Take a day trip and explore the history of the region!
Located in the Municipality of Huron Shores, the small community of Little Rapids is only a short 5 km/3.1 mi drive North of the town of Thessalon. But don’t let the size fool you, the community is full of history and is the perfect place to take a day trip and explore.
Speaking of history, if perusing museums is your thing, then the Heritage Park Museum has got you covered.
About the Heritage Park Museum
The museum was originally established back in 1977 and is owned and operated by the Thessalon Township Heritage Association as part of the Huron Shores Municipality. Explore and see what life would have been like in the region over 100 years ago!
As you make your way North on Hwy 129 and turn left onto Little Rapids Road, you won’t be able to miss the museum grounds on your right. The museum incorporates several authentic displays and buildings consisting of a Blacksmith Shop, Chapel, General Store and Stables. It is evident right away that a lot of time and passion have gone into the displays to offer the best authentic learning experience to its visitors.
Venturing into the display buildings is a real treat for history buffs or anyone who wants to learn about a way of life in the past. The items throughout are meticulously displayed and the majority of them are labelled. Anything from small trinkets to large, period farming equipment is all neatly on display.
The Heritage Park Museum is open in July and August. Address: 2 Little Rapids Road, Little Rapids, ON P0R 1L0
Go Back in Time at the General Store
With so much to see at the Heritage Park Museum the historical aspect of the day isn’t over yet. A must-stop awaits only a quick 5-minute drive North on Little Rapids Road to the Little Rapids General Store. Established in 1890, much like its name, the store offers a little bit of everything from livestock feed to over 30 different flavours of cheese! The General Store is also well known to carry Penokean Hills Farms food products and some of the best summer sausages you will ever have.
Little Rapids General Store also has a small cafe and serves ice cream. Address: 59 Little Rapids Road, Thessalon, ON P0R 1LO
Once you are finished stocking up on way too much cheese, only a few hundred feet up the road (a short walk from the store) lies the old Powerhouse for the Holcombe Sawmill. The building was originally constructed in 1923 and its first use was as a hydroelectric generating station. The Power Station was eventually abandoned, but later used as a fish hatchery. Today, the spot makes for a great photo and is a favourite fishing spot for anglers.
Looking to extend your adventure? The town of Thessalon is the perfect place to stage for exploring, hiking, farmers’ markets and museums in the area. Comfortable, hospitable accommodations and delicious meals on the waterfront are available at the Carolyn Beach Inn & Restaurant. Located at the first turnoff into Thessalon if heading East on Hwy 17.
More Places to Explore and Visit in the Area
- Town of Thessalon
- Iron Bridge Historical Museum – Iron Bridge, Ontario
- Sowerby Farmers Market – Sowerby, Ontario
- Aubrey Falls Provincial Park – Mississagi River Valley, Ontario
- Rock Candy Mountain Trail – Mississagi River Valley, Ontario
- Bruce Mines Museum – Bruce Mines, Ontario
