Visit our Depot Museum
The current Alden Depot, built in 1907, replaced the original building lost to fire the previous year. Once known as ”the finest depot on the line north of Grand Rapids,” the Pere Marquette Train Depot was the center of activity in historic Alden. The “Resort Special” arrived daily from points around the Midwest, with passengers planning holidays at one of the many summer camps, resorts, and hotels. More tickets were sold to Alden, a favorite destination point, than any other stop along the line!
Explore our Exhibits
What brought early pioneers to the area? Who were they? What did their homes, work, and recreational lives look like? Exhibits and collections include local history and railroad history books, photographs, documents, artifacts and family stories which showcase these resilient, hardworking pioneers. Browse many photographs of early recreation and resort life around Torch Lake.
Helena Township Historical Society Mission Statement
The mission of the Helena Township Historical Society is to preserve local history and to promote interest therein. At the Alden Depot Museum, the HTHS collects and makes available to residents and visitors objects and information relevant to the area’s amazing history; artifacts, photographs, postcards, recordings and documents are curated, maintained and displayed.


