The nation’s first Highway Travel Information center opened on May 4, 1935, on US-12 at New Buffalo. Built by the Michigan State Highway Department, now the Michigan Department of Transportation, it welcomed motorists entering the state via US-12. Other states followed Michigan’s lead, and by 1985 there were 251 travel information centers across the nation. After the I-94 Freeway was completed, the New Buffalo center was relocated to this site with its more modern building on April 6, 1972. Michigan’s statewide travel information program, which began in 1935, includes staffed welcome centers and interpretive, promotional and informational displays at rest areas and roadside parks across the state.