Hartwick Pines Logging Museum
Museum · Grayling ·

Hartwick Pines Logging Museum

Museum · Grayling ·

Logging museum, old growth forest, recreated buildings, demonstrations

logging museum
old growth forest
visitor center
walking trails
nice park
pine trees
chapel in the pines
museum displays
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum by null

Information

4216 Ranger Rd, Grayling, MI 49738 Get directions

Information

Static Map

4216 Ranger Rd, Grayling, MI 49738 Get directions

+1 989 348 2537
michigan.gov
@michigan_history_center
𝕏
@mihistorycenter

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Jan 28, 2026

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@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

12 Secrets Hidden in the Woods

"Nestled within the woods of Hartwick Pines State Park, abutting one of the few remaining old growth forests in Michigan, the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum depicts the daily lives of the lumberjacks living and working in Michigan’s northern forests in the 19th century. The complex includes a recreated tool shop, bunkhouse, and kitchen, and an old sawmill. There are also several unique pieces of heavy equipment displayed that were once used by the lumberjacks plying their trade. All come together to paint a picture of the hardships endured by these workers over 100 years ago. The trail to the museum from the park’s visitor center is worth the walk, as it passes through a 49-acre segment of old growth forest—one of only a few remaining in the state. Most of the forests in northern Michigan were logged during the lumber boom that spread across the state in the second half of the 19th century. Regardless of your opinion of logging itself, this history museum is quite interesting, particularly the awkward-looking and often dangerous big wheels used during the warm-weather months to move the felled trees." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/secrets-hidden-in-the-woods
rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

10 Places to Fall in Love With Fall

"Nestled within the woods of Hartwick Pines State Park, abutting one of the few remaining old growth forests in Michigan, the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum depicts the daily lives of the lumberjacks living and working in Michigan’s northern forests in the 19th century. The complex includes a recreated tool shop, bunkhouse, and kitchen, and an old sawmill. There are also several unique pieces of heavy equipment displayed that were once used by the lumberjacks plying their trade. All come together to paint a picture of the hardships endured by these workers over 100 years ago. The trail to the museum from the park’s visitor center is worth the walk, as it passes through a 49-acre segment of old growth forest—one of only a few remaining in the state. Most of the forests in northern Michigan were logged during the lumber boom that spread across the state in the second half of the 19th century. Regardless of your opinion of logging itself, this history museum is quite interesting, particularly the awkward-looking and often dangerous big wheels used during the warm-weather months to move the felled trees." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/10-places-to-fall-in-love-with-fall
rickbbiking (Atlas Obscura User)
Hartwick Pines Logging Museum

Samantha T.

Google
Stopped here on a whim last Sunday. It's a pretty small place, easily gone through in under an hour. The interactive displays were pretty cool, there were blacksmiths working outside, and park employees were giving tours and antique toy demonstrations. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area.

Todd J.

Google
Although there were some areas affected by this past spring's ice storm, I still enjoyed the museum's displays. Lots of walk through buildings with many real life displays and dioramas.

Brandon K.

Google
This is one of my favorite state parks ever. It doesn't matter what season it is, the landscape is always gorgeous. Everything from the visitor center, to the museum, to the memorial building and even the chapel are steeped in history, and education /knowledge. There are so many trails to choose from. From a simple 2 Mile trail, all the way up to a 7 plus mile trail, all through an expansive Forest steeped in history and beauty. My family plans to make this a yearly trip to come and explore, admire the ancient Forest and learn about the history of Michigan's logging empire.

Kari B.

Google
Hartwick Pines was a place my parents took me as a child. I finally was able to share it with my family.

Matthew C.

Google
We love walking the trail at Hartwick Pines it is a dog friendly place to walk with clean trails and interesting history everywhere you look! The parking was accessible and they even had 2 charging stations for EV cars, but unfortunately, they were out of order while we were there. Lots to see check it out it is an easy walk.

Robin J.

Google
Museum was interesting as was the visitor center. Had to rush through because the dog was in the car and pets aren't allowed in the buildings. Plan on visiting again when I don't have the pooch with me. I didn't get many pictures, unfortunately.

Wayne G.

Google
Very interesting museum. We came to get a photo of the CCC Worker statue (why doesn't anyone working the front gates ever know where these are? Don't they actually go inside the parks where they work?). It was a short, pleasant walk from the visitor's center.

tonetone090 1

Google
Always cool to learn about old stuff, staff that was around was nice. I will sat that the path to the chapel paved buy it is not flat it's up hill then down and up a little again, no big deal just said that it was.
google avatar

Shelley A.

Yelp
We stopped here to break up our trip on the way home from up north. I'd love to go back! The Old Growth Trail was lovely to walk through in the fall. There's a cute little logging museum along the way. I loved the beautiful juxtaposition of the fall leaves with the pines and hemlocks. The path is fully paved, and a nice walk for a quick stop along I75 between Ann Arbor and up north. I'd love to go back there.
google avatar

Dawn R.

