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Michigan's '2 MI House' Earns National Spotlight as One of the Country's Best Historic Holiday Home Tours

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 17:01 GMT by Patch

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Michigan’s “2 MI House” Earns National Spotlight as One of the Country’s Best Historic Holiday Home Tours

When the National Historic Home Tours Association announced its 2024 list of the nation’s premier historic holiday properties, the headlines were dominated by a dazzling array of mansions, colonial homes and rustic cabins. Yet one unassuming residence tucked away in the Michigan countryside made the cut, earning a place among the country’s most celebrated holiday home tours. The award‑winning property—known locally as the “2 MI House”—is a testament to Michigan’s rich architectural heritage and the passionate stewardship of its community.

A Snapshot of History

Built in 1888 by lumber baron John C. Harris, the 2 MI House sits on a sprawling 6‑acre parcel overlooking the serene waters of Lake Pipestone. Its striking Victorian architecture features a wrap‑around porch, stained‑glass windows, and an ornate turret that crowns the front façade. Over the decades the house has served as a private family residence, a boarding house for workers during the lumber boom, and even a modest summer retreat for the local gentry. In 1974, a group of local historians—led by preservationist Dr. Eleanor Thompson—stepped in to halt a proposed subdivision of the property. Their meticulous restoration work, completed in 1985, returned the home to its original grandeur while integrating modern amenities essential for guest accommodation.

From Private Residence to National Treasure

In 2011, the Harris family decided to open their home to the public as a holiday rental. The transition was guided by a partnership with the Michigan Historical Commission and the American Heritage Homes network, ensuring that the house’s historic integrity was preserved while meeting the expectations of contemporary travelers. Guests can now stay in one of the house’s five period rooms—each furnished with antiques that once graced the family’s parlor, dining room, and master suite. The property also offers guided tours of the original Victorian kitchen, a Victorian‑era greenhouse, and a beautifully landscaped garden that hosts seasonal floral displays.

The house’s designation as a “Historic Holiday Home” reflects a growing national trend that marries cultural preservation with experiential tourism. The National Historic Home Tours Association’s recent criteria emphasized five key elements: architectural significance, integrity of design, historical context, visitor accessibility, and active community engagement. The 2 MI House scored highly in all categories, with its meticulously restored 19th‑century features and active role as a community hub.

Community Engagement and Economic Impact

Since opening its doors, the 2 MI House has become a cornerstone of local tourism. In 2023 alone, the property welcomed over 3,200 guests, generating approximately $850,000 in direct revenue for the town of Cedar Creek. The influx of visitors has spurred ancillary business growth: local bed‑and‑breakfasts, craft shops, and the Cedar Creek Farmers’ Market have all seen increased patronage. In addition, the house hosts a quarterly “Heritage Fest,” which draws families for live music, period‑costumed reenactments, and a “Victorian Tea” event. The Fest’s popularity was highlighted by the Michigan Department of Tourism, which cited the event as a “model for heritage‑based community events.”

The house’s owners—now the Harris heirs, Sarah and Michael Harris—have also spearheaded educational initiatives. Each summer, they collaborate with the nearby Cedar Creek Historical Society to offer guided tours for school groups, focusing on Michigan’s lumber history, Victorian craftsmanship, and the role of heritage conservation in modern society. “It’s more than just a house,” Sarah Harris remarked in a recent interview with Patch. “It’s a living classroom, a bridge between the past and the future.”

National Recognition and Future Plans

The National Historic Home Tours Association’s 2024 announcement was made during a gala in Washington, D.C., where the 2 MI House was showcased alongside other historic properties from across the country. The award, described by the Association as “the pinnacle of achievement for heritage tourism,” came with a grant that will support ongoing preservation efforts. According to the Harris family, the grant will be used to:

1. Restore the historic 1890s carriage house on the property, turning it into a multi‑use space for workshops and local artisans.
2. Implement energy‑efficient upgrades—including solar panels and high‑efficiency HVAC systems—without compromising the house’s historical fabric.
3. Expand the digital tour experience by developing a virtual reality walkthrough, allowing remote visitors to explore the house’s rooms and gardens from anywhere in the world.

Additionally, the family is planning a “Heritage Trail” that connects the 2 MI House with other historic sites in the region, including the 1875 St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the 1899 Lake Pipestone Bridge. The trail will feature interpretive signage, guided bike tours, and a mobile app that offers augmented‑reality overlays of historic events that once took place on these grounds.

A Broader Trend in Historic Preservation

The 2 MI House’s story is part of a larger narrative about how historic properties can thrive as modern destinations while preserving their cultural significance. Across the United States, the National Trust for Historic Preservation reports that heritage tourism now generates more than $200 billion annually for local economies. Michigan, with its dense concentration of Victorian mansions, log cabins, and early industrial sites, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend. The success of the 2 MI House has inspired other Michigan families to consider opening their historic homes to the public, and the state has responded with new tax incentives and grants aimed at encouraging preservation‑focused tourism.

Conclusion

The 2 MI House’s inclusion on the National Historic Home Tours Association’s 2024 list is more than a personal triumph for the Harris family—it is a milestone for Michigan’s heritage tourism sector and a model for how communities can preserve the past while embracing the future. With its blend of Victorian elegance, community‑centric programming, and forward‑thinking stewardship, the 2 MI House exemplifies the potential of historic homes to enrich the cultural tapestry of the United States. Visitors who step through its threshold don’t just experience a bygone era; they become part of an ongoing story that celebrates Michigan’s history, its people, and its commitment to preserving the legacy for generations to come.