​The Simcoe County Museum is located at 1151 Highway 26, Minesing, Ontario, minutes northwest of Barrie.

From Barrie, follow Bayfield Street North and exit at Highway 26. The Museum is on the south side of the highway.

The Simcoe County Archives is a separate building located east of the Museum and their hours of operation are Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.

Link to map and driving directions

Virtual Tour​

General Information

The Simcoe County Museum is open year round, seven days a week, excluding Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day.   Admission by donation.

Regular Museum Hours: 
Monday to Sunday   10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions
The Simcoe County Museum offers a wide variety of events, exhibits and programs for all ages throughout the year. Discover Simcoe County’s history through hands on exploration, and interactive displays.

From May 1 to November 30 explore our 5 indoor galleries and 16 outside Heritage and Display Buildings or take a hike through 327 acres of forested parkland.

From December 1st to April 30th, the 16 outside Heritage and Display Buildings are closed but the 5 indoor galleries remain open. While at the Museum, visitors can borrow snowshoes and explore the Museum grounds and trails, grounds conditions permitting (please call ahead to verify availability of snowshoes and grounds conditions). During the winter months there is limited access to the grounds and the pathways are plowed, but remain slightly snow covered.

In the summer on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings, enjoy planned activities with our staff. Different themes each week! Go to the Program and Events tab and then the Calendar tab.

Forest and Habitat Restoration at the Simcoe County Museum

The County of Simcoe is embarking on a unique forest restoration project and joining an international effort to reintroduce the Kirtland's Warbler, a globally endangered migratory bird, to its natural range in Simcoe County.  This is the first project of its kind in Canada and further demonstrates the County's strong commitment to forestry and habitat stewardship.

A former gravel pit area at the Simcoe County Forest Museum Tract located in Springwater Township will be restored.

For more information on the Forest and Habitat Restoration.