Hello! I am back! I haven't really been away, I just haven't posted in awhile.
The summer of exploring new places in Alberta is off to a good start! I had a friend recommend a couple places north of Edmonton to check out, places the kiddo would like. I hadn't planned on doing both until I realized how close they were to each other.
We started our day of fun (after coffee) at
Jurassic Forest, which is (you guessed it) a dinosaur themed park. There are 2 different pathways through the forest, and it really feels like you are walking through a forest or jungle. It felt extra jungle-y that day with the humidity and heat and mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, dinos, DNA....some future civilization will find remains of great plastic robot dinos and a mosquito preserved somehow with our blood. Sounds kinda familiar, yet totally plausible.
As you walk, you will see signs identifying different plants and animals. But what about the
dinosaurs? I am glad you asked.....as you pass by sensors along the pathways, animatronic dinosaurs move and roar and make other dino noises. My son enjoyed it. There was also mini golf, play area and the obligatory cafe and gift shop.
After a quick stop in Gibbons for lunch and to see their museum, which was closed, we headed to the
Alberta Railway Museum.
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| Gibbons Museum |
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| Retro Coke sign |
A friend called the museum a hidden gem and I agree. Even if you aren't into trains, it was fun exploring the train cars and exhibits and even a ride on a speeder (or jigger as I have heard it called also). You can't help but appreciate the collection here!
The museum also has an old water tower, I have seen 3 of these hexagonal towers now and still find them fascinating. Coincidentally, this one happened to be from Gibbons, where we had just come from.
I have put links under some of the photos if you want more info.
The Alberta Railway Museum website has info on each piece in their collection, I barely skimmed the surface with my few photos (was having too much fun). I didn't even take a photo of the train station, which was from St. Albert.
I think we explored every train we could and I think one we shouldn't have been in. A ladder to a door is an invitation to a kid and a kids mom.
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| Speeeeeeder! |
Love your photos!
ReplyDeleteThere is one of those water towers in Brookmere, BC that is supposed to be original and on its original spot that I want to see. For some reason I find them interesting as well.
Thanks BW! I think the New Brigden tower is the only I’ve seen in its original location.
DeleteInteresting!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gorges, I really enjoyed the trains!
DeleteI look forward to your summer adventures Jenn. Welcome back. Love the old trains!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie! I look forward to yours as well.
DeleteThe railway museum is one I'd go for.
ReplyDeleteSummer Road Trip Rule, always stop at museums lol!
DeleteAnything with dinos are awesome
ReplyDeleteThis was pretty cool.
DeleteThe Alberta Railway Museum looks very interesting and you got some nice shots! But the best picture is of your son and the dinosaur at Jurassic Forest! This attraction was in the news a couple of months ago or so because thieves stole some valuable stuff from their gift store in the middle of the night. That's the only reason I'd already heard of Jurassic Forest!
ReplyDeleteHi Debra, I heard someone there call the speeder a jigger and thought of you. It's right outside of Edmonton, you should check it out!!
DeleteVindicated, LOL!
DeleteLOL! Sweet sweet victory!
DeleteAnd the archaeologists of the future may conclude that our civilisation had a religion based on dinosaur-worship. And I suppose we do - for the first dozen years or so of our lives! Maybe the cave paintings at Lascaux were only to entertain the kids on rainy days?
ReplyDeleteThe railway museum looks fantastic. I particularly like the rather shabby look of the exhibits; we have lots of railway museums here but everything seems to be restored to within an inch of its life - or at least to within an inch of its interest.
Well, I did want to be a palaeontologist when I was a kid!
DeleteI agree about the exhibits, not restored but I 'fixed up' enough to be safe. They certainly have that smell that is only found in small town museums and abandoned places.
Love the look of the park! I'm not really into trains but went to a railway museum in England and it was a real highlight of the trip - there is something fascinating about old trains compared to our new ones.
ReplyDeleteThanks RedPat, all in all a good day, trains and dinos lol! The part that fascinated me was the ones with cabins for sleeping, even little showers in some of them. Imagine travelling cross country that way!
DeleteTrains and dinosaurs, what an interesting combo. I love the old trains like these, they are so much nicer and probably comfortable too. Looking forward to your future adventures.
ReplyDeleteHi Bill! Perfect day for a 8 year old boy. I enjoyed it too. A couple of the passenger cars would have been luxurious back in their day.
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