The Chateau

No story of riches would be complete without detailed information about the people who profited, toiled and went bust under the influence of gold.

The stories are abundant in the Sir Harry Oakes Chateau, home of Kirkland Lake's most famous prospector.

Dig deep into the past and discover priceless moments in time. The Museum of Northern History offers an informative and entertaining look at early life in Kirkland Lake and Northeastern Ontario.

The museum is housed in the elegant Sir Harry Oakes Chateau, the home built in 1919 by the founder of prosperous Lake Shore Mine. Sir Harry was mysteriously murdered in the Bahamas in 1943 but his spirit lives on in the Chateau. Learn how he went from rags to riches and catch a glimpse of the grand lifestyle that he enjoyed. Be sure to see the "Nursery" which was the bedroom of Sir Harry Oakes' daughter Nancy. This room features designs of nursery rhymes, fairy tales, toys and wildlife painstakingly fashioned within the plastered walls by the craftsmen of the time.

The beautiful restored Chateau is recognized by the Ontario Heritage Foundation as the province's most superb example of prairie/craftsman architecture--a style pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Enjoy the original works of local artists and craftspeople which are regularly showcased at the museum. There's always something new and exciting to see, so be sure to visit often.

No visit at a museum would be complete without meeting the original inhabitants. Come face to face with the creatures that have made this area their home for many hundreds of years. A children's favorite, the taxidermy exhibit showcases a wide variety of local wildlife

Check out the stars of Kirkland Lake as well. The late Foster Hewitt once said that Kirkland Lake was "the town that made the N.H.L. famous." In the "Sports room", find out more about homegrown hockey hero's such as Bill Duran, Ted Lindsay and Dick Duff as well as other sporting greats including Toller Cranston.

Pioneers and prospectors. Miners and millionaires. Native legends, sports hero's, wildlife and works of art. The Museum of Northern History has something for the whole family. There's a gift shop for souvenir hunters and we are open year round. So stop in and uncover the mysteries of our past.