Heritage buildings house the majority of the museum’s artifacts. They are open to the public on a seasonal basis during the summer months, and tours can be arranged in advance at other times.
However, if you happen upon the museum accidentally, or stop by on the spur-of-the-moment, or arrive in the evening for the sunset, there is still lots to see.
OUTDOOR EXHIBITS
Outdoor exhibits like the following:
- Farm equipment and machinery,
- Vehicles, wagons, and transportation-related items, and
- Buildings like the Railway Station and its platform with the map of local points-of interest; the handcar on the tracks in front of it; the mural on the Esso building, and more.
ELIZABETH MCLAIN MEMORIAL GARDEN
A paved walking trail wanders by the pond and through the trees on the museum grounds. It connects the Cut Knife Health Complex with Tomahawk Park. In 2008, the local Seniors Association partnered with the museum and, together, were the successful recipients of a New Horizons grant. These funds made it possible to hire professionals to prepare the ground and to construct and pave the walking path.
Granite benches from local community organizations and families provide shady resting spots. In the centre of the museum’s circle of heritage buildings is the Elizabeth McLain Memorial Garden. Filled with rose bushes, it was planted in remembrance of Clayton McLain’s wife and the guardian of his legacy until her passing in 2001.
COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Community Garden was established in partnership with Cut Knife Community School. It is located at the north end of the E.A. Armstrong building parallel to Cut Knife Road and open to the sun. Growers harvested their first garden crops in fall 2020.
Clayton McLain Memorial Museum 