Visitors tour the Lost Railway Museum on 2024 Jackson County Free Museum Day. JTV file photo.
(April 2, 2026 11:21 AM ET) Multiple Jackson County, Michigan museums will be open to the public, free of charge on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for Experience Jackson’s 9th Annual Jackson County FREE Museum Day. Fifteen participating locations will host activities, which offer a combination of “open-house style” receptions, self-guided tours, food trucks, kid-friendly activities and historic demonstrations.
As a special add-on for the 2026 event, each participating museum has a uniquely designed location sticker. The first 50 visitors to each museum will receive a FREE sticker, specific to that location. Each museum will also offer a unique on-site prize drawing during the event.
2026 Museum Day Participants:
Coe House Museum
371 W. Michigan Ave., Grass Lake, MI 49240
Dewey School Museum
11591 Territorial Rd., Stockbridge, MI 49285
Ella Sharp Museum
3225 Fourth St., Jackson, MI, 49203
Hanover-Horton Area Historical Society 121 Tefft St., Hanover, MI 49241
Hubbard Memorial Museum
317 Hanover St., Concord, MI 49237
Jackson Train Station (America 250 Exhibit) 501 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49202
Lost Railway Museum
142 W. Michigan Ave., Grass Lake, MI 49240
Mann House
205 Hanover St., Concord, MI 49237
Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum 311 N. Wisner St., Jackson MI, 49202
Sparks Museum at The Cascades (NEW Participant) 1401 S. Brown St., Jackson, MI 49203
Stewart Farm Museum, Tompkins Center Historical Society 10138 Tompkins Rd., Rives Junction, MI 49277
First Universalist Church of Concord 200 Hanover St., Concord, MI 49237
Walker Tavern Historic Site/Cambridge Junction Historic State Park 13220 M-50, Brooklyn, MI 49230
Waterloo Farm Museum
13493 Waterloo Munith Rd., Grass Lake, MI 49240
Ye Ole Carriage Shop Museum
3538 Henderson Rd., Spring Arbor, MI 49283
Two new locations are participating in this year’s event. The Sparks Museum at The Cascades highlights the life and legacy of Captain William Sparks, from his early years, being captain of the world-famous Zouaves, to the building of Spartan Electronics and his dream, The Cascades Falls. An exclusive 2026 participant is the Jackson Train Station, currently hosting the “Pathways to Patriotism,” an exhibit commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, highlights Jackson County’s connections to the American Revolution and the county’s commitment to freedom, hosted by the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society. The Jackson train station is the oldest continually operating train station in the United States.
“Our museums focus on everything from transportation to musical instruments, historical buildings, schoolhouses, log cabins and fine art,” said Rachel Buchanan, VP of Marketing & Communications, Experience Jackson. “On this unique day, we welcome you to dive into the rich history and culture that Jackson County has to offer at these locations”.
Many of these locations may only typically open for special events and private tours. This day gives guests an opportunity to experience multiple museums at their own pace throughout the day.
For more information about Jackson County FREE Museum Day, attractions, events, restaurants and hotels, visit www.experiencejackson.com. Museum Day is proudly promoted by Experience Jackson and participating museums, with support from the Jackson District Library and the Jackson County Michigan Historical Society.
