Heritage Acres Agricultural Museum | Pincher Creek, Alberta
Anyone curious about the history and technologies of agriculture will discover a treasury of working artifacts at Heritage Acres, at the eastern end of the Oldman River Reservoir.
Historical Time Period for Site
1880-1960
Operated by the very active Old Man River Antique Equipment and Threshing Club, the museum includes an elegant working steam tractor, a functioning grain elevator and a rather terrifying steam-powered saw mill.
A stately red barn built by Doukobor settlers and rescued from drowning under the waters of the Oldman Reservoir shelters horses during the annual show event and a permanent collection of elaborately crafted models of farming equipment.
Each August long weekend, club members fire up old tractors and demonstrate century-old techniques for sawing boards and digging wells. Interior exhibits showcase hand-made quilts and crafts. A favorite recurring event is the test of drawbar power for vintage tractors and their masters.
Each show has a special theme detailed on the Heritage Acres website. Visitors may camp onsite, a great way to mix with generations of authentic farm and ranch folk.
Heritage Acres hosts a late June cook-out that replicates a pioneer meal of the 1880s. Beef roasted over and open fire is served with traditional trimmings from the back of a chuckwagon, much as it was during a wagon-train crossing of the prairies. Cowboy coffee and country music complete the menu. Again, check the Heritage Acres website for precise dates.
September-April groups/tours available by appointment.
Hours
9am to 5pm daily
Open Months
Open May Long Weekend to Labour Day Weekend