CASPIAN, Mich. (WJMN) – If you’re looking for a true Upper Peninsula experience, put the Iron County Historical Museum on your GPS.
“The biggest takeaway is what a labor of love this museum is and what a community effort it is,” museum director Katherine Long said. “Everything on display here has been donated, given and, in very rare cases, purchased. But it’s all Iron County.”
With over 20 buildings and a wide variety of exhibits on site, there’s plenty to see wherever you look.
“Take your time and come back again and again. I’ve been here since 2021 and I still walk there every day, going from here to there, no matter what you’re doing, you see things that you didn’t notice before,” Long added.
The museum is filled with artifacts from decades ago, and the museum serves Iron County residents as they write the next chapter in the history of the Upper Peninsula.
“We’ve just finished the Michigan Corridor Timeline,” Long continued, “and the final step towards completion is lettering that portrays Michigan, Iron County and the U.S. The timeline is divided into three sections, showing how the histories of Michigan, the UP, Iron County and the U.S. are intertwined.”
The museum is also undergoing renovations to its Heritage Hall.
“This was originally a meeting space. Fundraisers, plays, music, all the things that were big events in the ’70s and ’80s were held here. Over time it turned into a jumble of exhibit sets that didn’t fit anywhere else. We’ve removed everything from there. We’ve re-fitted the rafters. Connor Sports Flooring just donated the flooring,” Long continued, “Then we’ll get to the real work, which is building all the new exhibits there.”
In addition to self-guided tours, we also offer special events such as Historical Happy Hours, tastings, tapas and tours. More information on these events can be found here.
Donations to the museum are always welcome, and we also welcome volunteers who have the skills and time to spare.
