Go enjoy cheap — or free — museums
Summer’s last hurrah awaits everyone with chances to walk, crawl and explore
WATERLOO REGION — It’s the last weekend of summer. Festivals have died down, kids will be back in school Tuesday and it may be too cool for beaches, trails and parks.
So why not explore some of the region’s free (or cheap) museums? From fashion history to maple syrup and unusual rocks, there are lots of uniquely local museums that are open into the cooler months.
Each week this summer, The Record has put together a list of curious and interesting activities to explore in Waterloo Region.
This week — the final one — it’s free (or cheap) museums.
Earth Sciences Museum at University of Waterloo: Free
Dinosaurs, fossils and volcanic rock can be found right here in Waterloo Region — at the University of Waterloo’s Earth Sciences Museum. This hidden gem also is full of unique artifacts like petrified wood and a replica mining tunnel modelled after one in Cobalt, Ont., with real items from the 1960s silver mine.
The museum was founded as a Canada 100 centennial project, and also features an outdoor rock garden with more than 70 specimens from all over North America.
Visit the museum at University of Waterloo’s campus in the Centre for Environmental and Information Technology building just off of Ring Road. The museum’s main atrium, mining tunnel, Great Lakes fountain and mineral exhibits are open all day Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends. The section known as the “dino pit” is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
St. Jacobs’ A Mennonite Story and Maple Syrup Museum: Admission by donation
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the region’s Mennonites, there is a curious little multimedia exhibit in the heart of St. Jacobs. Called “A Mennonite Story,” the informative exhibit features a video about old order Mennonites and also has exhibits of photos and artifacts on display of Mennonites around the world.
It’s located at 1406 King St. N. next to the post office in St. Jacobs and is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30 to 5 p.m. until December.
While you’re there, why not wander over to the third floor of the mill to explore a small but intriguing maple syrup museum. Learn all about how Indigenous people taught pioneers how to make maple syrup and find out more about how the production process changed over the years.
Located on the third floor of The Mill, 1441 King St. N. in St. Jacobs, the maple syrup museum and other exhibits in The Mill are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Woodside National Historic Site: Free this year for Canada 150
It’s a beloved national park tucked away in the heart of Kitchener. Maybe you visited once a long time ago. Why not revisit William Lyon Mackenzie King’s boyhood home?
Admission to see the authentic Victorian dwelling that was once home to Canada’s 10th and longestserving prime minister is free this year to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial.
Explore 11.5 acres of mature forest and beautiful gardens and check out the authentic artifacts donated to the site by the King family.
King’s boyhood home is located at 528 Wellington St. N., Kitchener and it is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until Oct. 3
Fashion History Museum in Cambridge: $5 admission
This unique little museum of fashion history has a collection of nearly 10,000 garments dating as far back as the 1660s. You can also explore contemporary collections and special exhibits.
Right now, you can check out a collection of Canadian fashion chronicling the country’s 150 years of dominion. There is also a new collection of Regency pieces called Jane Austen’s World. The style of dress was popular in the early 1800s and also by Austen herself.
Children under 12 get in for free. The museum is located at 74 Queen St. E., Cambridge and is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.