Welcome to the AuSable River Center
- The historic building that was built in 1936 during the Great Depression, as a Michigan Department of Conservation administrative building utilized for nearly 40 years
- Filled with heritage, artifacts, wildlife and environment of the Great AuSable River and provide opportunities for information, education and growth for community members.
- Open exhibit of original oil paintings by George W. Kestenholtz, 88, Roscommon, June 12, 1924-Feb. 15, 2013. George was a lifetime Roscommon area resident was a self-taught artist, has been observing wildlife since he was a young boy growing up on the South Branch of the AuSable River in Roscommon. The River Center displays 32 pieces of his original collection.
The AuSable River Center Meeting Rooms
To rent our building or one of our three meeting rooms contact us at 989-275-4975 or download and fill out the Rental Agreement below.
The AuSable River Center and Museum has evolved from near destruction to one of Roscommon, Michigan’s most beautiful and active places.
The two-story structure was built in 1936 during the Great Depression, as a Michigan Department of Conservation administrative building, near the Roscommon County Courthouse. It contains interior walls of knotty pine and a beautiful stone fireplace. It was used by the Conservation Department for nearly 40 years until the new Department of Natural Resources complex was built at the I-75, 239 exit, two miles south of town.
In 1972 the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gave their old headquarters building to Roscommon County. It was then converted to the County Health Department. After more than 20 years serving as the Health Department, the building was no longer needed. The old Depression era building then stood in the way of an addition to the Roscommon County Jail Complex. With different ideas a group of community members attended a County Commissioners meeting and wanted to save this historic building and spoke in favor of moving it rather than destroying it. A site two blocks away that belonged to the Roscommon Area Recreation Authority (RARA) was given to the committee as a new home for the old building.
Community members along with Michigan Chapter of W.C.H.A. learned of the organization and went to the national assembly and returned with a $1,500 grant from the W.C.H.A. Using this grant as leverage helped raise the necessary funding to move the building to a new location. Community volunteerism, funding and persistent dedication renovated the aged building. The building housed Verlen Kruger’s canoes and memorabilia along with various Fred Beer equipment and health records of the AuSable River System in a museum setting for 15 years.
But by 2004 Roscommon County decided they needed a larger court house. The addition to the courthouse was planned to utilize the property that the AuSable River Center was located on so plans were made to move the building a second time.
In 2006 the AuSable River Center was again put on wheels and moved about five blocks to its present site, next to the railroad tracks where the Roscommon Train Depot had been since 1872.Then in 2009 the Downtown Development Authority added an open rear porch on the Railroad side to make the building look more like a train depot. They also added a meeting room that is open to the public free of charge, or for a small fee for private events.
After years of dedicated service, the AuSable River Center group retired leaving a building filled with memories. The building was partially renovated moving the museum artifacts to the wall for better viewing. The fireplace room was renovated and the entire lower level can now be utilized for community meetings, special events and classes. The upstairs holds an office, open space and workshop that is available for classes.
Village of Roscommon Farmers Market
The farmer’s market is sponsored by the Roscommon DDA on the grounds of the River Center. It is open every Saturday from mid-May to mid-October from 10-3pm. One of largest in the area, the market hosts an average of 26 vendors with fresh vegetables, syrups, baked goods, plants and specialty crafted items. Show and sell, Christmas in July, and kids day are just a few of the monthly events. Payment sources of cash, credit cards, and project fresh coupons are accepted. The Roscommon Farmers Market is a member of the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). For updated information follow them on Facebook.
