The second Allegan Secret Spaces Downtown Tour is Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will include six historic, educational and fun stops within walking distance of downtown.

Last year’s tour attracted more than 300 curious visitors who were invited into the rarely seen attics and basements of downtown Allegan’s historic businesses.

This year’s self-guided tour will also provide a view of spaces not seen by the general public for decades—including rooms above the old shoe store on Locust Street, the hydro-electric plant at the dam in the Mill District and a stunning Queen Ann home on Cutler Street.

Volunteer docents will lead groups and entertain at each location with tales of the businesses and families that once occupied these “secret” spaces.

Advance $10 tickets are available at Something Sweet candy shop, 109 Locust St. in Allegan and Baker Allegan Studios at 148 Mill District Road at the end of Water Street. Tour tickets may also be purchased the day of the tour. Addresses for all six stops and a map of downtown are printed on each ticket.

Oktoberfest follows tour

The heritage group has coordinated with the Allegan Jaycees in choosing a date for this year’s Secret Spaces Tour. Following the tour, the public is invited to the Jaycees’ Oktoberfest along the downtown riverfront from 4 to 11 p.m. Oktoberfest will include music from several bands and a beer tent.

Because the Secret Spaces Tour will involve many flights of steps to view second-story and lower-level areas, it is not ADA accessible and no strollers will be permitted inside the spaces on tour.

For more information, call (269) 673-7080.

