Kawartha Settlers’ Village, tucked away on 10 picturesque acres at 85 Dunn Street in Bobcaygeon, is best known for its dedication to preserving the heritage of the region’s agricultural roots.
The collection of 22 pioneer-era building and many artifacts — all donated and painstakingly restored — take visitors back to a simpler time in history.
Settlers’, as it’s called by locals, also hosts nearly a dozen popular community events, including Settlers’ Day, Haunted Village, Harvest Festival, Pioneer Summer Day Camp, and the stunning Festival of Trees.
Home to the Kawartha Region Arts and Heritage Society, Settlers’ is a natural meeting place for many local arts groups. Depending on the day you explore Settlers’, you may find the Quilters’ Guild, the Caygeon Carvers, the Writers’ Guild, or even the Clogging Grandmothers — all perfecting their craft with rustic log homes as an inspirational backdrop. 
Kawartha Settlers’ Village is also the ideal setting for brides and grooms seeking a unique venue to celebrate their wedding.
While the beautiful buildings and native flower gardens are the primary reasons couples book their ceremony and reception at Settlers’, it’s also the flexibility of being able to bring in their own caterers and decorators that makes Settlers’ a sought-after wedding location.
Most couples say “I do” in an intimate ceremony at Fairbairn Church, a lovely white chapel built in 1865.
But Settlers’ has also hosted weddings for 200 guests, with the restored hayloft in Murphy Barn perfect for guests to kick up their heels in country-chic surroundings.
As a not-for-profit organization, Kawartha Settlers’ Village credits its success to the generosity of its volunteers and the area’s many businesses, residents, and visitors who provide financial donations.
The City of Kawartha Lake’s Legacy C.H.E.S.T. Fund has also funded new flooring in the Kimble House (where all the youth programs are operated) and the Kawartha Lakes Heritage Sports Exhibit (displayed in the Muir House).
Event fees from weddings and other event rentals are all reinvested into improving and operating Settlers’.
Kawartha Settlers’ Village welcomes all arts groups, classroom teachers and — of course — brides-to-be, to contact them for more information about observing the past and creating new history at this fascinating destination.
All photos courtesy of Kawartha Settlers’ Village.
