Historic White Pine Village — Attraction in Pere Marquette Charter Township

Very well displayed history. Several buildings on the property. Demonstrations on site were minimal due to Covid-19. The hands on interactive projects were ceased too. However, the buildings had self read short stories of locals and how they lived, worked, chores. If you enjoy learning about the history specifically of the area - families, farmers, school (no computers back then -haha) sawmills, blackamith, original courthouse/jail, trading company this is worth the visit. Small children may not appreciate the history value and lack of hands on activities (mentioned above) but may find the old tractors, tools in the black smith and saw mill cool. It took me and my daughter about 2 hours to walk thru and see everything.

I had many favorite buildings but the military building left me emotional. The information going back to WWI thru Vietnam War. Casualties of War, POW names of local men and women in the area was disheartening. A lot of casualties from this local area.. size it up compared to the nation. I learned a big part of military history and the US involvement in the wars along with allies with other countries. Women's rolls in the military thru history to more recent approval 2016 to participate in combat.. There is a binder with original letters written from soldiers to wives.

Note: the village is looking for artifacts from more recent wars Vietnam, Gulf and Desert Storm wars to display.

My teenage daughter got a big kick out of the letters in the binder.. when someone volunteered to join the military they had to attest that they read the rules, requirements of 3 year agreement, loyalty to represent the US (not a spy) and that were not drunk or drinking at the time they signed up. Someone had to witness their signature. (I believe they still have a witness of signature like an active military personal). She laughed asking if that was a problem in the old days with guys getting drunk and volunteering to join the military. Lastly, the gift shop has nostalgia candy sticks, bubbleyum and other favorite candies from when I was a kid in the 70's. In addition to other affordable souvenirs.

Enjoy your visit. My photos are minimal due to storage space on my phone. These were taken specifically for my son who was...

Learn about the history of Pere Marquette, Buttersville, Ludington, and Mason County. White Pine Village is a collection of historically significant buildings, equipment, and other artifacts from the area and is home to the Mason County Historical Society and Archives. White Pine Village also hosts various events throughout the year including: a Corn Roast, a Clown Band Concert, a Civil War Muster, Old Time Baseball game, Trick-or-Treating, Christmas Village, and more!

You can get an annual family membership for $100/yr which allows you and your family admission all year long! Single, couples, and veterans memberships are also available ($60/yr, $75/yr, and$40/yr respectively).

While you're at the village tour the buildings and talk to the first-person actors or stop by the Town Hall and get a Country Dairy ice cream cone!

I personally like the blacksmith shop. Several times a year a guest blacksmith is in the shop creating nails, horseshoes, or other knickknacks. I also enjoy watching the sawmill when it's in action.

Finally your membership at White Pine Village includes admission to the Maritime Museum in Ludington. It's...

Pluses: Lovely grounds. Super nice staff. Neat historical buildings restored and relocated together on about ten acres, the immersion actors were great, the car museum was very cool, the fully outfitted barn was interesting, and delicious ice cream. The entire experience is well worth the nominal $10 entry fee.

Minuses: Alot of reading material about the the 20th & 21st centuries from the colonists perspective as still taught in public schools. Natives were bad, Europeans were civilized and good. Look at all the wondrous progress they made such as logging out the virgin forests, near extinction level trapping/fur trade, erosive farming, and strip mining. Indian schools were the gift of education and not a reprogramming tool. Its time to at least speak the truth and not insult the intelligence of 21st century observers.

Notes: You can bring a cooler and picnic on grounds, a lot if walking, some optional stairs ("handicap accessible" was not a thing back in the day), bring some cash the snack building doesn't accept cards unless you want to pay back at the entrance. Free parking. Outdoors and no A/C back then so plan...