Ziibiwing Center Reviews

This museum is so intersting for its history lessons about the Native Americans in the area. We found it very well done, great up close things to see. Very clean and nicely laid out. We were at the casino and took the shuttle over, it was worth the effort! It really made us understand the Tribes culture and learnings, very nice!

A pamphlet was in our hotel. It seemed very interesting. We truly enjoyed the visit. The layout is very good. You can appreciate the history lesson about the Native Americans. It is well worth the visit.

The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has left no detail unturned. From the architecture of the building itself to everything inside, it all has meaning. The permanent exhibit warrants visits and revisits, and the changing exhibit is continually fresh and new.
Of course everyone comes to the area for the casino (which is also well worth the trip), but the Ziibiwing Center is the true gem. Stop in and let the Indigenous People tell you their story.

Very nice and very informative have been going to this area for years I didn’t know about the museum until this summer. Glad to stop by and will go again.

My family had a very negative experience here. They said all the videos are about how we should feel personally guilty because our ancestors came here. If you're looking for a fun experience for your kids, this is not it.

My wife and I visited this museum on a Sunday in September. We were looking for something to do and we are both fans of museums. The exhibits were quite fascinating and it was worth the price of admission. If you want the place to yourself Sunday seems a good time to go as there was only one other group of 4 while we were there. If you are into museums, you will likely enjoy it.

This is very nice museum with well done exhibits of the Native Americans of the area. The dioramas were beautiful with a nice narration.

The Ziibiwing Center is a Native American Museum on the outskirts of Mt. Pleasant. The exhibits are the quality one would find in the Field in Chicago or the Simthsonian in D.C. excellent!

Great exhibit featuring the history of the Saginaw, Michigan Chippewa tribe. The displays go through the Seven fires prophecy, an Anishinaabe prophecy which marks phases, or epochs, in the life of the people on Turtle Island, a Native American name for the North American continent. Anishinaabe is the identification often used by the Odawa, Ojibwa, Potawatomi. Also shows winter and summer living quarters, clothing, jewelry and photos from late 19th century. Listen to the narratives at the displays. The exhibit ends with modern times.

To be honest, I at first chose this stop as it was the right break in the trip but I am so glad we came here. This is a lovely museum of a native culture that gives you a broad vision of who they are. There are displays of life before and after they met caucasions. I loved the example of early life and clothing. I was also moved by learning more about the tenets and truths. I learned that we are more the same that we sometimes think. I think about the displays here still. It is not a huge museum and was not crowded but if you are willing to learn there is a lot of information. They were also doing a temporary quilt display from various native groups across the US. That was also interesting to note the similarities and differences. Inexpensive entry fee, nice gift shop. We didn’t see the movie but there are displays with placards and some natural sounds. Also some voiceovers to listen to.

I would have found it more interesting if there was staff on hand through out the tour. There is a plethora of information to read if you have the time. Small children will get bored easily.

Visited with my wife the Ziibiwing Cultural Center. This is educational, interesting and extremely well done. There is much we can learn from the Indians. If in the area and have interest in history do not miss visiting.

While I visited this place way before April of 2019 with a group of people from U of M - Flint, it was a very educational worthwhile experience. Everyone who works here is incredibly nice and informative. I regret that we didn't have time to visit on this trip that I just got home from visiting friends yesterday (March 2020,) because my boyfriend has never been there, but I wanted to take him badly. We just ran out of time. Take the time to visit. Their gift shop is even amazing. The displays are captivating, and if you have questions, they're quick to answer them. This is one of my favorite places to visit in Michigan. You will definitely learn things here that you haven't learned anywhere else.. unless you've paid for that knowledge in college with the right classes. Go if you have the chance!

My wife and I came through the area and I had seen it listed as an attraction to visit, I am glad we did. We both enjoy history and it was a nice change from the typical historical sites we visit. Also a small amount of the history we read about there is shared with us here in West Central Ohio since many treaties and forts were signed or built in our locality. I would encourage anyone to take the time and visit.

The Center gives you a history of the tribe of Indians who settled this area with beautiful stations that guide you through the museum and narrates in their language as well as English. A spiritual experience and must see when you visit Mt. Pleasant.

