The Best Museums &

Historical Sites Near Grayling

If you're heading to Grayling, Michigan, and you think all you'll find are trees and trout, think again. This stretch of northern Michigan is steeped in stories, traditions, and a whole lot of logging history. From interactive museums to sites that take you back to the lumber boom of the 1800s, Grayling offers more than a breath of fresh air—it delivers a full-on journey through time. 



Looking for a new reason to stop by this picturesque region of northern Michigan? We’ve got all the details you need.

Crawford County Historical Museum

This one’s for those who like their history with a bit of grit. Set inside a restored railroad depot, the Crawford County Historical Museum takes you through the days when the lumber industry ruled the region. Step inside and you'll find a one-room schoolhouse setup, displays of logging tools, and recreations of 19th-century home life. It’s like diving into a history book—without the homework.

Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History

Let’s start off with something that’s right at home in Grayling: fly fishing. The Lovells Museum of Trout Fishing History is more than just rods and reels—it dives deep into the culture of angling along the Au Sable River. Located in the old Lovells Township Hall, this museum tells the story of the people who helped make trout fishing a way of life. You’ll experience vintage gear, black-and-white photos, and stories that will hook you faster than a mayfly hatch.

Wellington Farm USA

Just a short drive from downtown Grayling, Wellington Farm USA is a 60-acre living history museum that brings the 1930s back to life. We're talking barns, blacksmiths, a sawmill, and even a working radio station. It’s designed to represent what rural Michigan life looked like during the Great Depression, and it doesn’t hold back on the details. Expect costumed interpreters, working machinery, and the occasional chicken wandering through your path.

Iargo Springs

Just down the road from the monument, Iargo Springs offers a different kind of historic experience. The springs themselves are a natural wonder, but the site also includes boardwalks, viewing platforms, and interpretive signs that share stories from the area’s past. Native American legends, early settler life, and conservation efforts all make an appearance here.

The AuSable River Center

In nearby Roscommon, The AuSable River Center celebrates both the natural beauty and the human history tied to the river. Located in a restored 1936 building, this center features art, educational exhibits, and events that highlight the significance of this iconic riverway. The paintings by George W. Kestenholtz alone are worth the visit—wildlife and river scenes that capture the essence of northern Michigan with brushstrokes instead of bait.

Lumberman’s Monument

You can’t talk about history around here without tipping your hat to the lumberjacks who laid the groundwork. The Lumberman’s Monument, located east of Grayling near Oscoda, is a towering bronze tribute to Michigan's early loggers. The views of the Au Sable River from this site are photo-worthy, and the visitor center gives a solid rundown of what life was like when giant white pines covered the landscape.

Bonus Stop: The River Road National Scenic Byway

This one’s technically a drive, not a museum, but it connects many of these historic sites in one scenic route. Following the Au Sable River, the byway includes overlooks, picnic spots, and plenty of places to stop and take a photo. It’s the perfect way to tie all your historical adventures together with a few stops for a picnic along the way.

Where to Stay: Au Sable Riverview Resort

After a day of wandering through time, you’re going to want a spot to relax with some modern-day comforts. Au Sable Riverview Resort is the perfect spot, just steps away from the best the area has to offer. With our modern cabins, riverfront access, and peaceful setting, we offer the kind of stay that lets you unplug without sacrificing comfort. 

Whether you’re here for the museums, the river, or just to escape the buzz of everyday life, this resort makes for an excellent choice. The history here invites you to explore, question, and maybe even crank an old-timey radio or two. So pack your curiosity (and maybe a flannel shirt), and discover the stories that helped shape Michigan’s north country.