Seen as the largest city in Genesee County, Michigan, Flint is located along the Flint River 66 miles northwest of Detroit. It’s the seventh largest city in Michigan with a population of 102,434 residents according to the 2010 Census and was incorporated in 1855. The fur trader named Jacob Smith founded the town in 1819. During the 19th century, it became one of the major lumber areas in the historic Saginaw Trail. Flint eventually led the country in the automotive industry, thus earning the label as a ‘Vehicle City’ in the late 19th century. Notably, General Motors was founded in Flint in 1908, where they built legendary Buicks and Chevrolets vehicles after WWII.
But it’s more than that, Flint attracts thousands of visitors each year, and there’s no question why. The city has a lot to offer, from local attractions to its fundamental history that helped to shape the country. To really travel through American history, you must visit these places. And if you head to Flint in the winter or autumn, make sure to wear something warm like this twist funnel neck pullover.
Whaley Historic House Museum
Location: 624 East Kearsley Street
The Whaley House was built during the Gilded Age and serves as a historic house museum. The museum showcases the history of the house as well as the surrounding city. They feature the early beginnings of Flint, the industries that help flourish the area and how it transformed into the city we know today. Don’t forget to call and make an appointment for the group tours. The house also hosts a number of events, educational lectures and programs like “The Celtic Origins of Halloween”, “Whaley Dinner Club”, “Vintage Base Ball” and “History Happy Hour.” They also offer alcoholic beverages at quite a few of these events.
Flint Institute of Arts
Location: 1120 East Kearsley Street
Not far away from the Whaley House Museum is the Flint Institute of Arts, This will make your travel worth your time if you go to these locations within the same day. The art museum is one of the largest museums in the region. The Flint Institute of Arts started in 1925; it displays more than 8,000 different art creations that ages back at least 5,000 years ago. The collection of the museums came from the various countries in the world. Some of their exhibits are the most famous American and European art collections from the 15th century that greatly influence the modern art. The Flint Institute of Arts offers lectures, guided tours, art classes, and even workshops. Inside the museum, they have a theater that can seat 330 people which usually shows relevant movies and videos to visitors.
University of Michigan-Flint
Location: 303 East Kearsley Street
Another great destination in the area is the University of Michigan. The Flint campus is one of the two satellite campuses of the University of Michigan. The other campuses are located in Ann Arbor and in Dearborn. In 1956, it started as the Flint College of the University of Michigan. The state gave its name in 1971 and soon after moved to its present location. One of the main attractions in the campus is the Frances Wilson Thompson Library, which also offers weekday tours for visitors and prospective students.
Carriage Town Historic District
The Carriage Town got its name because it used to house the world’s largest manufacturer of horse-drawn carriages. But before European emigrants came, Native Americans used to reside in the area and it has since become one of the most historic areas in Flint. Jacob Smith was one of the first settlers in the historic town in 1819. Also, the Durant-Dort Carriage Company was founded in the area and Flint was dubbed as the “Vehicle City” in 1905. The town also serves as home for numerous employees who worked for the company. Durant eventually founded the General Motors Corporation in 1908.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Location: 6140 Bray Road
If you want to findout more about how the lives of the early settlers, you can go to Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. This village offers more than the usual sightseeing of an ordinary tour. Included as one of the 21 Genesee County Parks of Michigan, it brings out the real-life depiction of an earlier time.
The Crossroads Village features 34 historic houses and other buildings. It accurately represents the famous Great Lakes town during the last century. You can even watch people dressed in costumes going about their daily routine or see other craftspeople doing their specialty trade. The place offers more than that, as you can also board a replica of a paddlewheel boat, the Genesee Belle. The tour takes about 45 minutes across the Mott Lake. You can also ride the famous Huckleberry Railroad for 40 minutes. The train ride will take you into the woods along the shores of the lake. The Colwell Opera House has different shows that you family can enjoy.
Stepping Stone Falls
Location: 5161 Branch Road Flint
This park is a famous destination for both the locals and tourists alike. You can spend the day at Stepping Stone Falls Park and enjoy a family picnic or go for a leisure walk around the vicinity. It is also a popular destination for runners and hikers as the huge park sits on a very scenic location. Also try to visit the park at night and see how the city lights up the man-made falls.
Buick Automotive Gallery
Location: 303 Walnut Street
A trip to the “Vehicle City” is not complete without going to the Buick Automotive Gallery. The gallery displays around 20 classic beauties from the likes of Chevrolet, Buick and other vehicles that were built in the city. A true motor head will definitely appreciate some of the historic displays such as the 1910 Buick Bug and the Little Motor Car made in the year 1912. They also exhibit a massive collection of items, artifacts, and photographs related to the people of the city and other relevant historic items in the automobile industry.
Flint Farmers’ Market
Location: 300 E 1st Street Flint
You don’t simply leave Flint City without first trying some of their local produce. The best way to do that is to go to the Flint Farmers’ Market. They open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays. Here you can try some of their local cuisines made with the freshest produce in town. You can even chat with some of the local food vendors and learn more about the city.
from
http://blog.livnfresh.com/taking-vacation-flint-sites-must/
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