Flint is a city in Michigan known for its automotive industry history. While cars put Flint on the map, there are many great things to see and do beyond auto museums. Flint has fantastic parks, cultural attractions, and unique restaurants. Here are the 18 best things to do in Flint, Michigan.
1. Visit Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Address: 6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad is a beloved open-air museum. It recreates a mid-Michigan village from the 1800s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate trades and activities from the era. Highlights include a vintage carousel, model train exhibit, antique shops, and horse-drawn carriage rides. The village comes alive during special events like the Huckleberry Railroad and Civil War Remembrance.
2. Explore Sloan Museum & Longway Planetarium
The Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium next door are top attractions for learning about Flint’s history and the universe. The Sloan Museum has excellent permanent exhibits about the Flint Sit-Down Strike, local Native Americans, and more. They also host fun temporary exhibits. Longway Planetarium has space science displays, laser shows, and educational star shows in its aluminum dome.
3. See Exotic Animals at Flint Zoo
Flint Zoo is a small zoo home to over 100 exotic and endangered animals. Visitors can see kangaroos, zebras, camels, lemurs, reptiles, and birds from around the world. The zoo has many fun animals you can hand-feed like giraffes, deer, and goats. They also host events like Zoo Brew and Boo at the Zoo. Flint Zoo provides close-up encounters with amazing wildlife.
4. Bike the Flint River Trail
The Flint River Trail offers great biking through the city. The main trail spans 7.5 miles from downtown to Kettering University’s Campus. It has paved paths following the Flint River and passing many attractions like the Farmers’ Market, museums, and arts venues. The trail connects to other local routes like the Mott Lake Loop. Visitors can rent bikes from places like Bike Flint to fully explore the trails.
5. Kayak the Flint River
For on-the-water adventures, kayak down the Flint River. Companies like Flint River Paddles offer guided tours and rentals from their location downtown. You can paddle down scenic sections of the river right through the heart of the city. They also have evening paddles where you can see the city lights. Kayaking the Flint River provides fun outdoor recreation and new views of Flint.
6. See a Show at the Whiting Auditorium
Address: 1241 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
The beautifully restored Whiting Auditorium hosts national touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedians and more. The elegant 2,011-seat theater opened in 1934 and still impresses with its stately architecture. Famous performers who have graced the Whiting’s stage include James Earl Jones, Aretha Franklin, and Yo-Yo Ma. Catch a spectacular show in this historic Flint venue.
7. Tour the Flint Farmers’ Market
Address: 300 E First St, Flint, MI 48502
Flint Farmers’ Market is a must-visit destination with fresh produce, unique shops and eateries. The large market filled with colorful stalls is a great spot to sample local fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and baked goods. They have fun eateries like Crepes et Amis cafe and shops selling Michigan products. Enjoy a meal or find some take-home foodie treats. The Farmers’ Market also hosts regular cooking demos and events.
8. See Motorsports at Flint Speedway
Auto racing fans will love Flint Speedway. This historic track opened in 1951 and continues hosting Saturday night races April through September. Events include sprint cars, late models, modifieds, and stock cars. The speedway has affordable family-friendly entertainment and lets spectators get close to the action in the pits. Catch the excitement of motorsports at a beloved local short track.
9. Play Disc Golf at Various City Parks
Flint has several top-notch disc golf courses in the parks system perfect for new and experienced players. Courses like Hurley Park, Oakwood Park, and Pierce Memorial Park feature well-designed layouts with challenges like water hazards and elevation changes. Players can enjoy the outdoors while testing their Frisbee skills on these free courses. The parks also have amenities like playgrounds, trails, and picnic spots.
10. Shop for Antiques & Vintage in Downtown Flushing
Downtown Flushing near Main St and Union St has excellent antique and vintage shopping. Stores like Annie’s Unique Antiques, Merchant Square, and Spring Hill Antique Gallery have rooms filled with treasures. Shoppers can find anything from furniture and estate jewelry to vintage toys and glassware. Stop for a bite at the local cafes and bakeries while browsing for hidden gems. Flushing is a short drive from Flint for a fun antique outing.
11. See a Hockey Game at the Dort Financial Center
Address: 3501 Lapeer Rd, Flint, MI 48503
Catch fast-paced hockey games in Flint with the Flint Firebirds at the Dort Financial Center. The Firebirds are a junior ice hockey team who play from September through March. They have an exciting team featuring future NHL stars. Tickets are very affordable, and the arena makes for an intimate hockey experience. Enjoy a tradition Michigan pastime watching hockey in Flint.
12. Attend Concerts & Events at Atwood Stadium
Atwood Stadium on the University of Michigan-Flint campus hosts concerts under the stars in summer along with other outdoor events. Major acts like Foo Fighters and Kid Rock have rocked the stadium. Upcoming concerts feature performances by bands including The Beach Boys. Beyond music, Atwood Stadium hosts events like graduation, community festivals, and food truck rallies. It is a terrific venue for Flint entertainment.
13. See a Performance at the Flint Youth Theatre
Address: 1220 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
The Flint Youth Theatre stages fantastic musicals and plays performed by local kids. The theater program allows Flint students to participate in all aspects of production from acting to set design.
Productions include popular titles like Willy Wonka, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR, and Annie. It is inspiring to see the talent on stage and support the arts in Flint.
14. Take a Food Tour of Flint
Taste your way through the Flint food scene on a fun food tour with Flint Food Tours. These walking tours take you to 5-6 downtown eateries to sample local cuisine. Stops include restaurants, markets, bakeries and food trucks serving up dishes like sausage sandwiches, crepes, barbecue, cupcakes and more. Food tours run Saturday mornings and provide a delicious introduction to Flint.
`15. Learn About Nature at For-Mar Nature Preserve
16. Go Rock Climbing at Terra Firma
For indoor thrills, head to Terra Firma. Their 11,000-square-foot climbing facility has walls up to 44 feet tall with over 160 roped routes. They offer intro classes plus day passes, memberships and youth programs. The gym has routes suitable for all skill levels from beginners to advanced. Test your skills on their fun climbing walls and obstacles.
17. See a Concert at the Capitol Theatre
Address: 40 E 2nd St, Flint, MI 48502 Downtown’s historic Capitol Theatre hosts concerts in a dazzling renovated 1928 movie palace. The ornate two-story theater has a balcony, grand lobby, and seating for 1,600 people.
Upcoming shows include country stars like Travis Tritt along with rock, comedy and tribute acts. Enjoy great entertainment in this spectacular Flint entertainment venue.
18. Learn Local History at the Durant-Dort Carriage Company
Address: 316 W Water St, Flint, MI 48503
The Durant-Dort Carriage Company provides insights into Flint’s 19th-century origins. The factory founded in 1886 eventually switched to building innovative Buick automobiles. Today the site features a museum with an excellent carriage display and auto exhibits. Costumed reenactors demonstrate historic trades. Stop by this pivotal early industrial site to understand Flint’s roots.
I hope this gives you lots of ideas for fun things to do in Flint and its must-see attractions. With cultural attractions, entertainment venues, trails, parks, events and more, Flint has something for everyone. If you love Michigan like me, visit Let’s Save Michigan Travel Blog for more information about culture, society, and tourism in this beautiful state.
