Front entrance of the Reynolds-Alberta museum in Wetaskiwin. The museum traces Alberta’s mechanized history, and was established from the mechanical collection of a local car dealer who would take anything in trade. (Black Press Media files)

Wetaskiwin: This fascinating museum will get your motor running

May 11, 2020 // by Paul Bucci

You can take a voyage down the “highway through time” at the amazing Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin.

The museum — one of 21 provincially owned and operated historic sites and museums in Alberta — traces the mechanization of the province from 1890 to the present. The main attractions are sets that include a 1911 factory, a 1920s grain elevator, a 1930s service station, and a 1950s drive-in.

Car buffs, aviation fans, and history lovers will enjoy this museum, whose features include a biplane, a full-scale replica of the Avro Arrow, and more. (In fact, the museum has an Aviation Hall of Fame.)

The museum itself has an interesting history. It is named after Stan Reynolds, who was an owner of a Wetaskiwin auto dealership that advertised that they would take anything in trade, which led to a huge collection of vehicles, airplanes and farm implements.

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the museum was closed when this article was posted, however, check this website to find out about future access when planning your Alberta adventure.

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