Yelp
Our stay was very nice and somewhat quiet. It is summer so kids are out until after 11 apparently but... we still enjoyed our stay. It was pretty hot and we assume all were using their air conditioning units which kept causing the power to go out. But, the campground was on top of it and got it back up quickly. So, a huge kudos to the campground and its staff for taking such great care of this park. As newbies here we'd go back. We liked it.
google avatar

Amanda L.

Yelp
Hartwick Pines State Park is hands down one of the best state parks this beautiful state has to offer, no question about it! It's almost a bit of a hidden gem just because it's not along any lakeshore, so I feel like it isn't as highly trafficked as you might think. Basically, the low traffic levels just feel very disproportionate to how stunningly beautiful this park is and all it has to offer! I don't think I saw a single person here throughout my entire hike, which was sad because it was a beautiful, winter day, early evening & the sun was still shining! If you like pines and old growth forests, well then...you clearly have to come here! It's so beautiful, so interesting, the views are endless and constantly changing, there's almost like too much to look at and appreciate and it kept me fully engaged throughout the entire hike. The hike was absolutely beautiful and almost leisurely, with a big hill at the end of the trail I was on to really spice things up a bit before the hike was over. It was truly perfect. I had a great time here and so did my dog and I am consciously planning when I can come back here again because it was just that incredible!
google avatar

A.J. C.

Yelp
Attended Wood Shaving Days Festival. A couple of hours was the perfect amount of time to take a leisurely walk, to see the museum and demonstrations, and to visit the vendors. We snagged a couple of souvenirs. Great event. Just too bad they hit you up for parking.
google avatar

Tammy M.

Yelp
Just passing through on our way to Gaylord and glad we did. Beautiful trails to walk and nice museum. If you want a break from the hecticness if life check out this state park and relax while strolling along the trails (cement and looks to be wheel chair friendly).
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Cindy C.

Yelp
Enjoy staying here. It's one of the few open in the fall & Spring when we travel through. The full hook up pull through is awesome
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Richard S.

Yelp
We stayed at campsite 38, and our site flooded during a strong rainstorm. We noted several other sites along that outer stretch that also puddled up, so be prepared for that to happen if it rains. Other than that, our campsite was nice and secluded. We went canoeing and fishing on the Bright and Glory Lakes, which are near-identical, filled with trout, around 50 feet deep, and smooth as glass. There are loose-gravel boat launches for each. Elsewhere, the Logging Museum, Chapel in the Pines, and Visitor Center were very nice. They were educational, well maintained, full of artifacts, and the center had a small gift shop with good merchandise. It's definitely a place I will visit again.
google avatar

Debbie C.

Yelp
We went to get some exercise and learn about the logging camps and history of the old hardwood forests. What a delightful afternoon! They have done a wonderful job of explaining what we were experiencing and seeing. There were some great hands on activities for those with children. The museum and the visitor center were really well done. We could easily visit this wonderful facility and nature preserve again.
google avatar

D. M.

Yelp
Holy smokes, it was cold the day we were here, but there were still a considerable amount of people visiting the park at the same time as us. It was informative and entertaining - the museum and the visitor center are expertly staffed, and the exhibits are presented well. Fortunes were made (and quickly) in the logging business in Michigan in the not-too-distant past, and this lays it all out for you. The trails are easy to navigate, and it's nice to commune with nature here. A great place to spend a couple of relaxing hours.
google avatar

Twiggy S.

Yelp
From Arizona luv ur park In Michigan will be back with families keep up good work n your pine Trees great job

Jane T.

Yelp
Arrived prior to the Memorial holiday weekend to a half full park. Campsites are wide with brush or trees between so very secluded. Campsite flat asphalt. We were close to the only bathroom but there were six large showers, and never had to wait. Rangers did a good job of keeping restrooms clean. Logging museum and visitors center excellent and informative. Hiked the Aspen 3 mile trail. There are great trails for walking and biking. You can bike all the way into Grayling. Visit the Paddle Hard Brewing and Gates Lodge for excellent restaurants.
google avatar

Marin C.

Yelp
Always a lovely time. Any time of year, it smells so good and is so peaceful to walk amongst the pines.

Melanie S.

Yelp
Visited this month. Word of warning-bring your Deet as the black flies are hungry and persistent. The forrest of old pines is a wonderfully cool location on a hot summer day. There are presentations on birds, mammals and logging run by the DNR. I didn't visit the campgrounds but I know folks that swear by them. A lovely place to walk and get exercise. I would like to take more time to visit the entire park. We participated in an Audubon program about the Kirkland Warbler and were taken off site to see the birds and visit their nesting areas. Well worth the 7 a.m. arrival.