The Simcoe County Museum is located at 1151 Highway 26, Minesing, Ontario, minutes northwest of Barrie. Virtual Tour
From Barrie, follow Bayfield Street North and exit at Highway 26. The Museum is on the south side of the highway.
Link to map and driving directions
Updated Hours
Simcoe County Museum will reopen on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, with reduced operational hours and limited site access to enable physical distancing and enhanced cleaning. The reduced hours of operation will be Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, with last admission at 3 p.m. Visitors may book their group (of no more than ten people) up to five days in advance.
Book your visit
Please note:
- Face coverings are required indoors when visiting Simcoe County Museum
- If you have travelled outside the province within the past 14 days, feel ill, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home.
- Lounge and eating areas are currently closed; please do not bring food or drink (except water bottles)
- Water fountains are closed; we encourage you to bring your own water bottle.
- Download a Museum Map before your visit.
- Visitors will be asked to follow a single route to visit the museum, and ensure physical distancing indoors. Only one group allowed in each heritage building at a time.
Limitation of Liability
Please note that while Simcoe County Museum continues to adhere to health and safety guidelines to keep you safe, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By being in public spaces like Simcoe County Museum, you voluntarily assume the risks related to exposure.
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 to the Museum is by donation. There is no set cost, however there is a suggested fee of $5.00 per person.
Please note on Event days there is a set fee: Adults $8, Seniors/Youth $6, Children (4-12 yrs of age) $5, Preschooler - Free
Museum Hours: Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. By appointment only.
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.