Fort St. Joseph Museum

The Fort St. Joseph Museum is located in the former carriage house of the beautiful Victorian period Chapin Mansion. The museum tells the story of Niles from its colonial start in 1691 to the present. Featured exhibits portray the history of Fort St. Joseph, built by the French in 1691, the story of the Underground Railroad in southern Michigan, and the importance of the railroad and classification yards in Niles' history. Another unique and truly outstanding exhibit features the museum's Lakota Indian collection including twelve pictographs drawn by Chief Sitting Bull. Together the museum's exhibits tell the story of Niles and the contributions its businesses and citizens have made to the world.

New for Kids at the Museum

The Fort St. Joseph Museum now has a themed activity for children. The theme for these activities changes bi-monthly. Your child will receive an activity booklet, a craft and a special exhibit. Bring your children often to enjoy the new and varied educational and fun experiences we have for them. There is no cost for these activities and no reservation is needed.

Have You Visited the Museum Lately?

If you haven't, I would encourage you to do so. Niles has a wonderful, wide ranging history that we can all be proud of. What other town can you think of that has a fort, the Underground Railroad, pictographs by Chief Sitting Bull and a railroad classification yard in its history? Not to mention Rudolph and a two-headed lamb. You'll find these stories and lots more at the museum.

See You At the Museum!

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