I recently paid another visit to one of my favorite places to visit in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, the Tahquamenon Logging Museum. I must say that I was very impressed with the museum and with everything I continue to learn about our great Upper Peninsula logging industry. It was very exciting to learn they have now updated many displays and they added two new high quality swing sets for the children to enjoy after they also learn much about Upper Peninsula logging with their parents. The Logging Museum now also offers a variety of scavenger hunts for the kids and the kids always have a very fun, truly memorable time at this museum.

The Tahquamenon Logging Museum is a great place to visit and learn about logging that is such a great part of our Upper Peninsula economy. This very informative and fun museum is located just over one mile north of Newberry on Highway 123. It has been in operation for more than 40 years and is a very popular attraction for tourists and many Upper Peninsula and local area residents as well. It is a designated State of Michigan Historic Site and they have many thousands of visitors every year!

At the Logging Museum, guests are welcome to explore the museum, the park, and the historical buildings throughout the property. Here you will find a fascinating collection of memorabilia and history from the lumberjack days of old. You will also have the opportunity to explore the original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) building that is full of old photos, models and original logging equipment. During your visit you will also be able to have an interesting close-up look at all the great variety of historic logging equipment. They also have a pavilion with occasional live band entertainment.

During your visit, you also have the opportunity to view a slide presentation of early logging in Michigan, and to visit an original logging family dwelling. Another special part of the Logging Museum is the nature trail that allows you to see a part of the Tahquamenon forest and the Tahquamenon River. On this nature trail you will likely see some ducks, various species of birds, and other wildlife, as you enjoy viewing this great river as it flows northeast toward Tahquamenon Falls.

They also have a very authentic Lumberjack Cook Shack building where they serve a wonderful lumberjack breakfast from 7 AM until Noon every fourth week-end of the month, usually on both Saturday and Sunday during May through September. Volunteers at the Tahquamenon Logging Museum cook these old fashion meals over a wood stove with homemade care and goodness. For very good reason, these lumberjack breakfasts are very popular! I remain very impressed with the fact that all the many personnel working at the Tahquamenon Logging Museum are volunteers. They give freely of their time and talents to make this museum such a friendly special place to visit. All of the admission fees stay at the museum to properly support this great facility.

The Logging Museum is open from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 30 every year. The museum buildings and gift shop are open from 10 AM to 5 PM seven days a week. Admission to the museum to see all the numerous buildings and the historic logging equipment is only $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 6 to 12 years, and free to children 5 and under. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit this great Logging Museum, I strongly encourage you to do so. It is a great fun way to learn about the history of the very important Upper Peninsula logging industry. Their informative website is www.tahquamenonloggingmuseum.org and their phone number is 906-293-3700.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of the best-selling SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet book and his new Joke Book, entitled “Laughter Is Good Medicine.” Dr. Jim’s website is sosdietbook.com.