Whether you’re looking for the chance to experience history or just in search of a fun weekend with your family, the Hesston Steam Museum brings visitors an opportunity to dive into the past in an enjoyable, interactive way.
Beginning as a club for steam power enthusiasts, the LaPorte County Threshermen incorporated what would become the Hesston Steam Museum in 1956 and began inviting the public to demonstrations of steam-powered machinery throughout the next decade, slowly growing to include a sawmill and an electric generator.
In the mid-’60s, Elliott Donnelley of the wealthy Donnelley, impressed by the Threshermen’s demonstrations, offered generous financial support that helped the Hesston Steam Museum grow from its original 22 acres to its current size of over 150 acres and helped fund the creation of the museum’s first steam railroad.
“The cofounders of the museum met with Mr. Donnelley, and he told them, ‘I'm going to start you off with $100,000, and we're going build the most unique railroad on that property,’ ” Hesston Steam Museum Executive Director Ted Rita said. “Donnelley helped put this railroad together, donated a few locomotives, and we were in business.”
By 1965, the museum had added railroad rides to its living history exhibits. In the 60 years since, the museum has continued to grow, incorporating two more railroads, an indoor gallery, a blacksmith shop, and a 1930s soda shop into the immersive experience. The goal for Rita and all the museum’s volunteers is to give guests an opportunity to escape from the grind of the 21st century.
“The idea behind living history is to immerse guests so that, as they’re walking around, they feel like they’re in another time period,” Rita said. “An added benefit is that it helps take people out of their normal routine, thoughts, and stresses. People can recharge, regenerate, and take a break from the worries of the world by returning to a simpler time.”
In an effort to give guests that experience every time they visit the Hesston Steam Museum, Rita and his volunteers often run special events that encourage attendees to engage with the museum’s suite of exhibits, and it all begins this Memorial Day weekend when train rides open to the public from noon to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Following the Memorial Day celebration, events carry on throughout the summer well into the fall. In June, the Father’s Day truck show in collaboration with the American Truck Historical Society is the perfect present for Dad, and the interactive Civil War exhibit the weekend after is sure to be a treat for any history buff. The Independence Day Celebration starts on July 4 and carries on through the weekend, and the fan-favorite Hesston Ghost Train experience happening every weekend of October offers a haunted train ride through some of Hesston’s spookier past.
The Hesston Steam Museum’s signature event, the Steam & Power Show, is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, happening on Friday, August 30, and running through Monday, September 2.
“The Hesston Steam & Power Show is our signature event, and it’s very mission-focused,” Rita said. “We get all of our volunteers to participate, so everything can be in operation. That means there’s a lot to see and do.”
The Hesston Steam Museum is operated entirely by volunteers and is open on the weekends from May 25 to August 25.
A full calendar of events happening at the Hesston Steam Museum can be found here.
The museum wouldn’t be possible without the support of passionate volunteers dedicated to bringing a fun historical experience to guests.
“Our volunteers selflessly give their time, the one asset we can never have more of, to support this place, safely put on these programs, and give you an experience that you couldn't have anywhere else,” Rita said. “They are the backbone of this whole operation, and I just appreciate them so much.”
Whether you’re a fan of history or just looking to step away from the everyday, the Hesston Steam Museum opens the door to a world of living history every visit. To learn more about the museum, visit hesston.org.
The Hesston Steam Museum is just one of the many awesome stops you can make in La Porte County. To discover other fun opportunities including events, dining, and entertainment venues, visit michigancitylaporte.com.
