Adventures & Attractions: Museums & Historical Points of Interest
	1932 Imperial Bank Donalda This bank opened for business on April 30, 1932 and continued to operate for 65 years. This classic bank building was acquired by the Donalda Museum Society in 1997, and has been refurbished and currently houses the Donalda Gallery for the Arts. Art shows run from spring to fall. For further information contact: donaldag@telusplanet.net, www.donaldagallery.com contact person: Gail Kerr Donalda, AB e-mail: donaldag@telusplanet.net      website: www.donaldagallery.com view map
	Alix Wagon Wheel Museum Association Main Street Alix Alix is the hub of the former surrounding school districts. The collection at the museum includes artifacts of local interest and use, natural history artifacts, varied kinds of tools, and some archives and photographs. There are seasonal and topical displays, art displays, and a permanent Special Legion display. Open July to August, Mon - Sat, 9am-5pm. In September, October, and May, June the hours are 2pm-4pm on Wed and Sat. All other times are by appointment. Admission: No Charge Summer Only Museum Contact Number: 403-747-3540 contact person: Eve Keates address: Box 245, Alix, AB T0C 0B0 phone: 403-747-3119      view map
	Anthony Henday Museum Main Street Delburne The collection at the museum includes artifacts from the pioneer days, such as coal mining, agriculture, and household items. The museum itself is housed within a historic CNR Railway Station, with four floors of displays in the Delburne CNR water tank tower building. The museum has a replica of a homesteader?s shack, a CNR caboose, and a machine shed housing old machinery. The museum offers a Mother?s Day pancake breakfast and celebrates Homesteader?s Day with demonstrations. From July to Labour Day the museum is open 9 - 5 daily, as well as the Victoria Day weekend in May. All other times are by appointment. contact person: Shelly Nicholson address: Box 374, Delburne, AB T0M 0V0 phone: 403-749-2711      alt. phone: 403-749-2186      e-mail: ahenday@rttinc.com      website: www.village.delburne.ab.ca view map
	Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site Hwy 10, East of Drumheller Step back in time to when coal was king! Climb the last wooden tipple in Canada. Wander through the intact mine plant. Brave the ghostly wash house, ride in a coal car, and hear the stories of the men who dug for coal. Dynamic guides make the Atlas fun for the whole family. Interpretive programs and demonstrations include the original mine buildings and residence, machines, artifacts, displays and much more. No underground tours. Open May - June, 9:30am-5:30pm, July - August, 9:30am-8:30pm, Fall hours vary. Historical Note: A National Historic Site of Canada, the Atlas has the only wooden, ore-sorting tipple left in Canada, which stands as an important monument to the coal-mining heritage of the Drumheller Valley. contact person: Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site address: Box 521, East Coulee, AB T0J 1B0 phone: 403-822-2220      fax: 403-822-2225 e-mail: info@atlascoalmine.ab.ca      website: www.atlascoalmine.ab.ca view map
	Bashaw Lakeside Museum Society Downtown Bashaw Bashaw?s fire hall, located on the original site is the only restored fire hall in Alberta and home to one of three 1912 Waterous pumpers. The Bashaw Fire Department purchased the pumper, used from Didsbury in 1914. The museum, located on Main Street in Bashaw, was built in 1911. Special care has been taken to restore it to its former glory. The building not only housed a barber shop, but the police station, town council chambers, town office, court house and jail house as well. The museum currently has two cells, one of which had a notorious criminal housed in it for a period of time. The museum is open in the afternoons throughout July and August. Appointments for viewing are necessary for the off season and can be arranged through the town office, 780-372-3911. Bashaw, AB phone: 780-372-3929      alt. phone: 780-372-3815      website: www.townofbashaw.com view map
	Beiseker Station Museum Located in the old CPR Train Station, the Beiseker Station Museum provides a window into the lives of the early settlers of the area. The museum was established on December 21, 1984 after many hours of labour by local volunteers. The majority of the artifacts in the museum were donated by local residents, thus making it a truly authentic local museum. The museum is also home to a CPR caboose, donated to the museum in October of 1997. Visitors can come to the museum year round during Village Office hours. However, a curator is available to give tours during July and August. Open 8:30am-4:30pm (closed from 12pm-1pm) Mon-Fri. contact person: Village of Beiseker address: P.O. Box 349, Beiseker, AB T0M 0G0 phone: 403-947-3774      fax: 403-947-2146 e-mail: beiseker@beiseker.com      website: www.beiseker.com view map
