At the corner of the Old Chicago Road (U.S. 12) and the La Plaisance Pike (M-50) in Michigan’s Irish Hills, a modest, one-and-a-half story farmhouse has sat for nearly two centuries. Built about 1832, the white clapboard Walker Tavern is perched atop of a small bluff overlooking U.S. 12. It originally was only a few footsteps off the "Old Sauk" Native American trail, which became U.S. 12 and was the main route for connecting Detroit and Chicago. The tavern quickly became a gathering place where travelers making the grueling five-day trip could rest, enjoy a meal or stay the night.
The Michigan History Center has operated the tavern as a historic site since 1965. Along with two additional historic structures, the tavern is part of an 80-acre state park. Walker Tavern and a reconstructed barn focus on the 1840s and 50s with artifacts and exhibits about people, travel and work. The 1929 colonial revival Hewitt House Visitors Center tells stories of early auto tourism, including the Irish Hills’ famous 20th century roadside tourist attractions like the Prehistoric Forest, Frontier City and Mystery Hill.
13220 M-50, Brooklyn, MI 49230
Phone: 517-930-3806
Email: MHCinfo@michigan.gov
Please allow one to two hours for your visit. Admission is free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.
The grounds of Cambridge Junction Historic State Park open April 1. The historic buildings will open May 11 on the following schedule:
Designated parking is available.
The Hewitt House Visitor Center is an accessible facility. Upon arrival, visitors may request permission from staff to drive to the top of the steep-grade hill where the tavern and barn are located. The tavern and barn offer accessibility on the ground floor only.
An accessible restroom is located inside Hewitt House Visitor Center; an accessible vault toilet is available on the grounds.
Service animals are always welcomed.
The Michigan History Center runs more sites and museums statewide. There's more history to explore!
