PARTICIPANT INSTRUCTIONS

The Mulmur 175 End-to-End Challenge celebrates 175 years of Mulmur’s history, land, and community, one step at a time.

This 41.1 km journey follows the Dufferin Hi-Land section of the Bruce Trail, guiding hikers from Primrose to Lavender through some of Mulmur’s most scenic and storied landscapes. From rolling hills and hardwood forests to quiet country roads and escarpment views, the route reflects the deep connection between people and place that defines Mulmur.

Open to all ages, this challenge can be completed in sections or end-to-end. It’s your journey to experience at your own pace, whether you’re hiking solo, with friends, or as a family.

Challenge Details

• Open to all ages
• The challenge begins in Primrose and ends in Lavender
• All checkpoints must be completed on foot and on the assigned route
• Use the provided map to guide your journey
• The trail is divided into 13 official checkpoints
• At each checkpoint, you'll find a letter or number marker
• Collect all markers and unscramble the final secret message
  
  Once completed, submit:
• the secret message, and
  a few quick details (including the dates of your hike) to info@mulmur.ca
  to receive your Mulmur 175 commemorative badge.

About the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club

The Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club is one of nine Bruce Trail Conservancy clubs responsible for maintaining, protecting, and stewarding the local section of the Bruce Trail through Mulmur and the surrounding area.

This challenge is offered in partnership with the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club, whose volunteers care for the trail year-round and help connect the community to this special landscape.

To learn more about guided hikes, volunteer opportunities, trail stewardship, and membership, visit the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club website:
Dufferin HiLand Bruce Trail

Trail Etiquette & Safety

• Follow official Bruce Trail signage at all times
• Pace yourself and take breaks as needed
• Watch for hazards such as uneven footing, slippery rocks, wildlife, and ticks
• Turn back if conditions require, safety first
• Respect the trail and community: pack out what you pack in

In partnership with the Museum of Dufferin, we’re celebrating Mulmur’s 175th birthday by sharing fun facts, historic moments, and stunning architecture across our social channels! Join us every week for something new!

The First By-Law

On January 1st Mulmur turned 175! The story of Mulmur begins in the early 1820’s when the Township was surveyed, and lands were granted to settlers. By the 1830’s, early settlements emerged, including Mulmur Corners, Whitfield, Mansfield, Stanton and later Honeywood in 1848. On January 1, 1851 Mulmur was officially incorporated as a municipality. The minutes of Mulmur’s first council meeting on January 21, 1851 capture a notable moment in our community’s beginnings. Present as the first members of Council, Reeve Paul Gallaugher, John Cooper, James Mitchell, William Hand and David McCutcheon appointed John Little to serve as the Township’s first clerk and treasurer, marking the formal establishment of local administration. Mulmur’s history is a story of resilience, vision, and community spirit transforming a rugged landscape of trails into a thriving rural municipality with schools, libraries, and essential services.  Join us in 2026 as we celebrate Mulmur's 175th and highlight its history! 

 Photo: Minutes of the Mulmur Council First Meeting Photo Credit: Township of Mulmur

Mulmur turns 175 in 2026!

This isn't just any township...since it's incorporation in 1851, Mulmur's history has been rich with creativity, influence, a touch of legend - with a little mischief thrown in for good measure! From the inspiring to the infamous, the people who called Mulmur home shaped it into the place we know today. All year long, the Museum of Dufferin will be sharing stories of the people, towns, businesses and even buildings that make Mulmur so fascinating - and trust us, you won’t want to miss a single one

Early Taxes

Did you know that Mulmur’s very first tax by-law dates all the way back to 1851? By law No. 6 set the Township’s total taxation amount at forty pounds, six shillings, and nine pence—a foundational step in building the community we know today. From the very beginning, taxes played a vital role in supporting public services. In 1853, Council directed ½ penny on the pound of assessed property to purchase library books for the local school and later, $10 per school was provided to help buy maps. As Mulmur grew, so did its investments. In 1870, Council approved one of its largest expenditures to date—$300 to construct a bridge over the Boyne River on the Sixth Line (now Airport Road). This early infrastructure project supported travel, trade, and connection across the Township. Fast forward to today, and taxes continue to be a cornerstone of community building, helping to fund education, social services, police and fire, roads, recreation, and so much more. The legacy of responsible investment continues to shape the Township—just as it has for the last 175 years. 

Photo: Excerpt from John A. Love’s Township of Mulmur Abstract and Detailed Statement of Accounts for the Year 1887 Photo Credit: Township of Mulmur

Simcoe County

Did you know… up until 1881, Mulmur was part of Simcoe County? The Baldwin Act of 1849 established the foundation of modern municipal government in Ontario. At that time, Mono and Mulmur were joined together for municipal purposes under a single council within Simcoe County. The partnership didn’t last long—after just one year, Mulmur withdrew, and on January 1, 1851, it was incorporated as its own municipality. Between 1869 and 1880, discussions began about reorganizing county boundaries, including proposals to divide Simcoe County into two or to create a new county from parts of Wellington, Grey, and Simcoe. This new county would eventually become Dufferin County. Although Mulmur supported remaining part of Simcoe, the Legislative Assembly ultimately included Mulmur in the formation of Dufferin County in January 1881. As part of this reorganization, Mulmur Township had to settle its share of Simcoe County’s assets and liabilities. To do so, it issued $20,000 in debentures at 6% interest, payable over 20 years. That would be over $600,000 today! The final payment was made in 1901. 

