Territorial Park

Papermill School

Papermill School was named after the former Christopher McDowell Papermill which once operated on the opposite side of the River Raisin. Built around 1864, it was used as a schoolhouse until 1962. After it served as a schoolhouse, it was the site of the Monroe County Museum's Martha Barker Country Store Exhibit for several decades. In late 2018, renovations began to turn the Papermill School into a visitors center for the site.

Papermill School is currently closed to the public for renovations and is expected to reopen in Spring 2023.

Navarre Trading House

The Navarre Trading House complex is set up to represent a French Canadian homestead along the River Raisin. The main building, built in 1789 by Francois "Utreau" Navarre, is likely the oldest wooden residence still standing in Michigan. It is the most complete example of French-Canadian "piece-sur-piece" construction in the Old Northwest. It has been restored to 1797. Other buildings include an 1810 cookhouse and a replica 1790s French-Canadian style barn.

Terms & Guidelines for Visiting

• All Monroe County Museum public hours, programs, and events take precedence over any private uses of the site.
• The site is not presently available for weddings or private event rentals. Any impromptu weddings or private events occurring during public hours, programs, and events may be requested to leave the site.
• Use of the site by photographers is welcomed but they cannot interfere with the site during public hours, programs, and events. Photographers found to be interfering with regular operations of the site may be requested to leave and make a reservation for future use of the site.
• Any photographer that impinges on another visitors' access and use of the site will be requested to leave.
• Pedestrians always have right of way on the bridge during private photo shoots. Only Monroe County Museum staff and volunteers are authorized to restrict access to the bridge and site.
• From time to time, the Monroe County Museum may limit access to the site for event preparation or site safety.
• As you walk the pathways of the Trading Post complex, it is advisable to stay on the pathways due to poison ivy in the green areas.
• Please be respectful of any wildlife you may encounter - this would be a great teaching moment for any children with you. You can often see turtles, frogs, birds, fish, dragonflies, ducks, and geese, along with the occasional muskrat. 
• Trash receptacles are available for your use--littering is not permitted. Visitors found littering at the site will be referred to local law enforcement.
• Any visitor found defacing property at the site will be referred to local law enforcement.
• Please be respectful of other visitors at the site and make sure your visit does not impact others.