	Big Valley Elevator Big Valley?s last standing elevator is an example of the traditional style wooden crib elevators. It has now been preserved and is an excellent addition to the railway station, yard and roundhouse interpretive center. It was also a popular backdrop for a Hallmark Movie being filmed here in 2004. contact person: Village of Big Valley address: Box 236, Big Valley, AB T0J 0G0 phone: 403-876-2269      fax: 403-876-2223 e-mail: info@villagebigvalley.ca      website: www.villagebigvalley.ca view map
	Big Valley Historical Society Main Street, Big Valley The Big Valley Historical Society manages the many historical resources in Big Valley. The collection at the museum includes artifacts representing local history, and household and agricultural artifacts. There is a photographic display and other displays relating to industries prominent in the area in the past, such as railway, mining, farming, ranching and petroleum. There are two railway baggage cars, a huge grain elevator, and the original Anglican Church, built in 1916 ("The Blue Church"). The museum is housed within an old 1912 CNR railway station and there are several old buildings to tour. There is also a large collection of salt and pepper shakers. The museum participates in Homecoming at the end of July and is busy restoring old farm machinery, with an outdoor display of antique machinery. The hours of operation are 10am to 6pm daily in June, July, and August; all other times are by appointment. Admission: No charge, but donations appreciated. address: Box 342, Big Valley, AB T0J 0G0 phone: 403-876-2242      alt. phone: 403-876-2593      fax: 403-876-2793 e-mail: allanjoh@telusplanet.net      view map
	Big Valley Jailhouse Big Valley This tiny jailhouse was in operation in Big Valley from 1914 until sometime in the 40s. It has since been restored and now you can experience for yourself what it was like to be on the wrong side of the law! contact person: Village of Big Valley address: Box 236, Big Valley, AB T0J 0G0 phone: 403-876-2269      fax: 403-876-2223 e-mail: info@villagebigvalley.ca      website: www.villagebigvalley.ca view map
	Big Valley Railway Station and Museum Big Valley Learn all about the catalyst behind the Boomtown Trail?s growth: the railway. The Big Valley Station, built in 1912, houses the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame, an interpretive center, and it?s the destination point for Alberta Steam Tours Railway Excursions, originating from Stettler. Big Valley, AB T0J 0G0 phone: 403-876-2242      alt. phone: 403-876-2793      website: www.villagebigvalley.ca view map
	Bleriot Ferry Named after famous French pilot and balloonist Louis Bleriot, this is one of the last remaining cable-operated ferries in Alberta. Established in 1913, it uses cables and pulleys to transport vehicles across the Red Deer River. The ferry is one of the oldest of its kind operating in Alberta and the only remaining ferry of 13 that once crossed the Red Deer River. Service alternates on demand between the north and south banks of the Red Deer River, running seasonally from 8am-10:40pm from break-up to freez-up. No cost. Bleriot Ferry Provincial Recreation Area is also located at the site with camping for $7/night. There are no services available. Drumheller, AB phone: 403-823-9490      item #76 on map
	Camrose & District Centennial Museum 53 Street/47A Avenue With one main building and twelve outside buildings, not only does the Camrose and District Centennial Museum have a lot of space for numerous artifacts, but they are also displayed in a variety of settings. Buildings such as the Firehall, the Canadian (the local newspaper), R.C.M.P. Machine Building, the Blacksmith and Tinsmith Shop, Oldtimers Hut, Mona Sparling Building, The Likeness School, St. Dunstan\'s Church, Log and Sod Hut, Lugs N’ Cleats Building,Garage and the Pioneer Home are proudly on display within the museum grounds and are open to the public. Permanent Exhibits are the replica of the 1907 Fire Hall, the replica of the Camrose Canadian (newspaper office), 1953 blacksmith shop, the 1906 Likeness School, the 1908 St. Dunstan’s Church, the 1898 Pioneer Log House and the replica log and sod hut of the first home of the Camrose area in 1890. We offer school programming as well as kids days. We also offer interpretive program tours. Our special events are Canada Day, Founders Days and Machinery Day. Hours May 22-Aug 29, 2010 from 10 am until 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday contact person: Corinna Nilson, Director of Operations address: P.O. Box 1622, Camrose, AB T4V 1X6 phone: 780-672-3298      fax: 780-672-4426 e-mail: cnilson@camrosemuseum.ca      website: camrosemuseum.ca view map
