Sauder Village is preparing for a milestone celebration this June as it marks 50 years since opening its doors in northwest Ohio.
On Sunday, June 14, the living history destination in Sauder Village will host a one-day anniversary event featuring discounted admission, hands-on activities, and a full slate of family programming designed to reflect its early days and evolution into a regional attraction.
Located in Archbold, Sauder Village has grown over the past five decades into Ohio’s largest living history museum, offering visitors a mix of historic exhibits, artisan demonstrations, outdoor trails, and themed experiences that span multiple eras of American life.
For the anniversary celebration, admission will be set at $3, matching the price when the museum first opened in 1976.
Programming for the day will include make-and-take crafts, interactive demonstrations, and activities that highlight Sauder Village’s early development. Guests can explore the historic village, visit working artisans, and experience attractions such as the Erie Express train, horse-drawn trolley rides, a recreated 1920s main street, and the wetlands trail.
A special focus will be placed on hands-on learning experiences throughout the site, which have long been a defining feature of the museum’s approach to history education.
“Sauder Village is already a fun, unique spot, but there’s going to be an even more festive atmosphere during our 50th birthday,” said Andi Erbskorn, Director of Marketing and Development. “It’ll be a great day for families of all ages.”
Food and beverage offerings are also part of the anniversary programming, with several limited-time pricing updates tied to the celebration.
The Barn Restaurant will operate special hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 14. Each adult meal purchase will include a child’s meal for 50 cents, reflecting pricing from the early years of the village. At the Doughbox Bakery, guests can purchase a drink and receive a donut for 50 cents. The bakery will be open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day.
Beyond the anniversary date, Sauder Village continues to operate as a year-round destination that blends education, hospitality, and historical interpretation. Visitors often experience rotating exhibits, seasonal programming, and live demonstrations that showcase traditional crafts and trades.
“Many people throughout the area visited Sauder Village during a school field trip, but there’s so much more to see now,” Erbskorn said. “This is a place that every generation can enjoy. And it’s an opportunity to slow down and spend time together.”
Over 50 years, the site has expanded from a small attraction into a multi-faceted destination that includes lodging, dining, and retail options alongside its museum grounds. Today, it serves families, school groups, tour groups, and visitors seeking immersive historical experiences.
For more info, or to start planning your visit, head over to SauderVillage.org.
