Raven Hill is nestled in rural setting with pond, swamp, forest & fields on 175 acres in Northern Lower Michigan's Charlevoix County
The overall goal of Raven Hill Discovery Center is to foster an interest in and to convey information in science and technology, history and the arts by inviting visitors to have quality hands-on experiences. Raven Hill is a place to immerse yourself inside and outside in a world of discovery by trying and touching. It is a place where knowledge of all aspects of science and its integral place in history and art is shared with anyone who is willing to listen and ask questions. Rain or shine, it’s a great place to spend a day and experience the WORLD right here at Raven Hill.
Raven Hill Discovery Center Map
Raven Hill Discovery Center Outdoor Exhibits Picture Gallery
Raven Hill Discovery Center Outdoor Exhibit Guide
Indoor Exhibits
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Hands-on activities including light, sound, motion, magnets, music, earth and life sciences.
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Example of a one room school house chronicling the history of education with desks from the 1890s to present day.
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Timelines of many different types of technology from modern day back to the stone age.
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The twenty foot long 3D Periodic Table of the Elements displays elements and products made with different elements.
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An off-the-grid house to show solar energy conversion and sustainable living. Open by request.
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Location for many art classes, but also available for use with Great Room rental for your next event.
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Raven Hill has an active Ham Radio Station, which is used by the Raven Hill Discovery Center Amateur Radio Club (RHDC ARC).
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This immersive and ever-evolving exhibit will be on display from May 25, 2024, to December 31, 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich geological history of Michigan and beyond.
Outdoor Facilities and Exhibits
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If you are interested in seeing the layout of Raven Hill's main campus area, you are at the right spot. Click the entrance sign picture to download a map showing the new Connections Trail slated to be installed in the spring of 2021. Call 231.536.3369 for an update on the Trail.
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The SteppesSteppes are defined as land that has no trees and the rainfall is more than a desert and less than a prairie. Our "Steppes" are just that and the newest place to hang out with family and friends.
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Accessible sidewalksIn 2019, a stunning visual entrance was installed at the Center. The Steppes are a great place to grab a snack and allow for an accessible pathway to the Picnic Pavilion and the Fiber Studio lavatory.
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Connections TrailThe Connections Trail is a half-mile pathway with learning stations spaced out along it. Stations include science, history and art. Visitors can look through kaleidoscopes, measure their paces, walk balance beams, draw at a sketching station, check the temperature at the Weather Station, learn about solar energy and check out their height compared to dinosaurs.
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Replicas from ancient civilizations, including a pyramid, sphynx, Easter Island Head, Roman Arch, Obelisk, and more!
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Whisper DishesWhisper in the focal point of one satellite dish and hear your partner 250 feet apart in the other satellite dish.
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The Taxonomic Trail has 26 tree families spaced out along it. Each tree family has a sign that tells how the trees in that family were or are used for food, medicine, shelter, transportation and other necessities of life. The Taxi Trail parallels the Connections Trail.
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Watershed ModelEnjoy the sound of moving water. "Sail" a boat down the river. Model includes a waterfall, wetlands area and springs bubbling up from the ground. All three tributaries come together and flow down to the "lake".
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Viewing platformEnjoy Deer Creek from the Viewing platform. You can enjoy the water from the deck or use the steps to cool off and explore the streambed.