	Canadian Northern Station Rowley A 1923 Canadian Northern Railway Station Standard Third Class Station. This station is a later version of the Third Class station built by Canadian Northern Railway. As an on-going joint project of the Canadian Northern Society, the preservation of this station continues. A collection of pioneer artifacts and photographs from settlement days can be found. This old-west town site and main street has been featured in a number of Alberta made films. Featured in the 1988 film "Bye Bye Blues". Rowley, AB view map
	Donalda & District Museum Society The Donalda Museum is home to an incredible collection of around 900 kerosene lamps. The lamps range of the mid 1800's to mid 1900's with glass metal, miniature, finger, railway, mining, hanging, floor, and many other types of lamps. There is also local pioneer and Native American artifacts, a collection of arrowheads and hammerheads, an early Canadian coin collection and many oak cabinets used as display cabinets. The Museum has two designated heritage buildings located in th community. The Donalda Creamery building contains the complete butter making equipment used in making Donalda Maid Butter. The 1932 CIBC bank building is used as an art gallery with exhibits held during the summer months. In 2000 the Worlds Largest Lamp was built across Railway Ave from the Museum as a millennium project. The 42 foot lamp overlooks the beautiful Meeting Creek Valley and lights up at dust each evening. The area around the lamp is landscaped with local shale and has a bridge over the pond that leads you to the lamp. The Canadian National Railroad Station is beside the lamp. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm week day's around and during the summer, they are also open from 11am to 5 pm on weekends and holidays. The Museum is located within the village Office Complex and is wheelchair accessible. contact person: Gail Kerr address: Box 179, Donalda, AB T0B 1H0 phone: 403-883-2100      alt. phone: 780-877-2264      fax: 403-883-2022 e-mail: info@donaldamuseum.com      website: www.donaldamuseum.com view map
	Donalda Co-Operative Creamery Ltd. Village of Donalda The Co-operative Creamery, known for its award winning "Donalda Maid Butter" was operating between 1924 and 1987. In 1990 the building was designated as a registered historic site. Tours are available upon request. contact person: Gail Kerr Donalda, AB phone: 403-883-2100      fax: 403-883-2022 e-mail: info@donaldamuseum.com      website: www.donaldamuseum.com view map
	Donalda Standard 4th Class CNR Station Village of Donalda The Canadian Northern Society moved in and restored the Standard 4th Class Canadian National Railroad Station in 1992. Built in 1909, it is a classic example of a depot used by the railway at smaller points in Western Canada. Open to the public May to October and upon request at Museum contact person: Gail Kerr Donalda, AB phone: 403-883-2100      fax: 403-883-2022 e-mail: info@donaldamuseum.com      website: www.donaldamuseum.com view map
	East Coulee "Big" School Museum East Coulee The Willow Tea Room in the East Coulee ?BIG? School Museum will transport you back in time. The creaky floors in the former grade 5 classrooms will always announce your arrival. We serve lunches, great desserts and offer 20 kinds of tea. Group lunches can also be booked with us. Up to 40 persons. Summer Hours: 10am-6pm daily. Winter Hours: 10am-4:30pm Mon.-Fri. address: 10 East, East Coulee, AB T0J 1B0 phone: 403-822-3970      view map
	Edberg Church Edberg Began as the Meeting Creek Lutheran Church in 1938 on the hills south of Meeting Creek. It was moved to Edberg where it is used today. Edberg, AB view map
	Historical Park Sod House Morrin This Sod House is a unique replica of an early 1900s sod house, that was built in 1980 to honour the area's forefathers. The sod house itself contains many turn-of-the-century furnishings that early pioneers would have used in their day to day activities. Morrin, AB view map
