Loyalist Township has unveiled the dates of the seasonal reopening of three cherished heritage destinations: the Bath Museum & Visitor Centre, Fairfield Gutzeit House, and Babcock Mill. These sites will welcome visitors from May 14 to Aug. 23, offering engaging experiences that bring local history to life.
Located in the heart of the historic village of Bath, the Bath Museum & Visitor Centre invites guests to explore the rich and layered story of the community from early Indigenous presence and Loyalist settlement through to the World Wars. Housed in the former Town Hall (built in 1861), the museum features self-guided exhibits, artifacts dating back hundreds of years, and interactive summer programming. Admission is by donation.
Visitors can also discover the beautifully restored Fairfield Gutzeit House in Bath, a landmark Georgian home built in 1796 overlooking Lake Ontario. Once home to generations of the Fairfield family, this historic property offers a glimpse into over two centuries of life in Bath through its period furnishings and carefully preserved artifacts. The site stands as one of the community’s most treasured heritage assets and reflects the evolution of local life and architecture. Admission is $3 for adults and seniors.
Rounding out the experience is the Babcock Mill, located in Odessa, a site that highlights the role of waterpower, craftsmanship, and early industry in shaping the region. Together with the Bath Museum, it will host rotating Exploration Days throughout July and August. These free activities will be interactive, family-friendly opportunities designed to make history engaging for all ages. Admission is by donation.
In addition to these three Township-run sites are the Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre located in Stella, Amherst Island and the Fairfield House in Amherstview. The Neilson Store Museum will be opening the long weekend in May, and the Fairfield House will be opening its doors the first week of July.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips throughout the summer season and take part in the special events, exhibits, and educational programming offered across all five sites.