Step back in time and join us for a Ghost Tour: 24 Trains, Towns, and Lumber Camps of NE Mason County! Get ready to secure your tickets when they go on sale on April 3rd– anticipation is high, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly!
Prepare for an afternoon steeped in history as characters from the past materialize before your eyes. On June 1st, the Mason County Historical Society beckons you to embark on a special bus tour, delving into the mysteries of an abandoned railroad, ghost towns, and forgotten lumber camps nestled in the northeastern reaches of Mason County.
In 1899, luminaries of lumber from Manistee and Ludington forged the Manistee & Grand Rapids Railroad, a standard gauge marvel weaving through the landscapes from Manistee, through Filer City and Stronach, onwards into the heart of northeast Mason County, and finally reaching its terminus in Marion, Osceola County. For three decades, this railroad hummed with activity, ferrying lumber, freight, and passengers with its network of depots scattered across Mason County.
Fast forward a century, and remnants of this once-thriving railroad linger in plain sight, silent witnesses to a bygone era. Join us as we trace the path of the M&GR aboard our bus tour. Along the way, we'll tread through ghost towns and explore the whispers of abandoned lumber camps, each step an enlightening reminder of yesteryears.
As the day draws to a close, immerse yourself in a delectable dinner with a special presentation by MCHS Board President James Jensen that will shed light on the rich history of Free Soil and Meade townships. Don't miss this unique opportunity to commune with the past—reserve your tickets before they fade into the mists of time! Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 3rd.
Tickets include a bus tour, dinner, and historical presentation. All proceeds go to the Mason County Historical Society to help preserve, protect, and present the history of Mason County.
Mason County Historical Society is a non-profit entity supported through donations, memberships, and ticket sales. MCHS received no tax support.
This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of Filer Credit Union.
