Welcome to the Sturgis, Michigan Historical Museum

Here you’ll learn about the history of the museum, preview our exhibits at the depot, learn how to plan your visit and find ways you can help sustain the Sturgis Historical Museum through membership and tax-deductible donations.

The Depot itself is the most beautiful artifact in Sturgis Historical Museum’s collection. The Tudor Revival brick depot was constructed in 1895 to serve passengers traveling on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern (LS & MS) railway line. This structure replaced the original wooden 1852 depot. In the early days of train travel, some passengers contended that “LS & MS” stood for Long Stops and Muddy Stations. In 1914, the LS & MS became part of the New York Central line. Passenger service in Sturgis ended on November 19, 1956.

The Depot itself is the most beautiful artifact in Sturgis Historical Museum’s collection. The Tudor Revival brick depot was constructed in 1895 to serve passengers traveling on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern (LS & MS) railway line. This structure replaced the original wooden 1852 depot. In the early days of train travel, some passengers contended that “LS & MS” stood for Long Stops and Muddy Stations. In 1914, the LS & MS became part of the New York Central line. Passenger service in Sturgis ended on November 19, 1956.

Over the years, the depot has served the community of Sturgis in a variety of ways. Most recently, it was home to the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and a small historical museum but not at its present location.

On June 26, 2014, Sturgis citizens witnessed a historic event as the nearly 120-year-old depot was painstakingly prepped, lifted and moved through downtown streets to the corner of Jefferson Street and Chicago Road.

Firmly set on a new foundation, the building is now home to the Sturgis Historical Museum ~ At the Depot. Undergoing historically accurate renovations, the Depot remains true to its architectural heritage, yet is state-of-the-art to captivate visitors of all ages.