Crossroads Village

This open-air museum spans across more than 30 restored 19th-century structures, including a narrow-gauge railroad and a paddlewheel steamboat anchored on the grounds. The buildings and transportation pieces work together to illustrate how a community operated in that era.

The site opened in 1976 as a result of a 1950 master plan by the City of Flint to develop recreational space along the Flint River. It was assembled to preserve examples of buildings and equipment from the 19th century onward.

The village contains a working gristmill alongside craft spaces like a blacksmith shop and cider press that show how people worked and traded in earlier times. Visitors can observe these places as they functioned in daily life, not as distant history.

The grounds are expansive and best explored on foot, so plan to spend several hours visiting different areas. The railroad and steamboat operate seasonally and on set schedules, so checking ahead helps you see what you want.

The site served as a filming location for the 2009 movie 'Alleged', which recreated the famous 1925 trial. This demonstrates how the location brings historical moments to life for contemporary storytelling.

Location: Genesee Township

Website: http://geneseecountyparks.org/crossroads-village

GPS coordinates: 43.09260,-83.65040

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05