Bringing the Past to Life - Meridian Historical Village

I make it a point to visit historical sites when I am on vacation but somehow I never take the time to see the historical sites that are within a Sunday’s drive from home.  So, when family arrived from California, I took a look at the map and suggested a trip to Okemos, Michigan to visit the Meridian Historical Village in picturesque Central Park.   There is not an entrance fee for this area but, if you feel inclined, donations are always appreciated.  

LOCATION:  5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, Michigan (USA)

Parking Your Car:  When you drive down Marsh Road (Village is on the west side of Marsh Road), look for the driveway to the Nokomis Learning Center (same address as the Historical Village).  This driveway will take you back to the public parking lot.   They ask that you not park in the lot next to the Village Chapel because it is intended for Meridian Township Fire and Public Safety personnel only. 

Planning Your Visit:  Central Park is open daily.  However, the historic buildings are only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (May through October).  Most of the buildings are handicap accessible.  The Village is operated by the Friends of Historic Meridian and the buildings are manned on a volunteer basis.  As a result, the Saturday we were here, they were short-staffed so not all of the buildings were open during our visit. 

The seven buildings that make up this historic park were re-located here from around the general vicinity and restored to their 19^th century appearance. 

Tollgate House (circa 1848)

Tollgate House

I never knew about wooden plank roads until I came here.  According to the Historical Village’s website “The Number 2 tollgate on the Lansing to Howell Plank Road was located on the south side of the current Grand River Avenue at Park Lake Road.  At one time, there were many gates and houses but this modest building is the only tollgate house that remains in Michigan today.”

General Store (built in 1877)

General Store - Exterior

General Store - Exhibit

General Store - Gift Shop Ideas

Originally located at the corner of Hamilton and Marsh Road, this two-story brick building was moved to the Village in 1988.  This is one of the three buildings that were open during our visit.  Inside the building is a small “general store exhibit” and gift shop. 

Barnes House (built in 1849)

Originally located on Okemos Road just south of Hamilton Road, this frame house was moved to the Village in 1997.  Over the years, the Barnes House has had many uses including a post office and millinery shop.  This is one of the buildings that we did not get the inside tour.

Grettenberger Farmhouse (built in the 1860’s)

This Greek-Revival style house was originally located on Marsh Road between Hamilton Road and Grand River Avenue.  It was the first building to be moved to the Village in 1973.  Unfortunately, this building was also closed during our visit.

Unruh Barn (built in the 1870’s)

This barn was originally located on the east side of Marsh Road just south of Tibert Road.  It was donated to the Village in 1991.  We were unable to see the exhibits inside the barn. 

Perkins-Copland Log Cabin (built early 1870’s)

The log cabin was moved to the Village in 2005.  This was another building we were unable to visit.

Randall Schoolhouse (built in 1883)

Randall Schoolhouse - Exterior and Interior

This one-room school was originally located on the northeast corner of Allen and Fowlerville Roads in Livingston County.  It was in use as a school until around 1975.   The Historical Village moved the school to its new location in 1987.  The desk, books and other items furnished inside the restored schoolhouse have been donated to the Village.  

There is a gazebo and a wooden observation deck (a Boy Scout project) near the small pond.  This is a quiet spot to enjoy nature.  

For more information on the Meridian Historical Village, please click on the following link:

Meridian Historical Village

If you come here on a Saturday (like we did), take a stroll through the Farmers Market located next to the Historical Village.   If you are in a shopping mood, the Meridian Mall is across the street.  If you are hungry, there are plenty of dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants within a several blocks of the Village.