Museums

The Log Cabin

The log cabin is a rustic two-storey log building separate from the main museum building.

The first level: features various aspects of gold mining, such as a replica of a mining recorder's office, an assay lab, and a prospector's bedroom. Here you'll learn how the early prospectors found gold in one of the most remote areas of Ontario, and succeeded in developing many highly profitable gold mines. You'll also learn what to look for when searching for gold, how to stake and work a claim, and what it's like working underground. The second level: features exhibits on trapping and bush working, and a pioneer family's kitchen.

The McEwen Building

Before it was donated to the Museum Board, this building served as the mine rescue station for the Red Lake District. Exhibits in the McEwen Building include:

The Old McDougall Store: This room is a replica of the general store of Red Lake pioneers Ken and Margaret McDougall. It features many of the original furniture and merchandise sold at their establishment. The store also serves as the Tourist Information Bureau and the Museum Gift Shop. 
First Nations History: The museum features a wide variety of aboriginal artifacts, including a ceremonial drum, various articles of clothing, furs, tools and toys. 
Gramma Gene of Hell's Acres: Red Lake pioneer Gene Campbell was the wife of George Campbell, the prospector who discovered Campbell Mine, one of the richest gold mines in the Western World. George passed away at 49 years of age, but Gene remained at their little homestead on the shores of Red Lake until her death in 1989. Over the years she welcomed over 8,000 visitors to her modest cabin, including Canada's governor general, and many journalists and authors. The museum features a replica of her living room, including her 1896 player piano, and hundreds of salt and pepper shakers.
At the movies: Historic movies of the Red Lake Gold Rush can be viewed daily in our movie theatre.

The museum is open from mid May to mid September, Monday to Friday, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Subject to Change) For more information call the Red Lake Museum at: 807-727-3006

The Crull Rock and Mineral Collection at the Municipal Office in Balmertown features more than 2600 specimens from around the world, including spectacular gold samples from the local mines.  The exhibit is part of the Red Lake Museum Collection and is open for viewing during regular office hours daily Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm. 
For more information call the Municipal Office at 735-2096.

A rustic log cabin constructed museum situated on the shore of Lac Seul and Highway 105. It features many aspects of our proud history. The main theme of the museum is transportation of the gold rush era in the Red Lake and Woman Lake areas; including the dog sled, horse teams, tractors, various forms of water transportation and the air plane.  The museum features freighting and transportation exhibits from the Gold Rush Days of 1926, trapping memorabilia, that includes a scale sized trapper's cabin, which gives you a feel and a look back into the Northern past. As well, the museum has many pictures of the old Gold Pines Mine and the old Townsite.  A very nice display of Indian artifacts, fish, and other wildlife is situated in the main building. Learn about the local industries that have come and gone from the displays in the two main buildings.  Adjacent to the museum grounds is a beautiful waterfront park where the restored tugboat "The Patricia" proudly stands.  This boat played a major role in the transportation of goods during the gold rush days.  Picnic tables, washroom facilities and a swimming area are available for public use in the waterfront park.  Your trip to Ear Falls Museum promises to be an interesting and entertaining one. 

The museum is open from mid May to mid September, Monday to Friday, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Subject to Change).