The Charlevoix Historical Society's train depot was built by the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad in 1892. The first train arrived on June 26, 1892, and passengers came to Charlevoix by rail until 1962. The last freight train departed in 1982, after which the railroad bridge located several hundred feet south over the channel from Round Lake to Lake Charlevoix was removed in 1985.

The depot was donated to the Charlevoix Historical Society by Robert & Mary Pew on the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first train, June 26, 1992. Its interior has been restored and renovated, and received air-conditioning in early 2006. Currently, exterior pillars are being replicated and replaced where needed.

The Charlevoix Area Garden Club continues to develop the beautiful Depot Heritage Garden on the building's west side using historic shoots and plantings from the local area wherever possible. This garden is open to the public.

The Historical Society utilizes the depot for historical programs with digital projection capabilities and a sound system, major seasonal exhibits, social functions, meetings, and dinners.

The depot is located at Depot Beach at the far end of East Dixon Avenue/Chicago Avenue on the north side of Charlevoix.

From the south: drive through downtown Charlevoix, cross the bridge in the right hand lane, go up the hill and turn right at the Lodge Motel onto East Dixon. Go all the way to the end, turn right just before the stop sign along a small traffic island, and follow the hill down to the beach. The Depot is on the left at the bottom. Turn left in front of it; parking is available on the far side.

From the north: watch for the Marathon station on the right. A few hundred feet further, watch for the Sleep Inn, turn left onto Mercer between the Sleep Inn and the golf course. After the keep right  sign, turn right at the stop sign, then make an immediate left around the traffic island and go down the hill. Same directions then as above.