Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre Nanton Elevators

ALBERTA OPEN FARM DAYS - AUG 14 & 15 from 10am - 4pm

Participants will enjoy tours of our restored Pioneer grain elevator and see the rare 1929 Alberta Pool twin elevators. We will be holding engine runs featuring four antique grain elevator engine models including a 1918 3hp Waterloo and a 1930s International 3-5hp. We are collaborating with the Herbert family and their Trail’s End grass-fed beef operation located 10 minutes south of Nanton for cross-promotion

The Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre is a set of restored grain elevators located in Nanton. The Centre’s goal is to preserve these three remaining prairie icons to educate visitors about Nanton’s and Alberta’s agricultural history. As often as possible, tours are conducted by former grain elevator managers or employees who are a wealth of information about these “skyscrapers of the prairies” that were so closely tied to the well-being of Alberta communities for so many years.

Since 1993

Preserving History

In the early 2000's the abandonment of the Canadian Pacific railway threatened the demolition of the historic grain elevators that stood next to the railway in the Town of Nanton. The citizens of Nanton rallied together for the protection and preservation of the towns historical landmarks. The town formed a historical society named "Save One" as the original goal of the society was to save the largest of the two standing grain elevators.

The undertaking was a big one and it took three years to achieve. But the incredible effort put in by the many volunteers and local businesses proved to be so successful that they were able to save all three of the remaining buildings. The gracious donations provided by members, local farmers and ranchers and local businesses have helped in replacing the railway tracks next to the elevators and helped to restore the buldings to their former glory. The most notable restoration was painting the former Alberta Wheat Pool elevator back to its original green and the Pioneer elevator back to its original orange and yellow.

Thanks to the society and local contributions the Canadian Grain Elevator Discovery Centre has been established and aims to educate visitors about the town's, and Alberta's, agricultural history.