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Photo by the Charlevoix Historical Society
Charlevoix's History Museums
Much of Charlevoix’s rich history is preserved by the Charlevoix Historical Society through its two museums, The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum.
Harsha House
The Harsha House was built in 1891 by Charlevoix businessman Horace Harsha and was the family home. Harsha’s daughter, Irene, married Earl Young, the Charlevoix architect know for his “mushroom” hobbit houses. The Queen Anne style home was donated to the Historical Society by his granddaughter, Ann Harsha in 1979.
The museum has three Victorian period rooms to view, the 3 1/2 order fresnel lens that was on the Grays Reef Lighthouse, Ernest Hemingway’s original license for his marriage to Hadley Richardson, a working 1917 player piano and other local historical artifacts.
Also at the Harsha House are more than 9,000 historical photos, slides and negatives and history research materials. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday during March and April, Tuesday-Saturday during May and June and September-January, and Monday-Saturday during July and August.
For more information on Harsha House:
103 State St, Charlevoix, MI, 49720
(231) 547-0373
Charlevoix Depot Museum
The Charlevoix Depot Museum was donated to the Charlevoix Historical Society by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pew in June of 1992. It has been restored and preserved through various fundraising events and is used as a venue for the Historical Society’s events and programs, and is also available to patron level members for private events as well as non-profit organizations. It is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places and is designated as part of the Charlevoix Historic District.
For more information on the Charlevoix Depot Museum:
305 Chicago Ave, Charlevoix, MI, 49720
(231) 547-0373
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan Arts Scene
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
Sledding and Ice Skating in Northern Michigan
Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Up North Snowmobiling
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
Hike and Bike the North Country Trail
The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the U.S. and stretches from North Dakota to New York, passing through Northern Michigan.
Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson
The Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson produces three strains of brown trout and one strain of rainbow trout.
Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw’s History
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey
Crooked Tree Arts Center is a place where artists from northern Michigan can display their talents and artwork to the public.
Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Sailing in Northern Michigan for Adults & Kids
Sailing is a special pastime that often brings friends together in Northern Michigan. And no wonder. The sailing here is wonderful.
Cross Country Ski Trails
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.