Just by looking at the place you think there can not be to munch inside but there a lot.
I was wrong there is so munch inside it worth the price of admission.. If you keep your mind open
for what they say P.S. they rock the air conditioning on hot days it how Indians live here before anybody
came here an stay.

I love this museum. Ziibiwing houses tribal artifacts from the Saginaw Chippewa and tells the story the Great Lakes Anishinabek. There are many wonderful permanent exhibits, including a model lodge that is large enough to walk into. I loved the interactive nature of the exhibits, the design is very intuitive and makes your self-guided tour pleasurable. They also have changing exhibits. When we visited, there was a special display of art by contemporary Native American artists which I liked a lot.

I was surprised and pleased at the size and quality of this museum. Very informative about native culture and life.

This museum is extraordinary. It is small yet the design and detail is incredible that it took my dad and I awhile to go through. The gift shop is well stocked and reasonably priced. I highly recommend anyone interested in local history and U.S. history to visit this incredible place. Our reason for going to Mt. Pleasant was to attend the annual Pow Wow at the camp site. We stayed at Soaring Eagle Casino and Hotel, gambled a bit, ate quite a bit at one of the restaurants in the complex. We saved the best for last...a visit to the Ziibiwing Center. We're looking forward to returning in a few months.

We visited here at the recommendation of the caretaker of the Sanilac County (MI) petroglyphs. It really helped to put them in a broader perspective.

I was really surprised that there were so few other visitors when we were there. We took about an hour to go through the self-guided museum, and saw no one else except a custodian. I think it must get the bulk of its business from school groups, which is a shame. You will not waste your time here!

This is a very under-appreciated attraction in Mount Pleasant. I have been to the center several times, and I have enjoyed my visit each time. The self-led tour will give all visitors a greater appreciation for the history of our local people. The exhibits are interesting and engaging, and I love, love, love the creation video! Whether you are passing through, or have lived here for years, take the time to check out this awesome museum. P.S. If you are an educator, they do an AMAZING job accommodating (and entertaining) tour groups.

We were camping and wanted to see some local culture. The Ziibiwing Museum was an excellent choice. Not crowded so we could take our time. The displays and explanation placards were very well done. The two videos were nicely done, as well. Had a wheelchair available so my wife could fully enjoy it. Admission was inexpensive and I got a veteran discount so totally it was $7. Well worth it and we highly recommend it!

Do not miss it if you are in the area. Terrific exhibits and great gift shop.

Excellent place to visit, very educational and appropriate for families with young children.

We were there with our 2.5 year old, she loved the exhibition and made it in good shape thru the end. Nice gift shop and very warm and kind staff. There is mini cafeteria so you can get some chips, soda/water and candy.

My fiance and I strolled through this museum during one of our visits to Mount Pleasant. When we arrived we soon discovered we were the only people (other than the workers) in the building. This made the life-sized figures in the museum a little eerie. Despite that aspect, I really felt as though I learned a lot about the tribe and their beliefs. The admission price was well worth the experience we had! :)

I really enjoy learning about new things and I was not disappointed here. This is a very nice museum with wonderful displays and video as well as signage to make the learning experience a positive one. Also has a nice gift shop area.

The staff is awesome, the exhibits are created beautifully. The area is calm and peaceful. Each exhibit explains so many things about our area. Isabella County is on the Reservation. This is a really nice way to spend a couple hours.

We enjoy visiting local museums this one was laid out well and had narration. Weather was crummy part of the time we were in Mt Pleasant glad it was as we got to visit the museum.

I attended a 3 day training here -it's a beautiful space with good rooms. The food was good and any time you saw a staff person, they were friendly and super helpful!

I visited the Ziibiwing Center with a friend, and we had a good time there. The exhibits are very well done and you get a very good picture of the history of this band. If you're in Mount Pleasant and want an educational experience, this is a great place to go.

Very professional exhibits that try to communicate the culture and history of the Anishnabe tribes of the area. Not so large that you get overwhelmed. I recommend to anyone interested in Native American culture and history.

