White Pine Village Turns 50: A Golden Year of History and Celebration
Honoring Our First 50. Inspiring Our Next 50.
The Mason County Historical Society is celebrating 50 years of preserving and sharing history at Historic White Pine Village in Ludington. This living-history village features a remarkable collection of original buildings – from a courthouse and doctor’s office to a schoolhouse and blacksmith shop – offering visitors an immersive step back into Michigan’s pioneer past.
To commemorate this milestone year in 2026, the Society has planned a full calendar of special events, including a pioneer breakfast, colonial cooking demonstrations, and a logging encampment experience. Guests can also explore a new Heritage Trail, featuring interpretive markers that share stories of daily life in the 1900s. Additionally, the celebration will introduce new exhibits at the Phoenix Fire Barn and Blacksmith Shop, making this anniversary season one to remember.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT | FRIDAY, JUNE 19-SATURDAY, JUNE 20 | 10AM-5PM
The Military History Academy will observe America’s 250th Anniversary (or Semiquincentennial) by representing the encampment of the 8th Massachusetts as an example of a “regular” U.S. military unit with ties to Michigan history. The encampment will include interactive and historical drills. During Father’s Day weekend, general admission is half off.
DAY-LONG 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION | FRIDAY, JULY 3 | 9AM-5PM
Honoring Historic White Pine Village’s 50-year legacy, a full day of community-focused activities will be held during Independence Day weekend in Ludington. The schedule includes:
9:30-11 a.m. – A pioneer-style breakfast will be served. (150 tickets available) (ticketed event)
11 a.m.-12 p.m. – An anniversary ceremony, with reflections on the past and a look ahead, will be led by the Mason County Historical Society. The unveiling of new exhibits at the Phoenix Fire Barn and Blacksmith Shop will also be featured, in addition to the introduction of a new Heritage Trail with markers at multiple buildings throughout the village. These enhancements tell the story of Mason County in a clear chronological journey – from the lumbering era, through agriculture, to early modernization – helping visitors better understand how communities were built, how people lived and worked, and how the past continues to shape the present. \
12-3 p.m. – Hands-on historical experiences, such as an ice cream social, vintage games, craft demonstrations, sawmill operations, and flint knapping, will be offered. The village will be open all afternoon for exploration and engagement with staff and docents.
COLONIAL COOKING | SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 | 11AM-12PM
Alisa Crawford’s Colonial Cooking program offers a historic look into the recipes used and how ingredients were obtained during the 18th Century as America sought its independence. Tasting samples is encouraged during this event!
LOGGING ENCAMPMENT DEMONSTRATION | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 | 11AM-4PM
As part of Ludington Lumber Days, witness a logging encampment reenactment and experience the region’s logging life firsthand, as costumed educators share the tools of the trade and details of life and culture unique to Michigan’s late-1800s frontier.
All events will take place at Historic White Pine Village, 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for youth (ages 4-12), $18 for seniors. (Ages 3 and under are free.) Tickets may be purchased at the village or the Mason County Historical Society & Emporium, 130 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
To learn more about Mason County’s agricultural, logging, and maritime beginnings, visit the Pure Ludington website to find museums and cultural trails.
