Historic

treasure trove: Western Development Museum hosts massive collection

Moose Jaw’s branch of the Western Development Museum (WDM) is the largest of the four WDM locations in Saskatchewan, and needs to be, because it focuses on the province’s transportation history and hosts a massive collection of vehicles of all kinds.

If you’re entering Moose Jaw from the north, it’s hard to miss the WDM. With over 100,000 square feet of space, the museum has an extensive collection of cars, trucks, and farm equipment that will transport you back in time. If you and your family choose to wander the halls, you’ll see everything from vintage cars to a flock of historic planes (beautifully restored by expert volunteers) including the Vickers Vedette flying boat, to several enormous retired Canadian Pacific Railway locomotives and rail cars.

The WDM is at 50 Diefenbaker Dr. The galleries and gift shops are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission (prices include PST and GST) is $10.57 for adults, $9.51 for seniors, $7.40 for students of any age with a valid card, $4.23 for children between 6 and 12, and free for children five and under.

The list of gallery exhibits includes:

• The Aircraft Gallery — stocked with planes that flew as part of the WWII British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

• The Watercraft Galley — collection of boats important to Saskatchewan waterway history

• Classy Cars — restored vintage automobiles like the 1930 Packard Sedan and the 1975

Model T, early snow travel contraptions, and Blowtorch the mechanical horse

• The Rail Gallery — Moose Jaw was one of North America’s most important rail hubs at points during its history, and this gallery traces the city’s railway path

The museum’s exhibits are curated to provide visitors with a sense of what life was like on the Cana-

Bricklin SV1

• The Snowbirds Gallery — only museum gallery in the world focused on Canada’s premier aerobatics team, 431 Squadron Snowbirds

• The Land Gallery — more cars, including a dian prairies in the early 20th century. The cars and trucks on display were an essential part of life on the prairies, transporting people and goods across vast distances. The farm equipment on display shows the evolution of agriculture in Canada, from the early days of horse-drawn plows to the modern machinery used today.

While the Western Development Museum is especially attractive for automobile/transportation enthusiasts and history buffs, it’s also a great place to take the family. The museum offers a range of activities and programs for kids, including interactive exhibits and workshops. The museum’s friendly staff are always happy to answer questions and provide insights into the exhibits, and every WDM location has sensory backpacks filled with resources for children and youth who live with sensory processing disabilities such as autism. The museum also host regular educational programs and school trips, events like Brickspo and the Moose Jaw Model Train Show, and offers a gift shop onsite for mementos, travel guides, and unique made-in-Saskatchewan items.

Overall, the Western Development Museum is a fascinating and immersive experience that offers a glimpse into early settler life, culture, and adaptations on the Canadian prairies. Don’t just drive by: The museum is waiting for your curiosity and exploration.