Walker Tavern Historic Site is now Cambridge Junction Historic State Park

At the corner of the Old Chicago Road (U.S. 12) and the La Plaisance Pike (M-50) in Michigan’s Irish Hills, a modest, one-and-a-half story farmhouse has sat for nearly two centuries. Built about 1832, the white clapboard Walker Tavern is perched atop of a small bluff overlooking U.S. 12. It originally was only a few footsteps off the "Old Sauk" Native American trail, which became U.S. 12 and was the main route for connecting Detroit and Chicago. The tavern quickly became a gathering place where travelers making the grueling five-day trip could rest, enjoy a meal or stay the night.

The Michigan History Center has operated the tavern as a historic site since 1965. Along with two additional historic structures, the tavern is part of an 80-acre state park. Walker Tavern and a reconstructed barn focus on the 1840s and 50s with artifacts and exhibits about people, travel and work. The 1929 colonial revival Hewitt House Visitors Center tells stories of early auto tourism, including the Irish Hills’ famous 20th century roadside tourist attractions like the Prehistoric Forest, Frontier City, and Mystery Hill.

The name change helps the Center tell a larger story about the importance of roads and traveling to Michigan history.

The 2018 summer season includes favorite annual programs and a few new events! It kicks off on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m. when the Walker Wheels Base Ball Club hosts its home opener against the Greenfield Village Lah-De-Das. The team plays baseball following the rules of 1860s, when the game was still new and spelled as two words. Additional games are scheduled for June and July. Admission to the games are free for vehicles with a Recreation Passport.

This summer also marks the 10th anniversary of the Walker Tavern Farmers Market, a Sunday morning tradition. Open weekly May 27 through October 7 (except for June 10 and August 12, which are race days at the nearby Michigan International Speedway), the market runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features 50 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods and locally produced crafts.

Visitors to the May 27 season opener are in for a special treat. “For the fourth year in a row the first 500 visitors in the park on market day receive a Walker Tavern Farmers Market tote bag as a thank you gift,” noted site historian Laurie Perkins. “Each year we feature a new bag color. This year it is red!”

Festivities to mark the special anniversary are scheduled all summer long. David Brainerd, a local apple farmer who has served as the market master since the beginning, said, “At the August 26 market, we will be honoring all our vendors for their continued support and giving awards for those who have been with us for five and ten years.” 

The Farmers Market supports special events that will take place over the summer, including a concert on the lawn series featuring local musicians, formal teas, a two-day quilt workshop, explorations of the natural environment for kids, and more! For a full list of summer programs and events, visit our website at www.michigan.gov/mhc.

Cambridge Junction Historic State Park Visitor Information

A Michigan State Parks Recreation Passport is required for entry to the grounds. Please note that some special events require a fee or donation.

April 13 - May 27: Grounds open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historic buildings will be open on May 27

May 30 - September 2: Grounds and historic buildings open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 7 - October 7: Grounds open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grounds and historic buildings open Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Plan your visit.