The Great Outdoors is Your Classroom

Where can you experience a classroom as big as the outdoors?  I discovered the Hartley Outdoor Education Center.  It is located at 12633 Beaver Road, St. Charles Saginaw County, Michigan (USA).  I couldn't find their regular business hours but the phone number is: (989) 865-6295.

The Center has over 300 acres of forests and meadows with a river flowing through the property. There is a visitor center (wasn't open - so no restrooms available during our visit) and a number of historic buildings on the property.  The Center provides “hands-on” learning programs/camps for youth.  It is a great place for families to learn about history, nature, and the environment all in a fun outdoor setting.

View behind the Visitor Center

Since none of the buildings were open during our Sunday afternoon visit, we begin our “self-guided” tour by walking the trail.  The first building we see is the Schroeder Log Cabin.  In 1896 this 1.5 story log home was built by John Schroeder for his family. The cabin was moved to the Hartley Outdoor Education Center in 1978.    It was listed as a State of Michigan Historic Site in 1981.  

Schroeder Cabin

Next, we begin a short walk down the trail to the Coal Mine No. 8 Historic Site.  The Robert Gage Coal Mining Company mined coal here from 1917-1931.  It was listed on the State of Michigan Historic Sites in 1980.  After the coal mine building, the nature trail continues winding its way through the forest.  Unfortunately, the bugs are “bugging” us so we return to the car.

Coal Mine No. 8

We drive to the Murphy Farm (part of the Hartley Outdoor property located at 13240 Townline Road).  The complex of buildings includes the Murphy Farmhouse, barns, and the Henige Cabin/General Store. 

Murphy Farmhouse  

Henige Cabin/General Store and Red Barn

The Murphy Farm site is where we find the Fowler One Room School (1882-1943).  It was moved here from its original location (corner of Burt and Chapin Roads in Marion Twp) in 1988.  A year later, the school was listed as a State of Michigan Historic Site.     

Fowler Schoolhouse

Interested in seeing more one room schools - refer to my blog on Michigan One Room Schools by clicking on the following link:

Denice's Michigan One Room Schools Blog

The town of St. Charles is only 1.5 miles from here. I understand that it does have some good locally-owned dining options.  For a larger selection of dining and lodging options, there is the touristy town of Frankenmuth (about 27.5 miles) or you can try a larger city like Saginaw (about 18 miles).  

Keep your mind and body active and try to learn something new everyday!