My family thought this place was very neat. The lady at the ticket desk was not super warm or welcoming but she wasn't rude. My husband and two kids 17 and 9 went one day. Really no one was there while we were being we went on a Tuesday. You basically walk through the seasons and the timeline of the Saginaw Chippewa Native Americans. It has beautiful sounds and story's and some interactive things too. It is very well thought out and truthful about the struggles and successes of their people. I think it is well worth the fee to go inside and we spent about 2 and a half hours there.

A fabulously creative, authentic and artistic diversion from the ordinary in Central Michigan. Having lived in the Central Michigan area on and off my entire life I was more than (Mt.) pleasantly surprised to find we had a first rate and world class historic Native American Museum right in our own back yard. The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has done a fine job creating an interesting, unique and historically accurate facility, all while providing it in a fun family atmosphere. I would, have and will continue to recommend, The Ziibiwing Center to all those interested in learning more about the history of the area and it founding forefathers.

Very educational. The information was very good. Learned a lot is such a unique space. the building is beautiful and gracious. The landscape definitely needs work. You can tell that the gardens were wonderful once.

We walked into the world of the Ojibway tribe with the explanations of why they traveled west to the Minnesota areas. It was great to hear and see their reasoning for moving over time. It was also a great message about how all people should be treated with respect.

This is an awesome place. Such pretty walls and pictures. The actual water park was quite busy with children. I will definitely be bringing my grandchildren again

I visited the Ziibiwing Center as part of an assignment for a college paper. I was amazed at the amount of information and the exhibits on display. I encourage everyone to visit and experience this native American culture.

Took the grandkids here and they learned a lot about the native americans. My husband and I went here a few years ago and I couldn't wait to bring the grandkids here. Very informative.

This was our first trip to any Native American museum and it was pretty interesting and was detailed. They have a smaller room for temporary exhibits, and the main exhibits you walk though. Depending on how much time you spend at exhibits (so whether you read each sign in detail or just skim it), you could be there anywhere from a hour to two hours. There is also a shop with some nice items and did not come across as a tourist trap. Would recommend to others to go to.

I went to the cultural center today as an add-on to our Lutheran Church Synod Assembly, and didn't quite know what to expect. This museum is just stunning! Very well laid out, very well thought out, and beautifully arranged to make the most of the subject matter. Extremely educational and interesting.

Our guide, a young man named Zach Jackson, was super-knowledgeable and personable. We had a large group, and he guided us through with great skill.

Excellent experience!

The 5 Star Rating is based on what it is; it's not the Chicago Natural History Museum or a huge place that covers the world, so don't go expecting that. It's a museum and cultural center specific to the Anishinabe, provided by the Saginaw Chippewa tribe, and you can see it all in one to two hours. You won't find Sioux and Navajo well represented here. But what you will find is one of the best displays of Native American/First People cultures in the United States. It describes the history and life and journeys of the Anishinabe from the St. Lawrence to the Great Lakes, and does it through displays that rival the best I've seen anywhere. I've had an interest in Native American tribes for many years, and have visited cultural centers and museums across the country; this is an amazing one. The canoes, the dwellings, the clothing displays are well worth seeing, and the very well done narration throughout shows the movement of the people.

If your visit to Mount Pleasant is for the casino, take an hour or so and go across the road to this place. You won't be sorry.

This is an excellent museum for learning the history of the native Americans of mid Michigan. From the beginning all the way to the present time. The only disappointing part is the appearance of the outside of the building. The landscaping definitely need some attention but the inside is very beautiful.

Very educational. Lovely jewelry in the gift store. Be sure to listen to the narratives as you go through the museum and watch the short films about the tribes. Great history treat for children.

This is located just around the block from Soaring Eagle Casino. The casino shuttle will even take you there.
You can even use your comp dollars to pay for admission. Only 3.50 for senior citizens. 6.50 adults.

If you like history and especially indian america history this is the place to go. It took us only 3 hours to go thru the museum.

