EMPIRE AREA MUSEUM
Recent News
A New Teacher in the Schoolhouse

We have a new schoolmarm at the museum who takes education very seriously, especially history. Stop by our one-room schoolhouse and meet her.
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Heritage Day Celebration

The museum's annual Heritage Day celebration was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 with special exhibits and old-fashioned tricks and treats.
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Museum Hours

The Empire Area Museum, located at 11544 LaCore St., Empire, MI, is open during the hours below and for special events. Admission is free! Contact us for more information.


JuneSaturdays1–4 p.m.
JulyTuesday–Saturday1–4 p.m.
AugustTuesday–Saturday1–4 p.m.
SeptemberSaturdays1–4 p.m.

The Empire Area Museum has a small store and two large floors of exhibits. More can be found in three auxiliary buildings: the Schoolhouse, Fire-Hose House, and Billy Beeman Barn.


The Schoolhouse is nestled in the woods behind the main museum building. This one-room structure was also once used as a church. It includes an outdoor water pump and outhouse.

The Fire-Hose House was formerly located on Empire's Front Street and features hand-pulled fire equipment used from 1898 to 1949. Museum offices are also located here.

The Billy Beeman Barn is home to several large exhibits, including a 1956 Sleeping Bear Dunesmobile and a horse-drawn sleigh, stagecoach, hearse, and more.