Baraga County Historical Society Museum

This seasonal museum energetically collects artifacts and papers pertaining to Baraga County's wide-ranging history. Railroading and logging are major themes of the permanent collection, as are displays on Father Baraga and his admirers, town founders Captain James Bendry, an English Catholic and ship owner, and his resourceful Ojibwa wife, Charlotte. Time sheets for the Arvon slate quarry are here. The most striking artifact is a beautiful handmade globe almost five feet high, constructed and painted by Francis Jacker, a German immigrant, at his home at Portage Entry.

Each year there's a special theme exhibit. For 2005 there are new exhibits about railroads and logging in Baraga County, in addition to a new children's room with dolls and baby clothes, furniture, and gear for baby dolls and human babies.

Next to the museum is a picnic area with a grand view of Keweenaw Bay. Here are an early Pettibone Cary-Lift (a Baraga product used in logging and industries) and a lumber-era big wheel once used with horses to move logs over frozen ground. It was pulled out of a river where logging companies used to keep their equipment submerged when not in use. That way the wood spokes and axles would remain swollen and tight.
The museum shop has the best selection of books on Baraga County's wide-ranging history. The historic photo display is interesting. A good, short county history is online at www.baragacountyhistoricalmuseum.com . You might read it first, because the museum itself doesn't tell a general story of county development. The museum site also tells about engaging local research services through the museum. And its links are most worthwhile.

Another wonderful online source of historic Baraga County photographs is one section of Clyde Elmblad's interesting site, www.hwy41north.com .

In a newish log building on U.S. 41 in Baraga, just north of the Best Western Lakeside Inn. (906) 353-8444. Open from June through September. Tues-Sat 11-3. Tours available at other times with at least two weeks' notice. Call Jim at (906) 353-6810. $2/adult, $1 for ages 12 to 18. Large family discount. Wheelchair-accessible.

Return to Baraga

BARAGA
POINTS OF INTEREST

Baraga State Park. A great place for a pleasant break from one's trip along U.S. 41, at the beach with picnic area and bathhouse on Keweenaw Bay—or on an interesting 3/4 mile trail along old beach ridges and past a beaver pond, away from highway noi ... more

Ojibwa Recreation Area. See a diverse array of Native Americans in traditional garb at this powwow with drumming, dancing, crafts ... more

Baraga County Historical Society Museum. Picnic area with a grand bay view. Seasonal museum with interesting artifacts, photos, and books on area Ojibwa, Father Baraga, English/Ojibwa town founders stranded by an early winter storm. logging, railroads, Arvon slate, Finnish homesteads, James Oliver Curwood, Pettibone Cary-Lift. ... more

Best of the Best U.P. Maps

See our U.P. interactive maps that locate the best experiences the U.P. has to offer—from camping & hiking to good eating & vistas! We also have created useful maps to major U.P. TOWNS.

Incredibly Useful!
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula • Favorite hikes, beaches, restaurants, shops, lighthouses, scenic drives, waterfalls, & much more
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here

Make Custom Gifts at CafePress