsi Black Heritage Project includes a walking tour with informational signage.
Explore Black history in Ypsi via the South Adams Street @ 1900 project.
Go antiquing!
Take a history-filled day trip to Detroit! The Detroit Historical Museum, the Wright Museum of African American History, the Motown Museum (reopening Feb 2023), and the Ford Piquette Plant are all excellent.
The Henry Ford Museum has an incredible permanent collection and rotating exhibits, and Greenfield Village (open seasonally) is a living history village showcasing 300 years of American history.
Washtenaw County has a rich agricultural history, and this Historic Barns driving tour will take you through beautiful farmland. This Foodways virtual tour uses historic recipes to highlights important moments and people in Washtenaw County history
