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The Michigan History Center, part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, operates the Archives of Michigan and 11 museums and historic sites around the state.
On March 13, the Michigan History Center in Lansing, Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee and the Archives of Michigan in Lansing closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, all our staff began working from home. (See what we have been working on during closure.) In addition, our nine additional museums and historic sites did not open for their summer seasons in late-May.
We are pleased to announce that, since July 1, we have opened six of our historic sites, all of which are in state parks. We are working closely with the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.
Re-opening dates for our remaining museums and historic sites vary, with some not opening at all in 2020. Details on the status of all our sites are below, along with links to their websites for additional information, as applicable.
If you have questions, please contact us by email at MHCinfo@Michigan.gov.
Archives of Michigan, Lansing
Michigan History Museum, Lansing
Michigan.gov/Museum
The Michigan History Museum remains closed to the public, and no confirmed re-opening date has been set. We are working closely with agencies managing the state’s COVID-19 response to safely prepare the museum for re-opening, but do not expect the museum to re-open before Labor Day.
All scheduled programs and events have been canceled through Labor Day.
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Walker Tavern and Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, Brooklyn
Michigan.gov/CambridgeJunctionHSP
The historic buildings at Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, which include Walker Tavern, the Hewitt House and the barn, will not open for the 2020 season.
All summer programming, including the weekly Sunday Farmers Markets, has been canceled for the season.
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Father Marquette National Memorial in Straits State Park, St. Ignace
Michigan.gov/MarquetteMemorial
The outdoor structures, which include the memorial pavilion and grounds, are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Social distancing and the use of masks are encouraged.
No programming or events are scheduled at the Memorial in 2020.
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Fayette Townsite in Fayette Historic State Park, Garden
Michigan.gov/FayetteTownsite
Through October 18, some buildings at Fayette Townsite are open daily from 9 a.m. to dusk. The museum store inside the visitor center is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required inside buildings.
Most summer events at the park, including the annual Fayette Heritage Days, have been canceled for the season. Visit the Fayette Historic State Park events calendar for information on other park programs.
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Fort Wilkins and Copper Harbor Lighthouse, Copper Harbor
Michigan.gov/FtWilkins
Through October 15, some buildings at the fort are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Masks and social distancing are required inside buildings and encouraged on the grounds.
The Copper Harbor Lighthouse is closed for the season.
All summer programming at the park has been canceled for the season.
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Hartwick Pines Logging Museum in Hartwick Pines State Park, Graying
Michigan.gov/LoggingMuseum
Through October 24, the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required inside buildings and encouraged on the grounds.
The Memorial Building will be open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., when hosts are available.
The Michigan Forest Visitor Center, also in the park, is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note that the visitor center has very limited staff and cannot guarantee to be open on these days, so please call ahead at 989-348-2537.
All summer programming at the logging museum has been canceled for the season. Please visit the Hartwick Pines State Park event calendar for other park or campsite programs.
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Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum in North Higgins Lake State Park, Roscommon
Michigan.gov/HigginsLakeCCC
Some buildings at Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum are open Friday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through September 6. The grounds are open daily, year-round, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required inside buildings and encouraged on the grounds.
All summer programming at the museum has been canceled for the season. Please visit the North Higgins Lake State Park event calendar for other park event information.
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Mann House, Concord
Michigan.gov/MannHouse
Due to the small enclosed spaces in the historic home, the Mann House will remain closed to the public for the 2020 summer season.
All scheduled programs and events at the museum have been canceled.
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Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Negaunee
Michigan.gov/IronIndustryMuseum
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum remains closed to the public, and no confirmed re-opening date has been set. We are working closely with agencies managing the state’s COVID-19 response to safely prepare the museum for re-opening, but do not expect the museum to re-open before the end of July.
All scheduled programs and events at the museum have been canceled through Labor Day. Staff are working to move its weekly Tuesday Afternoon summer program series online. Visit the museum’s event calendar for more information.
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Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park, Cass City
Michigan.gov/SanilacPetroglyphs
Through September 6, the enclosure area that features the petroglyphs is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site will also open for a special bonus day on Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Masks and social distancing are encouraged inside the petroglyphs’ enclosure.
No programming or events are scheduled at the park in 2020.
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Tawas Point Lighthouse, East Tawas
Michigan.gov/TawasLighthouse
Due to high water and associated flooding, the Tawas Point Lighthouse and the museum store will be closed to the public for the summer 2020 season.
Please note that the park entrance road is closed to vehicles between the contact station and day-use area. The day-use road is open to those on foot and bike, but the pavilion, lighthouse and concessions are closed.
All summer events and programs at the lighthouse are canceled for the season.
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