Barrie 
Doors Open Simcoe County offers an enriching experience to explore the rich cultural, historical, and architectural sites of the County.
Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum/Credit: Doors Open Simcoe County
Simcoe County is inviting residents and visitors to step inside some of its most intriguing sites on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the annual Doors Open event offers free entry to museums, historic buildings, churches, and cultural spaces across the region.
This year’s lineup includes six museums, two historical jails, a community theatre, and a mix of walking tours and heritage sites. Among the highlights is the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church, built between 1846 and 1849. Recognized as one of the oldest surviving African log churches in North America, it stands as a powerful reminder of the Black settlers who maintained it for decades.
Visitors can also tour the Seven Star Masonic Lodge in Alliston, which dates back to 1872, and the Hillsdale Lockup, a 1906 jail that later doubled as a meeting space and polling station. For those who prefer to explore outdoors, the Collingwood Walking Tour and Penetanguishene Historical Walking Tour trace stories through downtown streets and along Beck Boulevard.
Other notable stops include the Leacock Museum in Orillia, once the summer retreat of Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock, the Simcoe County Museum with more than 30,000 artifacts, and the South Simcoe Theatre, housed in an 1867 Temperance Hall. Churches such as Trinity United in Collingwood and St. Paul’s Presbyterian in Victoria Harbour will also welcome visitors inside.
With 19 sites to choose from, the day offers a chance to experience the county’s architecture, history, and community spirit—all free of charge.
Doors Open Simcoe County – Sites to Explore:
- Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum
- Address: 1474 Woodrow Road, Coldwater, Ontario
- Feature: Explore the 1840s Woodrow Homestead and heritage buildings, celebrating Coldwater’s past and pioneer history.
- Collingwood Walking Tour
- Address: Meet at 44 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, Ontario
- Feature: One-hour guided walk uncovering Collingwood’s history, striking architecture, public art, stories, and hidden gems.
- Hillsdale Lockup
- Address: 4552 Penetanguishene Road, Hillsdale, Ontario
- Feature: 1906 jail turned community hub, once serving as polling station, meeting place, and shelter.
- Leacock Museum National Historic Site
- Address: 50 Museum Drive, Orillia, Ontario
- Feature: Former summer home of author Stephen Leacock, featuring gardens, a boathouse, and historic collections.
- Museum on the Boyne
- Address: 250 Fletcher Crescent, Alliston, Ontario
- Feature: Community museum highlighting South Simcoe’s history with barns, log house, artifacts, and family activities.
- Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Building)
- Address: 30 Peter Street South, Orillia, Ontario
- Feature: Art, heritage, and history hub housed in 1895 former post office and customs house.
- Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Address: 1645 Line 3 North, Oro-Medonte, Ontario
- Feature: One of North America’s oldest African log churches, preserved since 1846 as a National Historic Site.
- Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives
- Address: 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Feature: Housed in an 1875 general store, showcasing logging history, genealogy, archives, and cultural exhibits.
- Penetanguishene Historical Walking Tour
- Address: Start at 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Feature: Guided stroll tracing lumber baron Charles Beck’s legacy through mills, family home, and historic school.
- Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame
- Address: 61 Maria Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Feature: Celebrates local sports heroes, perseverance, and community spirit inside this modern 2007 facility.
- Penetanguishene Town Hall
- Address: 10 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Feature: Built in 1891, this former fire hall now hosts municipal offices and community activities.
- Peter Dušek Gallery
- Address: 151 Mill Street, Creemore, Ontario
- Feature: Photography gallery showcasing Zen-inspired minimalist landscapes emphasizing balance, space, and poetic design.
- Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C.
- Address: 28 Victoria Street West, Alliston, Ontario
- Feature: Established 1872, the Masonic lodge preserves fraternal history, artifacts, and traditions since 1917.
- Simcoe County Museum
- Address: 1151 Highway 26, Minesing, Ontario
- Feature: Interactive galleries, heritage buildings, and 30,000 artifacts spanning prehistoric to modern life in Simcoe County.
- South Simcoe Theatre
- Address: 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario
- Feature: Historic 1867 Temperance Hall, now home to a community theatre offering diverse live performances.
- St. James’ Anglican Church, Orillia
- Address: 58 Peter Street North, Orillia, Ontario
- Feature: Historic church with Indigenous roots, rebuilt after 1905 fire, featuring stained glass and community history.
- St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church
- Address: 95 Jephson Street, Victoria Harbour, Ontario
- Feature: 1905 church gifted by John Waldie, overlooking Georgian Bay, with oak pews and pine interior.
- Trinity United Church
- Address: 140 Maple Street, Collingwood, Ontario
- Feature: 1860 church with stained-glass windows, sweeping balcony, and one of Ontario’s largest pipe organs.
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care
- Address: 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario
- Feature: Historic 1860s hospital blending heritage with innovative mental health programs, including Ontario’s only secure forensic unit.
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Administered by the Ontario Heritage Trust, Doors Open Ontario is an annual cultural tourism initiative. The objective is to unravel the stories of the exceptional spaces that define Ontario communities — ranging from historical homes to modern architectural wonders.