	Homestead Antique Museum 901 Dinosaur Trail North Houses artifacts from the West's early days including musical instruments, Indian relics, fashions, military items, farm implements, antique trucks and cars, and even a stuffed, two-headed calf. Admission: $3 adult, $2 child/sen, $10 fam. Open May 17 to Oct 14, daily 9am-6pm; July/Aug to 9pm. contact person: Gillian Murray, Manager address: Box 3154, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0 phone: 403-823-2600      fax: 403-823-5411 e-mail: hamuseum@telus.net      view map
	Kneehill Historical Society Museum Along Hwy 583, East Entrance to Three Hills In the main museum local history comes to life - everything from washboards to quilts, living room and kitchen displays, a schoolroom display, pictures showing early Three Hills on the flats, three miles from the present site and changes as the years have gone by. Agricultural equipment is housed in a large storage shed to the rear including tractors, binder, threshing machine, a pull-type combine, a wagon and numerous smaller pieces of agricultural equipment, as well as one of Three Hills\' area fire trucks dating from the late forties. Open Mon-Sat 9am to 4:30 pm and Sun 1pm to 4:30pm from May 15 to Sept 15. Admission: $3/ person, Special rates for tours, Children under 12 - free. Three Hills, AB phone: 403-443-2092      alt. phone: 403-443-7834      view map
	Meeting Creek Station & Grain Elevator The Canadian Northern Railway built the Meeting Creek railway station in 1913 to its standard third-class station plan. Today, it represents one of the few remaining examples of this design, and is unique in Canada. The station is one of two being preserved on its original site with both a portion of the original railway together with a classic prairie grain elevator. Go for a self-guided tour of the station, which has been wonderfully preserved and houses photographs and artifacts pertaining to life in the prairie railway depot. The grain elevator is also one of the best examples of an early elevator?complete with an original hydraulic engine. This station has been preserved to depict a typical branch line railway depot in the 1940s to the early 1960s. The historically accurate display includes the waiting room, agent-operators office, and freight shed. A picnic park complete with a gazebo is next door to the station. The Meeting Creek station and grain elevator are open during the summer months to the public. Half Diamond Sales can be contacted Monday through Friday at 780-883-2445. Otherwise the Canadian Northern Society can be contacted at 780-672-3099. Meeting Creek, AB phone: 780-883-2445      alt. phone: 780-672-3099      view map
	Meeting Creek Store Meeting Creek In 1917, a grocery store was established on this site. The building was demolished and another building was moved on site in 1987 which was previously a Canadian Armed Forces Barrack. Meeting Creek, AB view map
	Mirror & District Museum 4910 53 Street The collection at the museum includes railway and early settler artifacts, St. Monica's Anglican Church historic site, built in 1894, and a restored wooden railway caboose and box car. There are also locally produced history books within the reading room and the museum celebrates Heritage Day on the August long weekend. The hours of operation are 10 to 4 Tuesday to Saturday and 1 to 4 on Sundays from the May long weekend to the Labour Day long weekend. All other times are by appointment. address: Box 246, Mirror, AB T0B 3C0 phone: 403-788-3828      alt. phone: 403-788-3836      e-mail: mmuseum@telus.net      view map
	Rosebud & District Centennial Museum The building that houses the Rosebud Centennial Museum had a colorful past. In the 1920's and 30's it was a Mah Joe's Laundry and poker den. Most of the original artifacts were collected from local farms and residences. Rosebud Centennial Museum currently features an extraordinary collection of antique tools, which were gathered over a lifetime by the late B.D. "Dude" Cot? of Strathmore. Mr. Cot? collected from neighbors, attended auction sales and spent many hours to bring his tools into "next to new? condition. An addition in 2002 doubled the display floor space offering many more attractions to visitors. The Museum is open in conjunction with the Rosebud Dinner Theater. contact person: George Rosebud, AB phone: 403-677-2208      website: www.experiencerosebud.com view map
