Lumber heritage trail launches July 7

The Cartier mansion

Using an interactive cellular platform called OnCell, tour goers will be able to scan a QR code or dial a phone number to hear the stories at each stop. Stops on the trail include the grave sites of the historic lumber barons at Lakeview Cemetery and Pere Marquette Cemetery, 10 historic lumber baron homes along Ludington Avenue, the lumber sculpture at Waterfront Sculpture Park and the Mason County Lumber Museum at Historic White Pine Village.

“Rather than reading something in a brochure, visitor and residents will have the unique opportunity to not only see each site, but to also hear the fascinating stories. These are the types of attractions that begin to set Ludington apart from other destinations”, said Brandy Henderson, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In celebration of the Lumber Heritage Trail launch, Dr. Bill Anderson will be leading a cemetery walk through Lakeview Cemetery beginning at 3p.m. on July 7. Anderson, who has led numerous cemetery walks in Mason County, will be taking attendees to 10 lumber baron grave sites. Actors, under the direction of Dr. Rick Plummer from West Shore Community College, will be providing live re-enactments of Mason County’s historic lumber barons.  Attendees will also have the opportunity to look inside the mausoleums of Justus Stearns, Daniel Goodenough and William Rath.

In conjunction with the trails launch, Cartier Mansion will be hosting its first House Museum tours. Cartier Mansion has created two museum rooms dedicated to Warren and Kate Cartier, a lumbering baron family that once occupied the home. Each Sunday through October, Cartier Mansion will be open at 1 and 2 p.m. for residents and visitors to explore. Reservations are not needed.

The Lumber Heritage Trail is among six proposed cultural trails being developed by the Ludington/Mason County Cultural Economic Development Task Force. All of the trails will be self-guided and utilize the OnCell technology.

The Lumber Heritage Trail is free of charge and open to the public.

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.LudingtonHarborFestival.com.