Things to do in Lake Orion
Cranbrook Art Museum
Cranbrook Art Museum, part of Cranbrook Educational Community, is at 39221 Woodward Ave. (SR 1). Changing displays of modern and contemporary art as well as faculty and student artwork are the focus of the museum's collection. Traveling exhibitions are featured throughout the year. Call (248) 645-3323 for more information.
39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Cranbrook Institute of Science
This museum of science and natural history boasts one of the country's largest mineral collections. Interactive and hands-on exhibits demonstrate such physical principles as the laws of gravity, motion, and plate tectonics and the creation of minerals and the Earth's crust. Laser light shows and a planetarium also are offered. Earth's dynamic aspect is featured in several exhibits, one of which includes a skeleton cast of a full-size Tyrannosaurus rex. Another exhibit focuses on extinction and showcases animals that were extinct by the end of the last ice age. Climate changes and ice ages also are explored. The Bat Zone is home to bats, owls and a sloth. This exhibit highlights the characteristics of nocturnal animals. Call (248) 645-3200 for more information.
39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad
Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad is off I-475 exit 13, n. on Saginaw St., e. on Stanley Rd., then s. on Bray Rd., following signs to 6140 Bray Rd. The restored 1800s Genesee County community features 34 historic structures, including an operating blacksmith shop, cider mill, sawmill, gristmill, general store, school and residences. Huckleberry Railroad, a steam train with antique passenger cars pulled by a steam-powered Baldwin locomotive, departs from the Crossroads Depot for 35-minute trips through the recreation area. Carousel, Ferris wheel and children's amusement rides and paddlewheel riverboat rides are available for an additional charge. Call (800) 648-7275 for more information.
6140 Bray Rd., Flint, MI 48505
Holocaust Memorial Center
The Holocaust Memorial Center is at 28123 Orchard Lake Rd. The center's exterior is designed to resemble a Nazi concentration camp. Inside, powerful exhibits document the history of the Holocaust with videotape presentations, oral accounts, photographs, dioramas and a memorial flame. Dark, small areas are dedicated to life under the Nazi regime and describe the horrors incurred. Visitors then emerge into brighter exhibit areas, which include post-World War II displays; the Museum of European Jewish History; and the International Institute of the Righteous, which honors non-Jews who endangered their lives while attempting, some successfully, to save at least one Jew. Also included is a library and archives dedicated to the study of the Holocaust and Jewish history, culture and genealogy. Call (248) 553-2400 for more information.
28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Walter P. Chrysler Museum
Walter P. Chrysler Museum is off I-75 exit 78, then 1.3 mi. e. to One Chrysler Dr. Interactive displays and vignettes relate the history of Walter P. Chrysler and the Chrysler Corporation. Seventy cars, including restored classics, muscle cars, trucks and race cars, are displayed. Visitors may watch three 7-minute films in the theater. Call (888) 456-1924 for more information.
One Chrysler Dr., Auburn Hills, MI 48326
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