	Rosedale Suspension Bridge Near Drumheller When the Star Mine opened in 1914, men and coal travelled across the Red Deer River in slings on a cable system. In 1931, this swinging suspension bridge was built. At one time, it carried thousands of miners across the river to the Star Mine. The original had no sides, but the bridge has been upgraded to entice visitors across. view map
	Rowley Bank Building Rowley The front and frame of this building were constructed by a movie company and local volunteers. The building now features and displays handicrafts that are available for purchase. Rowley, AB view map
	Rowley Church Yesteryear Artifacts Museum, Rowley Built in 1938, it served the spiritual needs of the community for many years. The church is part of the Rowley Museum collection, and is the scene of many weddings each summer. contact person: Yesteryear Artifacts Museum Rowley, AB view map
	Rowley Trading Post Rowley Built in the 1920s and was in operation until 1973 as the community grocery store. In 1990, the building was decorated as an early 1900s cafe for a Wrigley's chewing gum commercial. Rowley, AB view map
	Rowleywood Village of Rowley The ghost town of Rowley became affectionately known as Rowleywood after it was transformed into a movie set for the film ?Bye Bye Blues? in 1989. It?s now a great example of Boomtown architecture that you won?t want to miss; so pack a picnic, fill up on gas and explore all that Rowley has to offer. Be sure to wet your whistle at Sam?s Saloon as you stroll through this unique town. Please call ahead to find out when Sam's Saloon is open. Rowley, AB phone: 403-368-3757      alt. phone: 403-772-3901      view map
	St. Edmund's Church Big Valley The ?Blue Church?, as it?s known locally, was built in 1916 and overlooks the Village of Big Valley below. Stop by and learn the story of how it ended up being painted blue. contact person: Village of Big Valley address: Box 236, Big Valley, AB T0J 0G0 phone: 403-876-2269      fax: 403-876-2223 e-mail: info@villagebigvalley.ca      website: www.villagebigvalley.ca view map
	St. Thomas Duhamel Catholic Church East of Ross Flats Duhamel Campground Take a self-guided tour of this 114-year-old monument to the Laboucane Settlement family name and memories of Metis, missionaries and fur traders of a bygone era. This historical site is open to the public, displaying many artifacts such as hand-hewn pews. The cemetery is located south of the church. In the cemetery is a monument listing names of approximately 375 deceased buried in the cemetery. contact person: Stan Trautman or Keith Braim New Norway, AB phone: 780-855-2280      alt. phone: 780-855-2209      view map
	Steeple Chasers 19km South of Stettler on Hwy 56, West on Fenn Road 2.5 miles. Interested in old churches? When were they built? Who were they built for? Who designed and built them? Come and explore the beautiful, prairie countryside as we travel to country churches you never knew existed! Your package includes one night's B&B stay at The Wallace House B&B, your breakfast and lunch the next day, and a guided tour to three unique, country churches. Cost, per couple, g.s.t. included is $200.00. For more info call Susan at 403-742-8074. contact person: Susan Penner address: PO Box 2044, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 phone: 403-742-8074      alt. phone: 403-740-2572      fax: 403-742-8076 e-mail: thwalbb@telus.net      website: www.bbalberta.com/WallaceHouse view map
	Stettler P & H Elevator Preservation Society A non- profit society that is undertaking the preservation and restoration of a 1920 grain elevator, feed mill and coal shed. Guided Tours. contact person: Stan Eichhorn address: Box 1437, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 phone: 403-742-4703
	Stettler Town & Country Museum 6304 44 Avenue The 5th largest museum in Alberta features a collection that includes over two-dozen early 20th century buildings, 9 of which are early 20th century, on 10 acres. The collection includes the Lakeview Church, Kirtley house, Randon barn (includes lean-to with restored cars and pictures of grain elevators) courthouse, Whetsel School, Nevis Post Office, CNR Station, Estonia Log House, Grist Mill, Sports Museum, and Harness Shop. There are several pioneer artifacts, furnishings, and exhibits. The hours of operation are 10:00 am - 5:30 pm daily from May 1 to September long weekend, and all other times by appointment. The admission fee is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors, youths (7-16) $3.00; children under 6 get in free if accompanied by an adult. contact person: Wilda Gibbon or Karen Wahlund address: Box 2118, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0 phone: 403-742-4534      alt. phone: 403-742-2461/403 742 8034      e-mail: stcmuse@telus.net      view map
