Open: 2nd Sundays & 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm
Closed: Holiday weekends and when a GWBHS program is elsewhere.
** Note: Please check event locations carefully and check this page for the latest updates. **
Open: 2nd Sundays and 3rd Fridays, 1-4 pm
Apple Island Tours Euchre Fundraiser
Saturday, October 10, 2026
($25 participation fee per player)
Orchard Lake Community Church, 5171 Commerce Road
- 6:15 pm – Training and practice rounds (for newbies and those who have not played euchre in a while)
- 6:30 pm – Registration and check-in begin
- 7:00 pm – Tournament begins
- 9:15 pm – Tournament ends
- 9:30 pm – Awards
Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society (GWBHS) holds yearly public tours of West Bloomfield School District’s (WBSD) Apple Island during the second weekend in June. The yearly cost of this program has been increasing due to liability insurance, transportation costs and more. Currently, we estimate the cost to transport one person to and from the island at $50, meaning it would cost a family of four $200 to tour the island. Our Board of Directors believes this price would discourage a significant number of individuals and families from touring Apple Island. Thus, we would like to raise $5,000 to help offset this program’s cost and allow more people to tour the island at family-friendly prices.
The roots of Orchard Lake Community Church (OLCC) were planted on Apple Island by Colin and Caroline Campbell in the 1860’s as they hosted summer worship services in their home on Apple Island. Out of the prayers of the Campbell family and others – and a lot of hard work (including selling grapes to help pay for construction), Orchard Lake Church was founded as a summer chapel in 1871. The original building, what is referred to today as “Heritage Hall”, was dedicated on July 18, 1874.
Join us for a Euchre Night at OLCC in Heritage Hall (where a permanent historical display is exhibited), in cooperation with OLCC. All funds raised, less any expenses, will be donated to GWBHS specifically to offset the costs of providing Apple Island Tours. Beverages and snacks will be available for sale. Silent auction too! To donate contact Gary Forhan, garyforhan@ameritech.net. GWBHS will receive funds so they can continue to provide public tours of Apple Island at a reasonable cost.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Open House
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 1-4 pm
(Free admission, donations appreciated)
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road
Indigenous peoples are known to have lived in West Bloomfield at the time of the first official survey in 1817. Come learn more about them!
Open House
Friday, October 16, 2026, 1-4 pm
(Free admission, donations appreciated)
Orchard Lake Museum, 3951 Orchard Lake Road
Permanent exhibits interpret local area history and culture.
Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary Autumn Nature Walk
Sunday, October 18, 2026, 2-3 pm
(Free admission, donations appreciated)
4700 Pontiac Trail
Join naturalist Carol Fink for a walk through rolling terrain and explore seasonal autumn beauty. Free admission, donations appreciated. Sponsored with Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary.