Did you know that there is a village in Alberta with an impressive collection of these old-school windmills?
Credit: Etzikom Museum & Canadian Historic Windmill Interpretive Centre
It is an impressive sight to see: the recreated towering structures and antique windmills in one field.
The Etzikom Museum & Historic Windmill Centre is located in Alberta’s southern prairies, about 85 km south of Medicine Hat. Here, you will find that impressive windmill collection standing proudly in the field. Alongside the windmills, there is tons more history to explore.
About the Etzikom Museum & Canadian Historic Windmill Interpretive Centre
The local Etzikom farmer Leonard Mitzel started the museum in the late 1980s. Coincidentally, this period marked a significant decline in the town’s population. Amidst the emptying town, Mr. Mitzel identified a promising opportunity with an abandoned school and field. Recognizing the potential of this location, he made the decision to purchase the property and utilize it to house his extensive collection of antique windmills, thus giving birth to the museum.
The windmills come from all over North America, and they were built at a time when wind power was essential to this part of Alberta.
At the Etzikom Museum:
The Canadian National Historic Windpower Centre stands as Canada’s exclusive windmill museum, open to the public from mid-May to early September. The outdoor exhibits boast meticulously restored windmills, providing a remarkable journey through over two centuries of Canadian wind power history.
Each windmill has its own unique story to tell, standing amidst antique farm tractors and implements, creating a charming atmosphere.
Beyond the windmills is an authentic historical village with a general store, hotel, blacksmith shop, post office, and more.
Indoors, visitors are immersed in time-period settings, featuring captivating “hands-on” displays that offer a glimpse into early pioneer life. In addition to the windmill collection, the museum proudly showcases various historical artifacts, including Indian artifacts and Homesteader tools, preserving the rich heritage of the region.
Things to do nearby:
Nearby attractions offer something for everyone, from picturesque landscapes to cultural landmarks. Here’s what you can explore:
- St. Anthony’s Church & Cemetery (30 km) offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past, with its historic wooden church. You can also see abandoned buildings around Etzikom. (directions)
- Pakowki Lake(25.6 km): A vital habitat for migrating shorebirds and rare plants, ideal for birdwatching and exploring wetland habitats.
- Forty Mile Park (50km): Family-friendly activities including fishing, boating, camping, and a sandy beach.
- Heininger Reservoir: Perfect for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, and photography.
- Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (83 km): Unique badlands views, hiking, and a glimpse into Blackfoot traditions and ancient stories.
Explore more History in Medicine Hat:
Head north to Medicine Hat for accommodations, dining, and more chances to explore southern Alberta’s history. Medicine Hat is about an hour north of Etzikom.
- Medicine Hat’s Medalta Historic Clay District is southern Alberta’s most unique attraction, serving as a museum and local community art hub.
- The city’s Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre is an art gallery, museum, and theatre with several historical exhibits on display.
More Things to Do in Medicine Hat
Explore the Cypress Hills
Cypress Hills Provincial Park is east of Etzikom and covers the AB/SK border. The large park offers scenery that is unique to the area and a great deal of recreational opportunities. Plus, the park offers accommodations through camping, comfort camping, or the Elkwater Lake Lodge. Make time to swim on Elkwater Lake, hike the extensive trails, or ride a leisurely bike. You may also want to end your day here, as Cypress Hills Provincial Park is a dark sky preserve. The day-use areas are a perfect place to park while you stargaze from around a fire.
More to do: 30 of the Best Things to Do During Summer in Medicine Hat and Palliser Region
Trip Planning – Etzikom Museum & Canadian Historic Windmill Interpretive Centre
Etzikom Museum & Canadian Historic Windmill Interpretive Centre
What: An open-air museum and historical village. The pride of the museum is the original owners’ antique windmills, collected from across North America. The historical village is made up of recreated buildings from the early 1900s Etzikom; these all contain a variety of artifacts that were donated to the museum.
Where to eat: Local eateries in Foremost.
Location and how to get there: 62065 AB-885, Etzikom
Hwy 885, Etzikom — on AB-885 in Etzikom between Foremost and Orion
South of Medicine Hat on AB-885
Open: May Mid – Early September, open seven days a week, 10 am to 5 pm
Cost: $10 for Adults
$7 for Seniors 65+
$5 for Kids aged 13-17
$2 for Kids aged 6-12
Free for Kids under 5
For more information:
Ph: (403) 666-3737