Calgary 
The history of Alberta’s most unique museum starts with, of course, gophers! The World Famous Gopher Hole Museum in Torrington (east-central Alberta) has those little critters to thank for its inception and its fame today.
The Gopher Hole Museum gives travellers and visitors a unique look into farm life. The museum holds a collection of taxidermized gophers, each dressed for different scenes of farm and community life. The Museum opened in 1996 after Torrington was overrun with gophers.
At first, the gopher hole museum was thought to be meant as a joke. But the idea gained traction, and the town council began brainstorming how to incorporate gophers into Torrington tourism. Today the museum is run by its original owner and curator, Dianne Kurta. She and 77 gophers greet visitors to the museum.
The museum’s 77 different gophers are scattered among 44 dioramas. You might recognize some of the spots, as these dioramas are a representation of the once-bustling farm town of Torrington. Many of these displays are captioned, too, adding humor and fun to each display.
These gophers can hunt, serve dinner, play instruments, tend to farms, make jokes, and more.
Each diorama took a considerable amount of time and effort to create. So take time at each display to admire the work and creativity. The manicured grounds around the museum also offer an opportunity for a picnic and adorable photos.
More Alberta Time Travelling:
The town’s population is a far cry from what it was in the mid-20th century. You will be able to find a nice quiet campground beside the Café, with firepits and picnic tables at each site. The town is a scenic place for a walk, especially if it is a roadside stop and you need to stretch your legs.
- The Kneehill Historical Museum, about 25 minutes east of Torrington, has an awesome collection of antiques of all kinds: vehicles, farm equipment, housewares, furniture, toys, and replica buildings.
- Head north to Trochu for their local Museum. The local Trochu history includes French roots, farming roots, and much more, all of which is on display.
- Travel east from Torrington to find one of Alberta’s most authentic and well-preserved ghost towns. Rowley, about 45 minutes east of Torrington, is more of a museum than anything else. The town has a full street of abandoned buildings (there are still private properties to be respectful of!), a campground, and puts on monthly fundraisers to keep Rowley preserved.
Trochu Arboretum:
Torrington and The Gopher Hole Museum each offer quiet places for a picnic. But if you’re heading to Trochu for the museum as well, make time to plan a stop at the Arboretum. The Trochu Arboretum is a public garden and green space with an impressive amount of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. It is a great place for a quiet walk, a scenic picnic, or family photos. Admission is by donation, and the park is open from dusk to dawn every day.
Planning your trip – World Famous Gopher Hole Museum
What: The World Famous Gopher Hole Museum in Torrington offers a unique collection of taxidermized gophers. Each of the gophers is placed in dioramas and dressed for different scenes.
Cost: Admission by cash donation
Best time to go: open May-September
Location and how to get there: 208 1 Street SW, Torrington, AB
Use Highways 27 or 21 to access Torrington, east of Olds
Gopher Hole Museum is located 75 km from Red Deer, 115 km (1 hr 20 minutes drive) from Calgary, and 224 km (2 hrs 30 minutes) from Edmonton
For more information
World Famous Gopher Hole Museum
