The Wilkinson Heritage Museum preserves the history of Wilkinson family and the Lakeside area in.1850 historic  building originally built by John.Wesley Wilkinson.

     Origins and Founding

The Wilkinson Heritage Museum is located at 15300 Red Arrow Highway in.Lakeside, MI.and is housed in a historic building dating back to.1850. The structure was originally a trading post.built by.John Westley Wilkinson, the founder of Lakeside reflecting. the early settlement and commercial activity in the region.  The building  retains its original hand-hewn beams and mortise  and tenon construction showcasing 19th century craftmenship.

     Museum Collections

     The museum collection focuses on both Wilkinson family legacy and the broader heritage of Lakeside.  Exhibits include early photographs of the area, Civil War letters, period dolls, furniture, clothing and jewelery, providing a tangible connection to the lives of early settlers. These artifacts highlight the social, cultural, and economic history of the region, offering visitors insight into the daily life in the 19th and early 20th century.

     Historical Significance

    The museum not only preserves the Wilkinson family legacy but also emphasizes the interrelationship between the area’s people, land and waters, including the recognition of the Anishinaabek/Odawa and Ojibwe communities.  It serves as a center for learning and appreciation of local history, promoting awareness of the region’s settlers and indigenous heritage.

     Preservation and Community Role

     Operated by the Wilkinson Homestead Society, a nonprofit organization, the museum relies on memberships and donations to maintain and restore the historic building and its collections.  It functions as both as a historical site and an educational resource, hosting exhibits and programs that celebrate Lakeside’s past.