Today there is a special picnic for members on the Village’s North Property. The area is only rarely open to the public so this is a special treat. The North Property is where Black Creek Pioneer Village began in 1957 as the “Dalziel Pioneer Park Museum.” Last year the famous Dalziel Barn celebrated its 200th anniversary.

200th anniversary celebrations for the Dalziel Barn.

You get to the North property through an underground tunnel. the entrance is near the mill. The tunnel is pretty cool! It takes you beneath the intersection of Jane and Steeles and you emerge into the beautiful green space, including a lovely farmstead, with the barn, farmhouse, and other buildings. It’s a real treasure. You can drive by the area a hundred times an have no idea it’s there.

The view from the farmhouse.

For those who want to give a little something back, or who want to help preserve these beautiful pieces of our history, you can become a member. It costs just $65 for a person, or $90 for a family. That easily pays for itself after a few visits (and there are some really nice member events like the picnic today) but more than that, you’re contributing to your community.