This 1891 Victorian landmark will give you a firsthand view of a 19th-century opera house like those that stood in so many communities. Today, only 18 such opera houses remain in Michigan. Traverse City's is being lovingly refurbished to its former splendor with gilded box seats, a colorful curtain and ceiling panels bearing the names of Sarah Bernhardt and other great stage stars of the day. The City Opera House hosts various community events throughout the year, but it is usually open during the week for visitors to peek at the work in progress. The Downtown Traverse City offices are also housed here.
Donations are welcome and are used for further restoration work.
Since opening in 1935, Con Foster has chronicled Traverse City's history. Displays focus on the region's Native American and pioneer heritage. Galleries illustrate a general store, Victorian bedroom, blacksmith shop, livery stable, fire station and patient's room from the State Asylum. Theme displays appear on a revolving basis throughout the year. The Con Foster collection includes 1,100 stone tools and artifacts from the area's early Native American culture.