Step back in time and learn about our pioneer past when you visit Backhouse Historic Site. Enter through the doors of the 1798 Backhouse Mill National Historic Site and see how stone ground flour was produced more than 200 years ago. The old red mill is one of the few mills in Norfolk County not destroyed during the War of 1812 and today stands as an example of early milling technology. A short walk over the bridge brings you to the rest of the Historic Site. A collection of heritage buildings, including a rare octagonal school house and a quaint country church, dot the landscape. In addition to the old red mill, the Backus family homestead, garage and playhouse are original buildings to the site.
The Museum Building is home to a collection of exhibits about the Long Point area. Here visitors can learn more about the many shipwrecks of Lake Erie as well as view storefront exhibits depicting local businesses from the 19th century.
Period demonstrations, costumed interpreters and seasonal special events bring history to life in the Historic Site. The annual War of 1812 Re-enactment held in September is one of the site’s signature events.
The Conservation Education Centre at Backus is an interpretive centre where visitors can learn about the plants, birds and animals common to the Long Point Region watershed. Browse exhibits that highlight the region’s rich natural history and water fowling traditions or take part in one of the many guided nature hikes and programs scheduled throughout the year.