I went to the Ziibiwing Center as a chaperone for my son's first grade class. Our guide was able to keep 21, 6-7-year old engaged throughout the entire tour. In addition, he was able to impart his knowledge onto them in a way that they not only understood him but were also egger to continue to learn about the Native American culture.

The Ziibiwing center offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history, traditions, culture, and ways of life of Native Americans. The displays are authentic in every detail and appeal to young and old alike. Don't miss this attraction!

What a beautiful little museum! We were in the area and decided to stop, so glad we did. We found this place to be full of age appropriate and interesting information. The building is immaculately clean, and definitely sets a peaceful tone to your visit.
We loved to temporary display of local art work!
The information was laid out well, price was great, parking and restrooms were accessible (the important stuff) and the best gift shop I have been to in a while.
I picked up information to take back to our school for a future field trip!
We will be back!

I really enjoyed this place! Went there on a Monday for a group tour. I was told the tour would last about an hour and it ended up being an hour and fifteen minutes... an awesome deal for the price we paid! Also... chaperones are free in groups... sweet!

The center is really well done; everything is clean and new and relevant. Lots of information to take in. Since we were in a group for a tour we got a lot of information from our guide (that is the way to go!) however, there are a lot of plaques and posters and other things to find the information out as well. The gift shop is great too (with a group tour we got 20% off at the gift shop... didn't use it but would have if everyone had money).

Overall, I would recommend this place to anyone. I am looking forward to going again.

Wonderfully done. Very good for all ages. Tells the story of the Anishinabe Culture in an unvarnished fashion, warts and all. Highly recommend for a nice break from waterpark or casino. Grandkid's ,7 and 10, were interested for over 2 hours, and another hour in the very nice gift shop. Staff was very helpful, friendly and knew their history.

I am so glad this place exists to showcase the history and culture of Native Americans in Michigan. The quality of the exhibits is very good and there are a couple short films available to watch too. The admission price is reasonable. The gift shop has a nice variety of items for sale including books for further learning, T-shirts, blankets, jewelry, baskets, etc. The place, including the bathrooms, was clean & well-kept inside. I agree with another reviewer that the exterior of the building and the grounds are not so appealing - but don't let that turn you away. Ziibiwing Center is worth a visit!

This museum is an eyeopener for anyone who even thinks they may be part of the tribe. Great and informative for all ages.

Such an amazing history and the exhibits are really well done. We had a tour guide who told us about native beliefs and pointed out the symbols and their meanings in some of the exhibits.

A great place to learn about the local Native American history, spiritual beliefs and culture. Excellent displays, short videos and time-line graphs. Very helpful and friendly workers.

Not being from the area I did not know this existed. I am so glad we found it. There are stunning displays that will entertain and inform people of all ages. The story telling was very well done and we all left with new insights.

Liked going thru this, it is interesting. Look for the discount coupons at the casino.

Very authentic and historical. Appropriate for all ages. Very hard to describe so you just need to see for yourself

We visited the Ziibiwing Center during a casino trip. There's not a lot to do in the area, but this place was a pleasant surprise. Very interesting and educational about the culture and treatment of Native Americans. There's a lot of information there that doesn't get taught through typical channels.

You owe it to yourself to see this center - it is a chance to immerse yourself into a Tribe's culture, ways of life, governing, beliefs, etc., that is a massive history lesson for us all. The sights & sounds are captivating - this has got to be one of the finest museum experiences you'll see.

Easy way to learn about the history of the Chippewa nation. Many artifacts and easy to read copies of documents, with audio and video presentations, too. Some absolutely amazing examples of Indian beadwork, basket-making and carving on display.

As a long time resident of Mt. Pleasant this is the local attraction that I want visitors to see. It interprets Native American history and culture broadly through Anishanabe experience and more specifically through the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe experience.

I have lived in the area for 3 years and passed the building several times. Had some friends stop in for a visit, and we decided to stop there. Lots of interesting artifacts, and lots of Native American history.

This Anishinabe Culture and Lifeway Center is located on the Isabella Indian Reservation in Mid-Michigan. This center, established in 2004, honors the Anishinabe ancestor, who protected and passed down cultural knowledge, languages and teachings. Admission is reasonable and the gift centers' merchandise is authentic. Spent an enjoyable afternoon. The plants in the outdoor garden are labeled.

