The main floor of the museum features the local Empire Roen Saloon from the turn of the century that operated between 1895 and 1924 and was completely refurbished; includes a wonderful 18 foot long cherry wood bar, all the fixtures, a Mira music box, an Edison phonograph, a player piano and many other the features. The museum also includes the Dorsey Parlor, items from the ghost town of Norway Town, and many displays depicting Empire's past. The lower level features a blacksmith's shop that features many original items from two former shops in Empire. There is also a wood working shop, railroad and shipping displays, the Empire Lumber Company display, and a covered wagon,buggies and sleighs. Nestled in the woods behind the main building, there is a unique one-room schoolhouse with as a water pump, an outhouse and wood burning stove. The 1911 Hose House was formerly situated on Empire's Front Street and this building features a room with hand-pulled fire equipment used in the Village from 1898 to 1949. The Diane E. Fischer Center is now housed here. Behind the school house, there is the Billy Beeman Barn with horse-drawn equipment, including a stagecoach, a hearse, buckboard, sleigh and much more.
The museum store has a wide variety of books, movies, and other things that entertain and inform on many things dealing with the Empire area. Group visits are by appointment by calling 231-326-5568.
What you can do here
Self-Guided Touring
Empire, MI 49630