	Stettler's Downtown Historical Walking Tour The tour which will take you through ten blocks, features 14 of Stettler's historical buildings, each marked with a historical plaque. Some of the buildings include: One Better Hair Design: Located at 4822 - 50 St., the building was constructed in 1952. Over the past 50 years, the building has housed accounting firms, radio stations, knit shops, and school board offices. Stettler Pool Hall: Pool might be a family game today, but back in 1920, it was a pasttime mostly reserved for adults. Stettler's Pool Hall, located on 50th St., used to house a bowling alley and even a resident barber. Stettler Telephone Answering Service: In 1907 it was occupied by a real estate agency, a dry-cleaning outlet, and a men's clothing store. It's also seen several lawyers practice between its four walls, located at 4919 - 50 St. Fran's Flowers and Fudge: It might be the best smelling place in town. It's hard to top the aroma of flowers and chocolate, especially when you remember that the building (5015 - 50 St.) used to be a butcher's parlor. The 1938 building has also housed an insurance agency and a car dealership. Johnson Connor Agencies: The original tenant in 1909 was the the Stettler Medical Clinic, located at 4921 - 50 St. Mel's Shoes and Medi Wear: The building located at 4925 - 50 St. was built in 1920, and used to be the home of Robinson Stores. contact person: Stettler Regional Board of Trade Stettler, AB phone: 403-742-3181      toll-free: 1-866-742-9299      website: www.stettler.net view map
	Swedish Heritage Interpretive Site Meeting Creek 4km South of Meeting Creek on Hwy 56, the interpretive sign pays tribute to the Swedish settlements that developed during the early 1900s. Meeting Creek, AB view map
	Tail Creek Cemetery Historical Tidbit: Tail Creek was known throughout Canada as a focal point for hunting bands of Metis, Indians and white men, all hot on the top commodity of those days, the buffalo. Tail Creek was once the site of the largest Metis wintering settlement in Alberta. Established in 1870 as a trading post, Tail Creek had a population of 2000. Gabriel Dumont, was the commander in chief for the Metis communities of Tail Creek and Boss Hill. He was also one of Louis Riel's main allies and fought at the famous battles at Duck Lake and Batouche. The trading post was destroyed by fire in 1878 and was never rebuilt because hunters had killed off many of the buffalo and the purpose of the Tail Creek was lost. The Metis cemetery is all that remains at Tail Creek. Buffalo Lake, AB view map
	Trochu & District Museum Downtown Trochu Open May 1 - August 31, Tues-Sat from 9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm. Special Attractions include a dinosaur bone collection courtesy of the Heaton family, blacksmith shop, pioneer kitchen, general store, war memorial and the old printing press from the Trochu Tribune. Trochu, AB phone: 403-442-2220      alt. phone: 403-442-2529      view map
	Verdun School 4.5 miles on Verdun Road, North of New Norway Take a self-guided tour of this 101-year-old schoolhouse. Open to the public. contact person: Stan Trautman or Jack Fleck New Norway, AB phone: 780-855-2280      alt. phone: 780-352-7626      view map
	Yardley Jones Tire & Girdle Shop Come and take a peek at the Tire and Girdle Factory famous for its appearance in Yardley Jones? Editorial Cartoons. New Sarepta, AB phone: 780-941-3929      e-mail: sarepta@telusplanet.net      website: www.newsarepta.com view map
	Yesteryear Artifacts Museum Main Street, Rowley The collection at the railroad museum includes artifacts and displays of early settlers, 10 buildings, including a one room country school with teacher's residence, a country store with ?Queen?s Room,? ?Movie Theatre? and ?Hairdressing Salon,? an authentic western saloon, a reconstructed pool hall, an old garage, a historic church, a bank, a boxcar, and three elevators. Students will be interested in the prairie school outfitted with teacher and pupils. The Rowley School House Museum was moved from a site ten miles outside of Rowley to be restored, it is typical of one room school houses that dotted the prairies. Open on the last Saturday of every month, otherwise by appointment only. address: GD, Rowley, AB T0J 2J0 phone: 403-368-3757      alt. phone: 403-772-3901      view map