Great place to spend a couple of hours while the gamblers lose their money at the casino, but it could also be the main destination! We didn't have enough people for a guided tour, but each area has an audio accompaniment that serves as your guide, and it wasn't crowded nor did we feel rushed. Each display area focuses on a specific topic and the displays are exquisite! So well done. Paintings, artifacts, life-size models, and photographs are amazing. You can spend and hour or if you are a history buff, you could spend a day. And then there is the movie in the center of everything--it would be easy to miss, but don't! The Ziibiwind Center is the best bang for your buck in the area!

We noticed immediately the inside looked clean and well maintained. Very educational with many exhibits on display. The center doesn’t roll any punches about how tribe members were mistreated by the light skinned people. Very truthful warts and all.

Went there with my daughter, a CMU student, and was VERY interesting! Left there wanting some hand made baskets!! Very informative and learned a lot!

This exhibition is both interesting and educational. A lot of effort has been put into this great attraction, and I recommend it to all. I guarantee, you will know more about Native American culture after visiting than you did before stopping in.

This was a great way to understand the way the Indians survived years ago. From seeing how their homes were constructed to the foods they ate and their migrations from time to time.

This little museum it across from the main casino. They have a gift shop, with very reasonable prices, the research room is great for finding information on historical events. Their decor is a lot of local indigenous peoples from the area from the past. The lady in the research room was extremely friendly and professional with answering questions and had many resources available for finding your ancestry. They also have powwows here.

This place is well worth the trip. Very tastefully done museum showing lifestyles of Great Lakes tribes. Highlight their service to the U.S. through many wars. Exhibits show seasonal activities, lodges, beliefs, etc. Nice gift shop with knowledgeable guides on staff. Can't miss.

was able to use the points we had on our players card to purchase items.

We've been to many Native American cultural centers around the country and this is by far the best we've seen. So much thought went into the displays and the narrations. The size is perfect. Not a dinky little museum with some artifacts; not so large that things are repeated over and over. It holds your interest from beginning to end. This is an absolute MUST for all ages. You won't be disappointed.

I highly recommend touring the exhibits in this facility. Temporary exhibits are relevant and changing, while the permanent gallery enables the visitor to better understand Anishinabe culture. Beautiful to see the youth involved in the exhibits.

Please take the time to visit the Ziibiwing Center. It was marvelous.
Very educational. Very well laid out. Was greeted at the door. The self guided tour took us a little over and hour and a half and I'm sure we did not see and read everything. The building was very clean and very inviting. The gift shop was a plus.

We took our grandchildren there and what a super experience. They are middle school and early high school ages and they said they learned so much that they had not experienced before. My support and a must do visit.

Fascinating presentation of the history, mythology, and culture of Michigan's Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. I had never been particularly interested in such matters, but one visit to this museum changed all that. Definitely worthy of repeat visits and an excellent destination when cabin fever strikes during one of those long, cold Michigan winters, especially because entry is free!

Educational with a great offering of books on Native American culture. Thoroughly enjoyed the exibits.

Most visitors come for the nearby casino and do not glance in the direction of this attractive building just to the south of the hotel-casino complex. It is worth repeated visits. Modeled to reflect a Native American lodge, the main entry leads to a welcoming hallway. To the right, special exhibits are shown, photography, artifacts, private collections, etc. To the left is a wonderful gift-shop and snack bar. Items for sale reflect the culture and range from beads and feathers to DVDs and shawls and dream-catchers at very fair prices. Straight ahead are the permanent exhibits. Consisting mainly of dioramas, there is a very life-like presence and very understandable labels. Looking far back before the arrival of Europeans and surging forward to today, one can spend any amount of time and come away with insights into all the eras shown. Multiple visits have left me wanting to return.
The main hall is used in July to present dances in full regalia. Times are posted on the web-site and are free and amazing. Too many types to be mentioned here, each week is new and different. Employees and volunteers are very willing to discuss and answer inquiries or to find the information requested. They make a visit even better.