John Walter Museum

I’m going to start off by saying that this is a FREE Museum. And they say you can’t get something for free anymore. But that’s not the only reason that this place earns my five star rating!
Very culturally and historically significant for Edmonton, it seems that without this little highly accessible gem, some people might not know about many of the conditions that Edmonton was founded on, or about the flood of 1915 that forever reshaped our city. If you find yourself in need of a crash course in these matters, take yourself on a self-​guided tour using their graphic and detailed information panels. These panels are outside of the three buildings which comprise the museum, so they can be accessed any day of the week, any season of the year, at your leisure. If you have questions, would prefer a much more immersive experience, or would like to see inside the houses, drop by between 1 and 4 on a Sunday (March-​December) and the staff and volunteers would be more than happy to share their vast banks of knowledge with you, and maybe even ask you to help them finish some of the mounds of cookies they’ve baked (again, *free*). They are occasionally open on other days and times, check their website or follow them on Facebook for upcoming programs and events.
The houses themselves are a treat to visit as well, as with other well curated living history museums, these also offer the sense of time travel, with the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era. Some things they just don’t make like they used to, like washing machines, and toilets. So, if you have a curious little one that you want to impress, this is a wondrous place to show them something old, but new to them.
Located in scenic Kinsmen Park, a visit to this museum can easily be incorporated into a larger outing. Perhaps a walk through the river valley, a day at the Queen Elizabeth pool, or it can be a magical rest-​stop on a long bike excursion.
And did I mention it’s free to visit. Not even a guilt trip ‘admission by donation’ sign.

A real YEG gem, hiding near the river banks off of Kinsmen Sports Centre. That means free parking and great views.
I love this little museum, it’s run by some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic interpreters in Edmonton. Esther, Jeff, Christina to name a few, all dressed in period attire and chock full of information about the history and the era. Ask them about anything! There are 3 houses to visit, from a log cabin to their last house, almost mansion-​like by comparison. They bake in a wood stove, offer meeting venues, birthday parties and summer camps!
Plan a short trip, bring a picnic if you plan to spend a bit of time there enjoying the grounds and pathways. The city website says they are open Saturday and Sunday during summer holidays from 1pm to 4pm. As far as I know, it is open on Sunday only and they continue right up to November. On their last opening day last fall, they had cinnamon buns and Apple cider. Spool yummy!
His entire business was washed out in a flood in 1915, 5 years before he passed. He did a lot for the community through public action, carpentry, employment and philanthropy. Worth a trip, and did I mention that it’s offered by the city… for FREE? Yes the baked goodies and hand-​made lemonade is also pro-​bono. Love, love, love this place. Thank you YEG for providing this to Edmontonians every year.