(WWJ) A National Historic Landmark is a "historic building, site, structure, object or district that represents an outstanding aspect of American history and culture and embodies national significance."
It's the highest level of historic designation — with fewer than 2,600 spots in the U.S. making the cut — and Michigan is home to 43 of them!
According to the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan's National Historic Landmark-designated sites include everything from skyscrapers, neighborhoods, ships, factories and even an island. (We bet you can guess which one!).
There are 19 NHLs in the Metro Detroit area, including Cranbrook, Meadowbrook Hall, the Fisher Building and the GM Tech Center. You'll find more than half-a-dozen NHLs in Northern Michigan, from the Ernest Hemingway Cottage in Petoskey, to Mackinac Island (Yep, that's the one), up to the Calumet Historic District in the Upper Peninsula.
Many of Nichigan's NHLs are popular tourist destinations, while others are quite a bit less well-known. FULL LIST HERE.
GO HERE TO SEE AN INTERACTIVE MAP.
What makes these places so special? National Historic Landmarks can be buildings, sites, districts, structures, that have been found to be "exceptional because of their abilities to demonstrate exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the U.S. in history, architecture, archeology, technology, and culture." National Historic Landmarks are said possess a high degree of integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. The sites are chosen with the help of studies by the undertaken by the National Park Service, and then designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior with input from an advisory board. (Learn more).
Something to note for would be-visitors: These sites are owned by both public and private entities, so not all NHLs are publicly accessible.
Get more information about the National Historic Landmark program at this link.
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