Planning a History Buff Staycation

Introduction

A fun aspect of vacation travel is learning about local history. This pursuit can still be great fun even when you are taking a staycation. A staycation means you are close to home, but there is still so much to explore for history buffs.

Long-time residents of a community will already know much of the history of their particular community. But there is always more to learn. Planning a History Buff Staycation can uncover fascinating stories in your backyard. And how much do you actually know about the small communities within an easy drive?

Small-Town Museums

Your History Buff Staycation will focus on visiting small-town museums within a one hour drive of the campground. This is a much different experience compared to visiting a big city museums which tends to be well funded with support from the government as well as donations and sponsorship sales. They also often have revenue from admission and gift shop sales.

Pioneer Life, Energy and Aviation

In Calgary, the Glenbow Museum is currently undergoing a major renovation. This is an ideal time to shift your focus to alternatives. Each of our small-town museums tells the rich history of that community. Learn about their pioneers, farming, and ranching. For the curious, you can learn more about the iconic grain elevators seen throughout the West. An important part of our regional history is the military training in the area during World War II. Some of these small museums have displays recognizing the many feature films and television productions that have been shot in the area. Discover all of this and so much more.

There are several things to keep in mind. The collections are much smaller and focused on their unique local history or a particular theme. Admission will likely be free, nominal, or by donation. The museum collection will be a labor of love by local residents and you just might meet a local senior in residence only too happy to answer questions. We encourage you to plan to take in other attractions in each of the communities.

Okotoks

Okotoks Museum and Archives: This museum showcases the rich heritage of Okotoks, featuring exhibits on local history, culture, and artifacts. They also assemble exhibits with a theme that tells a piece of the region’s history. These are constantly changing. At this writing, they have “One Room Schools of the Foothills” and “Snow Much Fun – Winter on the Prairies.” They also have programs for visitors of all ages. Check out their website for current information.
https://www.okotoks.ca/your-community/amenities/cultural-heritage-facilities/museum-archives

For more things to do in Okotoks check out our blog post “A Day in Okotoks.”
https://riverbendcampground.ca/blog/a-day-in-okotoks/

High River

Museum of the Highwood: Located in the historic train station, this museum has faced a lot of adversity and continues to serve the community members and visitors. The current generation has faced a fire, the major flood of 2013, and the Pandemic. A very popular collection is the history of movie and television production in the area including the popular CBC Television series “Heartland.” The museum also serves as the High River Visitor Information Centre. Check out their website here:
https://www.museumofthehighwood.com/

For more things to do in High River check out our blog post “A Day in High River.”
https://riverbendcampground.ca/blog/a-day-in-high-river/

Vulcan

Vulcan & District Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into Vulcan’s history. It’s housed in historic buildings. The old Alberta Government building has been connected to an old schoolhouse. Interactive displays and exhibits feature old telephone equipment. The kids might have an opportunity to listen to a lesson in the one-room school. The museum has artifacts and stories from the RCAF airport used for training during the war. During the last century, there were nine grain elevators here. Locally they are known as “Nine in a Line.”
https://www.historyofvulcan.com/

Vulcan welcomes Star Trek fans. Mr. Spock’s home planet was Vulcan, and the enterprising citizens of the southern Alberta Town embraced this coincidence. Don’t miss a visit to the Vulcan Tourism & Trek Station.
https://www.vulcantourism.com/

Nanton

Bomber Command Museum of Canada: Dedicated to Canada’s aviation heritage during World War II, this museum features historic aircraft, including the rare Lancaster bomber. Aviation buffs will enjoy the opportunity to enter this famous bomber.

Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre: Grain farming shaped the West and every fall, farmers brought their harvest to the local grain elevator. These huge wooden structures stood along the rail lines in almost every town and village. Sadly, most of these elevators are gone, victims of progress but Nanton has preserved three of them. The Discovery Centre tells of the history of farming in Alberta.

Claresholm

Claresholm & District Museum: This museum is located in a historic sandstone railway station. It was part of the C.P.R.s train station in downtown Calgary. The impressive museum collections showcase the history and culture of Claresholm and the surrounding area.
https://www.claresholm.ca/visitors/see-the-sights/claresholm-district-museum

Diamond Valley

Energy development is an important part of our history. It began with the 1914 discovery of oil when Dingman #1 well blew. An integral part of the area’s energy story involves the Turner Valley Gas Plant. During the Second World War, the demand for energy increased significantly and the Turner Valley gas plant played a crucial role This is now a National and Provincial Historic Site
https://turnervalleygasplant.ca/

Conclusion

With this information, we hope you have a good place to begin planning a History Buff Staycation. Your next step should be to book your one-week stay at Riverbend Campground.

BOOK NOW