The South Lyon area is awash in history, and between the efforts of the Historical Society and the Historical Commission, the community is well taken care of when it comes to preserving its roots, and the stories that go along with them.

The historic village is a great amenity for the residents of, and visitors to the area. It offers beautiful green space to gather, relax and learn about our nearly 200-year history – from our earliest settlers in the 1830s to our present day.

The buildings onsite can be used for many different purposes, including tours, events and meetings.

The Witch's Hat Depot functions as a museum and the gathering place for the South Lyon Historical Society. Its distinctive roof line gives the building its name: The Witch's Hat. The building was moved from the original location on East Lake Street to McHattie Park in 1976 as a bicentennial project and it now serves as the focal point for the historic village.

The interior of the depot has been preserved to show what a turn-of-the-century train depot would look like. The depot is an excellent resource for railroad buffs or those who simply want to know more about the history of South Lyon. For more information about the train depot, visit https://www.michiganrailroads.com/stationslocations/127-oakland-county-63/1634-south-lyon-mi

NOTE: The museum is open Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., May to October.

The Washburn School is a beautiful, authentic turn-of-the-century building that is perfect for field trips, tours and photo opportunities. Inside you are taken back to a time when a one-room classroom was the educational norm, with a coal or wood-burning stove for heat, sturdy wooden vintage desks, inkwells, slates, one teacher and a much simpler education experience.

The school was built in 1907 in Green Oak Township to replace a log school building. It served the families in the area until 1953, when the district consolidated with South Lyon Schools. The City, in conjunction with the South Lyon Area Historical Society, moved the schoolhouse to its present site, where it serves the community as part of the museum and the historic village. This building was donated to the city of South Lyon in 1984 by the Gordon Wood Family.

School children can enjoy a "one-room schoolhouse" experience through field trips to the historical village. The school is open for tours, meetings and other community needs. For more information about utilizing the schoolhouse, please contact Linda Ross at southlyonahs@gmail.com.

The Little Village Chapel is a beautiful setting for weddings, graduation photos or just some simple relaxation. It is the most recent addition to the Historic Village. This 1930's era "Sears & Roebuck building kit" was donated to the city by the congregation of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The building was moved in 2001 from East Liberty Street to its current site.

The gazebo in the Historic Village was built in 1991 to compliment the circa-1900 Historic Village. It is used by the community for concerts and other entertainment. It is a welcome area for these wanting some shade or just a comfortable place to sit while visiting the Historic Village. Recognized as a lovely setting, many wedding ceremonies have been held there. The gazebo provides a pleasant interlude on a summer afternoon and a venue for many summer concerts.

To learn more and to inquire about reserving these sites, please contact Linda Ross at southlyonahs@gmail.com. The South Lyon Area Historical Society is located at 300 Dorothy Street, South Lyon, MI 48178.