Photo: A map of Simcoe County, ~1850 Photo Credit: Ontariogeneology.com

Mulmur's Crest

Mulmur's Crest - Designed by Janis Steinmanis, 1984 Designed by Janis Steinmanis in 1984, the Township’s Crest is shaped as an equilateral triangle, with the "L" of the Irish print in Mulmur forming a tree. The stylized green "M" represents the hills and valleys of our Township, with the blue part under the “M” representing the Township’s streams and small lakes. The fir trees represent the forests, and the stock of grain represents the main industry of agriculture. In the clear blue sky above the “M”, we see a hawk representing the wildlife of the Township. Photo: Township Crest Photo Credit: Township of Mulmur

Honeywood

Originally known as the “Yorkshire Settlement”, much of Honeywood’s early growth can be traced to a group of young men from Yorkshire England, who in 1848, became dissatisfied with conditions in England and decided to seek opportunity in Canada. Before moving, they sent two men ahead to survey the area and choose affordable homesteads. The land they chose belonged to Mr. Wood of Toronto, who had received it as a militia grant. As the owner, he also had the right to name the settlement. According to local stories, he first tried blending his surname with his wife’s to create the name “Rosewood.” When he discovered that name was already in use elsewhere, he chose a “sweeter” alternative—combining “Wood” with “honey”—and thus Honeywood became the name of the settlement. The early settlers cleared dense forests to create rich farmland. Community life centred around an early log schoolhouse/church built in 1856 on what is now the grounds of the Honeywood Cemetery. Businesses flourished to include a post office, general store, a tailor, blacksmith, and more. Honeywood became known for its strong community spirit, with families like Broderick, Foster, Siddall, and Tupling tracing their roots back to its founding. Today, Honeywood remains a vibrant rural community, proud of its heritage and deeply connected to the pioneering families who shaped its history.

Photo: Postcard, Honeywood Street Scene, Mulmur, 1909 Photo Credit: Museum of Dufferin - MoD # P-0138 A

Mansfield Outdoor Centre

The Mansfield Outdoor Centre has been part of Mulmur’s landscape for more than a century — shaped by the people who lived, played, and gathered here. This story begins as a working farm, where the 1907 farmhouse — now the heart of our Main Lodge — once served as a family home. A glimpse of that era is captured in a photo from circa 1957, showing Boyd Gennings and his cousin Dennis sitting on the farmhouse steps, with the original barn standing proudly in the background. Over time, the porch and dining hall were thoughtfully built around the original structure, preserving its character while adapting to new uses. As the years passed, Mansfield naturally evolved into a place for outdoor recreation and community connection. Families spent summers camping at the trailer park, children played and cooled off outdoors, and athletes gathered for races and events. Printed brochures, hand-drawn illustrations, early logos, and candid photographs reflect a growing reputation as a destination rooted in nature and togetherness. In 1970, the property entered a new chapter as the Mansfield Forest Club, welcoming snowmobilers and outdoor enthusiasts. By 1974, Mansfield was home to some of Ontario’s first groomed cross-country ski trails, helping define its four-season identity. New ownership in 1983 officially established Mansfield Outdoor Centre, continuing a legacy of recreation, education, and stewardship of the land. Today, Mansfield Outdoor Centre remains a place where history and future meet — welcoming families, students, athletes, and visitors to gather, explore, and create new memories on land that has been loved for generations. A living piece of Mulmur’s history — still being written. Join us on February 16th at the Mansfield Outdoor Centre Family Day Winterfest as we celebrate Mulmur’s 175th Anniversary with family, neighbours and friends. Photos: Mansfield Outdoor Centre through the years 

Photo Credit: Mansfield Outdoor Centre 

Andrew John Gibson

Did you know!? Mulmur Township was briefly home to Andrew John Gibson, one of the most well-known con men and bigamists of the 20th century! In 1897, a man calling himself Dr. Harry Westwood Cooper arrived in the community of Stanton. Polite, persuasive, and presenting himself as a medical professional, he quickly gained trust among locals. In reality, his real name was Andrew Gibson, and the impressive credentials were entirely false. While residing with a local family, he claimed to be in fragile health, and Maud Campaign was given the responsibility of looking after him. After a few weeks of courting the two snuck away to elope in Toronto. When the marriage turned out to be false, Maud returned to Stanton. Meanwhile, Dr. Cooper proceeded to San Francisco, then South Africa, England and Australia where he continued his string of cons and marriages.
Though his time in Mulmur was short, his story is a reminder that even rural townships could find themselves connected to international scandals and larger-than-life characters. The full story can be read in “The Love Pirate” in In the Hills Magazine.

Gilbert's Department Store

Gilbert’s Department Store was a cornerstone of rural life in Mansfield. First established by Cornelius Beazer, the business was taken over in 1867 by William Gilbert, and later by his son, Hezekiah Gilbert. Under the Gilbert family, the store became much more than a place to shop—it grew into a true community hub. At various times, Gilbert’s housed the post office, operated as a hotel, and served as a central trading point for local residents. Settlers often exchanged eggs and produce for everyday necessities such as flour, sugar, and hardware, making the store an essential part of daily living in the area. What began as a traditional general store has since evolved into the modern brick and glass building that continues to serve Mansfield today. Gilbert’s legacy reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and social importance of rural merchants in Ontario’s history—a tradition of service, community connection, and local support that still shapes Mansfield’s identity. Photos: 1. Gilbert's General Store, Mansfield 1900 Image: MoD # P-3238 2. H. Gilbert and Son, general merchant, Mansfield, Christmas 1923. MOD #AR-0734-990 Photo Credit: Museum of Dufferin