Simcoe County Museum
Simcoe County Museum tells the county’s fascinating and storied past, with carefully recreated key historical moments, engaging interactive exhibits and displays of key individuals.
Located on over 130 hectares of forested parkland, the museum is surrounded by heritage buildings relocated from various places throughout the county. Explore a recreation of Barrie’s Main Street around the turn of the 20th century, a gallery of Simcoe County’s natural resources and an impressive collection of farm and construction machinery and heritage vehicles.
Simcoe County Museum | Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
How to get to Simcoe County Museum
Location: 1151 ON-26, Minesing
By car: From Barrie, follow Bayfield Street North and exit at Highway 26. The museum is on the south side of the highway. Parking is available on-site.
By transit: Ontario Northland and FlixBus provide regular bus service to Barrie. From Barrie, take the Simcoe County LINX bus route 1 to Finlay Mill at Midhurst Library (NB) or a local taxi to the museum.
Know before you go
The Simcoe County Museum is open Mondays to Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A free wheelchair and electric golf cart are available for use. Call in advance to ensure the wheelchair or golf cart is available during your visit.
There are vending machines with cold drinks and snacks, or you can bring your own food and eat at the indoor and outdoor eating areas.
Things to do at Simcoe County Museum
Discover more activities and experiences.
Uncover the county’s history
View the museum’s permanent exhibits, from prehistoric to modern times with artifacts including everything from mastodons to wedding gowns.
Visit historical structures
Explore an early settler church, an old log cabin, the 1870s Gilford Train Station and a historic schoolhouse used during the filming of Anne of Green Gables.
Glide through the forest
In the winter, lace up your skates and loop around a one-kilometre forested skating trail.
Shop local treasures
Browse the museum gift shop for items such as local history and heritage books, children’s gifts, jewellery, souvenirs, works by local artisans and holiday decor.
Engage with history
Watch blacksmiths at work and learn settler crafts with “Living in the Past” or admire the works of local artists at “Stories from Nature” during the museum’s special events.
Sign up for day camps
Enroll your kids in a fun historical-themed day camp, which takes place on P.A. Days and during March break, winter break and the summer.
Articles and itineraries
Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.
Interesting facts about Simcoe County Museum
The Simcoe County Museum was created by the Simcoe County’s Women’s Institute in 1928. At that time, artifacts from the region were collected and displayed in the Barrie Library. As the collection grew, the community recognized the need for a new venue.
In the 1950s, Simcoe County took over management of the growing collection, and in 1962, it was moved to its present location north of downtown Barrie in Minesing. With over 130 hectares, there is enough room for the 10 heritage buildings and over 30,000 artifacts.
Last updated: August 14, 2024