Schoolcraft County Historical Society Pioneer Park
You’ll find the most extensive collection of objects and archives related to Schoolcraft County at the Schoolcraft County Historical Society’s Pioneer Park. Pioneer Park is located in the middle of Manistique, just past the famous Siphon Bridge.
The Water Tower located on the grounds is registered as a National Historic Place. This water tower is an octagonal-shaped, dome structure that housed 200,000 gallons of water from 1922 to 1966. The 137-foot Roman Revival-style tower peers out over the city scape and can be viewed from passersby on US 2. The Tower is home to various county artifacts and exhibits.
An anchor discovered in Seul Choix Bay in the early 1930s now graces the lawn, serving as a remnant of maritime past.
Manistique's rare 1914 Dodge Brothers fire truck and the 1880s hook-and-ladder truck are housed at the park. The hook-and-ladder truck responded to nearly all of Manistique’s historic fires, including the great fire of 1893, and was swiftly brought to the scenes by galloping horses. In 1929, Manistique's fire department fully motorized, converting the Dodge Chemical Truck into a ladder truck.
Visitors can explore the Post House, a meticulously furnished 1910 home, and the Kepler Cabin from the 1800s, which features a cobbler shop and farming and logging tools. Pioneer Park attracts travelers nationwide, offering a quaint yet rich historical experience, complete with a gift shop for local books and souvenirs.