Stories, Sites, and Surprises: Your Guide to Doors Open Simcoe County | September 13, 2025

This September is the ideal time to rediscover the joy of learning through exploration, stories, and hands-on encounters with Simcoe County’s rich heritage. As part of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program, Doors Open Simcoe County will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This one-day event offers free access to a diverse range of historically, architecturally, and culturally significant sites across the county, including six museums, two historic jails, and a theatre. Families and lifelong learners alike can enjoy both guided and self-guided tours, interpretive displays, and hands-on experiences designed to bring the county’s rich heritage to life. Highlights include the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest surviving African log church in North America; the Hillsdale Lockup; and a walking tour of downtown Collingwood’s historic core.

Located just a scenic 90-minute drive north of Toronto, Simcoe County stretches from the shores of Lake Simcoe to Georgian Bay, bordered by York Region, Dufferin County, Grey County, and Muskoka. Known as a four-season outdoor playground, it offers endless recreation—from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to boating, hiking, and cycling in warmer months. Alongside its natural beauty, Simcoe County is rich with significant historical and cultural sites, such as museums, heritage buildings, galleries, and interpretive spaces that bring the region’s past alive. Organized by the Ontario Heritage Trust, these Doors Open Ontario experiences highlight the province’s history and culture, and the Teachers on Call in-person and online tutoring team believe these opportunities often spark curiosity that connects back to classroom subjects like science, geography, or history, showing students and families how learning extends well beyond the school walls.

Participating Sites for Doors Open Simcoe County

• Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum - 1474 Woodrow Road, Coldwater, Ontario, L0K 1E0
• Collingwood Walking Tour (meet-up location) - 44 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 2L6
• Hillsdale Lockup - 4552 Penetanguishene Road, Hillsdale, Ontario, L0L 1V0
• Leacock Museum National Historic Site - 50 Museum Drive, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7H8
• Museum on the Boyne - 250 Fletcher Crescent, Alliston, Ontario, L9R 1N8
• Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building) - 30 Peter Street South, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 5A9
• Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church - 1645 Line 3 North, Oro-Medonte, Ontario, L0L 2X0
• Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives - 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario, L9M 1C1
• Penetanguishene Historical Walking Tour (starts at Centennial Museum & Archives) - 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, Ontario, L9M 1C1
• Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame - 61 Maria St, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1L3
• Penetanguishene Town Hall - 10 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene, Ontario, L9M 2G2
• Peter Dušek Gallery - 151 Mill Street, Creemore, Ontario, L0M 1G0
• Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C. - 28 Victoria Street West, Alliston, Ontario, L9R 1S8
• Simcoe County Museum - 1151 Highway 26, Minesing, Ontario,  L9X 0Z7
• The South Simcoe Theatre - 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario, L0L 1L0
• St. James’ Anglican Church - 58 Peter Street North, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6J6
• St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church - 95 Jephson Street, Victoria Harbour, Ontario, L0K 2A0
• Trinity United Church - 140 Maple Street, Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 2P8
• Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care - 500 Church St, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3

Read our Full Interview with Jaime Skehill, Experience Development Coordinator, Tourism Simcoe County

Doors Open Simcoe County is a unique opportunity to explore the area's diverse communities, from waterfront towns to rural hamlets. What kind of experience can visitors expect this year? 

Visitors can expect a rich and engaging experience that celebrates the county’s historical, architectural, natural, and cultural heritage.

With sites participating across multiple municipalities, what kind of visitor turnout are you expecting? Are most visitors local to Simcoe County, or do you see people coming in from areas like Barrie, the GTA, or cottage country? 

Doors Open Simcoe County is a great opportunity for both locals and visitors to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage. While we anticipate strong participation from residents within Simcoe County, we also expect to  see visitors from surrounding areas. For those coming from outside the region, Doors Open offers a meaningful way to connect with the history and character of the communities they’re visiting. At the same time, it provides local residents a chance to discover and appreciate the unique heritage sites in their own backyard.

For guests with limited time, what are a few “can’t-miss” locations you’d recommend on this year’s lineup, and why? 

You won’t want to miss the guided walking tours in Penetanguishene or Collingwood, both of which offer a rich and immersive experience. Visitors can expect a guided journey through the town’s architectural history, complemented by engaging stories and local lore that bring the buildings and their past to life. These tours are perfect for those who enjoy history, storytelling, and exploring charming urban environments on foot. 

The Peter Dusek Gallery in Creemore is a “can’t miss” destination for the art lovers. Showcasing Zen-inspired photography, Peter Dusek’s work emphasizes balance, simplicity, and negative space, offering poetic and abstract landscapes that invite reflection and calm. The gallery is housed in the historic 1881 Creemore Meat Market building, making it a perfect blend of artistic and historical exploration.  

Are there any new, behind-the-scenes, or rarely accessible sites joining the event this year that you're particularly excited to showcase?

One of the standout stops this year is the Oro African Episcopal Church, a powerful symbol of resilience and community. As one of the oldest African log churches still standing in North America, it offers a rare glimpse into a deeply significant chapter of Canadian history.

Also on the list are two hidden gems: the Seven Star Masonic Lodge and the Hillsdale Lockup, both of which are often closed to the public. This is a unique opportunity to peek behind the curtain of these intriguing sites.

Simcoe County has a lot to offer families—are there any hands-on exhibits, guided tours, or outdoor activities that will appeal to kids or students attending Doors Open? 

Doors Open Simcoe County offers a variety of engaging, family-friendly experiences that are perfect for kids, students, and curious young minds. At the Simcoe County Museum in Minesing, children can explore interactive exhibits that bring local history to life – from prehistoric times to present – while also enjoying outdoor activities on the Museum’s forested property. At the Museum on the Boyne in New Tecumseth, kids can get hands-on and creative by making their own delicious caramel apples! In Penetanguishene, enjoy guided tours, meet town staff, and take part in fun family activities that celebrate Penetanguishene’s 150th. The Town Hall Building, Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives, and The Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame are all open and participating in this event.

Given the wide geography, what’s your advice for planning a route? Are there recommended clusters of sites that pair well together for a half- or full-day trip? 

We suggest parents and visitors pre-plan their route, as there’s often too much to see in one day. Use the list of Doors Open Simcoe County locations to decide which sites you’d love to visit the most in advance. Choosing a theme – such as architecture or local history can help narrow down your options and make the most of your time.

Visiting historic sites and touring the county can build up an appetite! Where can families grab a coffee, enjoy lunch, or treat themselves to something sweet during their Doors Open adventure? Any local favourites you'd recommend? 

There are plenty of options to choose from across the County. Visitors are encouraged to visit our Eat and Drink section on our website below:  Eat & Drink - Tourism Simcoe County 

Doors Open helps connect residents with the stories behind the buildings and spaces they see every day. What do you hope people walk away with after this year’s event, especially those new to the area. 

We hope visitors leave Doors Open Simcoe County with a deeper appreciation for local history. We hope visitors experience a sense of connection to the people, places, and stories that make Simcoe County unique and inspire further exploration.

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Even if you can’t make it to Simcoe County on September 13, the fun doesn’t stop there—Doors Open Ontario, supported by the Ontario Heritage Trust, is also hosting events in Belleville and Peterborough. Doors Open Simcoe County invites families to step inside historic buildings, explore cultural sites, and uncover the stories that make the region unique. With a mix of hands-on activities, tours, and community showcases, the event turns curiosity into discovery, making history, heritage, and learning fun for all ages.