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Facilities and Exhibits

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Note: There is no restaurant available on site, but there are drinks for sale in the gift shop and picnic tables available, if you bring your own lunches. 

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.

 

Indoor Exhibits

  • Hands-on activities including light, sound, motion, magnets, music, earth and life sciences.

  • Reptiles and amphibians that you can meet and hold, if you are up to the adventure!

  • Example of a one room school house chronicling the history of education with desks from the 1890s to present day.

  • Timelines of many different types of technology from modern day back to the stone age.

  • The twenty foot long 3D Periodic Table of the Elements displays elements and products made with different elements.

  • Natural history and multipurpose room.

  • Explore all manner of fiber classes

  • An off-the-grid house to show solar energy conversion and sustainable living. Open by request.

  • Antique linotype and letter press on display and room for hands-on printmaking

  • Woodworking tools for classes, exhibit building and maintenance.

  • Science, history and how-to art mediums

  • Location for many art classes, but also available for use with Great Room rental for your next event.

  • Raven Hill has an active Ham Radio Station, which is used by the Raven Hill Discovery Center Amateur Radio Club (RHDC ARC).

  • The beginning and end of your visit inside Raven Hill Discovery Center

Outdoor Facilities and Exhibits

  • 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.

  • The Steppes
    The Steppes

    Steppes 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.

  • Accessible sidewalks
    Accessible sidewalks

    In 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.

  • Recycled and tuned musical instruments in an outside garden setting.

  • Geologic history of Earth

  • Accessible Tree House built in the shape of a maple leaf

  • Replicas from ancient civilizations, including a pyramid, sphynx, Easter Island Head, Roman Arch, Obelisk, and more!

  • Whisper Dishes
    Whisper Dishes

    Whisper in the focal point of one satellite dish and hear your partner 250 feet apart in the other satellite dish.

  • This boardwalk crosses the swamp and connects the main campus and Ancient World

  • Rain gardens to help protect our watershed

  • Tell time on a sunny day. Created and donated by Leadership Little Traverse.

  • For learning and exploring

  • In progress

  • Watershed Model
    Watershed Model

    Enjoy 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".

  • Viewing platform
    Viewing platform

    Enjoy 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.

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