News File Photo Besser Museum Log Cabin Day will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28, with tours of historic buildings, demonstrations, and more. Pictured here, from left, are the tiny Lousada Homestead Cabin built in 1868, and the John McKay Log Home, built in 1898.

ALPENA — Take a step back in time on Saturday, June 28 at Log Cabin Day at the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan.

Family-friendly activities and demonstrations are planned for visitors from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum, 491 Johnson St., Alpena.

The Besser Museum invites the community to come check out engaging historical exhibits, immersive tours, and interactive activities in the Historic Village located in the museum’s back yard.

Learn what life was like for early settlers, see crafts, and listen as history is revealed.

General admission is $5 per adult, $3 per senior age 60 and older, and $3 per child ages 5 to 18. Besser Museum members get in free. Planetarium shows are $1 per person.

The Historic Village will be open for tours, featuring a special wedding exhibit in the Spratt Church. Visitors can enjoy guided tours aboard the 1928 Katherine V commercial fishing tug and the retired DNR Chinook Research Vessel, offering a glimpse into Michigan’s rich maritime heritage.

For history enthusiasts, a lineup of expert presenters will share insights into Northeast Michigan’s past:

· Keith Knetch, historian, will explore early indigenous lifeways.

· Janet Young, local historian and author, will discuss Indigenous families of Northeast Michigan.

· Tim Kent, historian, will provide insights into early fur traders.

Children can get creative with arts and crafts activities, a face painting booth, and explore the new interactive “Discover Northeast Michigan History” exhibit. The fossil park will also be open, giving young explorers the chance to hunt for Devonian fossils — and keep whatever they find!

Experience Alpena’s history, creativity, and fun — all in one exciting day at Besser Museum. Visitors can purchase hot dogs, popcorn, and strawberry sundaes while enjoying the festivities.

Special exhibit: “Celebrating 90 Years of Domke’s Dinosaur Garden”

This year, Log Cabin Day will feature a special exhibit honoring the 90th anniversary of Domke’s Dinosaur Garden, showcasing original paintings by Paul Domke. A planetarium presentation will feature “Did An Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?”

The exhibit honors Paul Domke, the visionary behind the beloved prehistoric park in Ossineke. Known for his life-sized cement dinosaurs, Domke was also a talented painter, a fact few people know. For the first time ever, visitors can see three of his original paintings on display, alongside historic photos and stories about his life and creations.

This exhibit is presented in partnership with Dinosaur Gardens, which is also celebrating its 90th anniversary this summer with special events and activities at the park.

Come discover the art, imagination, and local history behind one of Michigan’s most unique roadside attractions.

The Dinosaur Gardens exhibit will be open through Oct. 30 at the museum.

For more information, visit bessermuseum.org or call 989-356-2202.