The Museum is currently open:
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission by Donation
Archives Research is available by appointment
The Benzie Area Historical Society offers books, maps, images and other items relating to the history of Benzie County and Northwest Lower Michigan. Most of these items can be purchased at our museum, or via credit card using our Online Store below. Feel free to contact the Museum with any questions or for additional assistance with an order. Thank you!




The Benzie Area Historical Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Research appointments and evening or Sunday tours for groups are available by appointment. Please contact the Museum at (231) 882-5539 for more information.
Our Museum is located at 6941 Traverse Ave, one block west of US 31 in Benzonia. Traverse Ave. continues about 4 blocks west before becoming River Road, which continues on to M 22 between Frankfort and Elberta.
The Drake School in Platte Township was built in 1891 and used as a school until 1943.
The Drake School is owned by the Society and is open Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 PM, July and August. The school is located on at the intersection of Fowler and Valley Roads in northern Benzie County.
July and August
Saturday – Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The school is located in northern Benzie County on the corner of Fowler Road (County Highway 610) and Valley Road (County Highway 677).