Wild, Wild West

My adventure was such a whirlwind and the weather was so incredibly amazing that I often did too many things in a single day to write about. So now it's time to do a bit of backtracking. The second leg of my journey was spent in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. It's a couple km off the Transcanada Highway, so if you are travelling East or West, you miss it. But if you are heading into the Cypress Hills, you pass right though.

Maple Creek is just far enough from the cities that it's managed to thrive in the absence of chains businesses and big box stores. It has embraced it's homesteader heritage and has created a fantastic little getaway; smack dab in the middle of the prairie. 

The use of brick as a primary building material on the prairies means there many beautiful heritage buildings. This old school now houses an amazing museum. The extent of the collection really blew me away. 

The gift shop is not your typical museum gift shop. You can actually buy vintage Altaglass and pottery. They have an incredible selection of history books. The household items in the collection range from everyday enamelware to the most amazing piano.

The Trolls were pouting about not being allowed to sit on the exhibits. They really wanted to pose behind the jail cell door!

Being naturally divided into school rooms, each room is a unique gallery. Some are like a life sized diorama, recreating a train station or doctor's office. There are galleries dedicated to the local sports teams and 4-H clubs, the rodeo, the RCMP, the school, local artists and more.

Broken Spoke Art Gallery

The Broken Spoke Art gallery has an impressive array of paintings and sculptures. It's also home to a lovely gift shop with blown glass, jewelry, pottery and local art. And apparently makes smoothies in the summer... small town business owners are brilliant at diversifying!

The Daily Grind, with attached gift shop

In Maple Creek, I stayed at an Airbnb that was right in the middle of the historic district. I could walk to the museum, art gallery, shops and for coffee. On the first day, I arrived around 1, but couldn't check in until 4. So I parked on the main street; explored, ate and shopped. At around 4:30, I looked up directions to the apartment. I literally only had to turn down the back alley and park behind the second building!

My days spent in the Cypress Hills and Grasslands National Park limited my time in town during business hours. Unfortunately I didn't make it to the famed toy & candy store or the quilt store. 

Since my accommodations included a full kitchen, I didn't eat at too many of the restaurants on this visit. I did have Chinese Food for lunch at BC Café when I first arrived and couldn't check in yet. One evening I went for a walk along the tree lined streets and found the Rockin' Horse Cookhouse and Market. The front is a small market for local items. I had expected a typical western theme saloon (who would blame me with that name). It was, with a twist. The Rockin' Horse pay homage to classic rock! Amazing food too!

Since Maple Creek is only an hour from Medicine Hat, I intend to come back for some day trips in the future. In the summer there is a farm on the edge of town with goat yoga, a kid's train and llama walks - gotta check that out! Llove Llamas!