Step back into the past with a visit to the 19th century via Meridian Historical Village in Okemos, MI. This popular and unique attraction is home to a 7 historic buildings, a variety of special events, and is only a half hour from The English Inn.
Many guests of The English Inn Restaurant & Pub visit or stay with us, in part because of our elegant and warm, old world feel. While the modern world has numerous wonders and conveniences we’ve come to rely on, sometimes it’s nice to slow down and simplify a bit.
English Inn is located on the historic Medovue Estate in Eaton Rapids, MI. Our manicured grounds and lush, 1920’s mansion offer peace and refined relaxation with modern conveniences in an old world setting.
Those who enjoy this calmer, slower world will also likely enjoy a visit to Meridian Historical Village in Okemos, MI.
Visiting Meridian Historical Village
Meridian Historical Village can be found at 5151 Marsh Road in Okemos, MI, just 10 minutes east of downtown Lansing, MI. The village is contained within Meridian Township’s Central Park – but it wasn’t always here.
The Meridian Historical Village project is a nonprofit, volunteer effort that began in 1973. Meridian offered a second chance at life for many of the historic buildings you’ll see.
Grettenberger Farmhouse, built in the early 1860’s, was the first on scene, and five more followed. These include a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, an inn, a log cabin, and Michigan’s only known, surviving tollgate house. In fact, the only building on site that isn’t genuinely historic is the Village Chapel; an exact replica of an original 1870, Okemos church.
All of the buildings in the village have associated histories beyond their coming together at Meridian. Touring the buildings and learning their stories provides an all too rare glimpse of life here in the 19th century.
The village also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including living history events.
Village buildings are open to the public on Saturdays, from 10am to 2pm, May through October. Village grounds and trails are open all year long. Admission is free but please consider giving a donation.
Visit Meridian Historical Village online for more information. You can also find the village on Facebook.
Spend the day exploring historic Meridian, then head back to the equally historic comforts of The English Inn Restaurant & Pub. Perfection!