Time travelled back to 1914 one afternoon. So peaceful and serene looking at life in the early…read more1900s, especially the cool the artifacts. It takes about 2 hours to explore the grounds starting with the entrance from the Region of Waterloo Museum which is connected to the Doon Heritage Village on Huron Road. Staff are wonderful at answering questions and showing how the old tools and equipment were used back then. Some of the old tools are just rock solid and will last forever. Wood was the primary construction materials used for building. This explains why fire insurance was a fast growing business. Insurance companies in the Region thrived and made the economy grow in that sector for years to come. The Martin House is beautifully decorated inside and out. The family was of Old Order Mennonite religion. There were very conservative colour schemes used, and no mirrors were allowed in the home! The Old Post Office is connected to a custom tailor service in the same building. Our hostess explained how the one man operation (tailor and postmaster) was in charge of both businesses. Suits were made to order and were outfitted with ties and cuff links. It was a profitable venture until the Eaton's catalogue business became more popular. The Dry Goods Grocery Store is "stocked" with canned goods and non-perishables such as soap and laundry detergent. Brand names included McCormicks and Heinz. Homes were equipped with a cast iron stove that kept the premises warmer in the winter months. Check out the feet of the stoves which were designed like ones you would find on vintage pianos. Very enjoyable afternoon spent and we learned a lot about early life and hard work of the German community and how it all started in Kitchener (then known as Berlin).

From the owner: The year 1914 comes to life at Doon Heritage Village…read more Doon Heritage Village, located at the Waterloo Region Museum, is a 60 acre living history village that includes 23 historic buildings, and two farms with farm animals. Costume interpreters greet visitors in the historic buildings. Special events and activities throughout the village's May 1 to December 23 season. Doon Heritage Village is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1 to Labour Day. Hours vary from Labour Day to Dec. 23 - check the museum's website for public hours in the fall. The village is closed from December 24 to April 30.

So amazing. It is like the Ontario Science Centre but less crowded. Anyone who hasn't been here,…read moreyour kids are missing out!

The Museum is great for the kids…read more A lot of interactive activities to keep the little ones occupied and hopefully they would learn something in the process. The exhibits are a little rundown. A lot of screaming kids jumping and banging on everything. It is nice to be family friendly but if you are adults or without kids, I would avoid coming during weekends and summer holidays or just skip completely.

Wow, this is an AMAZING local history museum loaded with much more than just cheese history…read more A suggested donation of $3 (and yes they'll take USD if you don't have CAD) includes a guided tour if you'd like one, and access to all of the buildings. The main building houses an impressive collection of local artifacts. There's a historic music room, breathtaking hand carved wooden artwork, Native American history, and local history (about famous residents including the Ingersoll family, the cheese factory, and other local companies). We especially enjoyed reading about the 27 year old from Ingersoll, ON who traveled the world solo in the 1930s. This building has AC, a gift shop, and guest book by the entrance/exit. Go outside and visit the blacksmith shop, the old school house, the mill, and brick oven, the barn, and the cheese factory. The cheese factory isn't a working cheese factory, instead it's an old building with a ton of cheese-making artifacts, and information on how cheese was made. Ask for a tour, or watch the 20 minute video when you get inside. Ingersoll Cheese Factory is what made this town famous, when the 7,000 lb+ wheel of cheese made an appearance at the Worlds Fair in Saratoga, NY, then shipped to England to be sold. The only thing we were disappointed with was that they do not sell cheese here. However in the factory museum, there's a free brochure about the local Cheese Trail that lists a few nearby places that do, and other cheese attractions to visit. I highly recommend visiting the museum. It's only a minute off of the interstate and well worth the detour! You'll also be greeted by very friendly staff and learn some interesting history too!

This is a neat little cheese museum that shows how this region became the cheese capital of Canada…read more It's not very big and you will spend about half an hour going through everything and learning about the history cheese in the area. They don't really sell cheese here (they have a small fridge with a couple cheeses) so you have to go to one of the local stores to really buy some cheese.

When I am on vacation or am travelling, I try my best to visit a museum. I typically come to…read moreWaterloo either on business or to shop. I frankly don't know much about the history of the area. Since Canada Day landed on a Sunday this year, a lot of businesses were closed on Monday. However, Waterloo Region Museum broke out of this mode and was open. Perfect! This museum is in Kitchener. You can't miss the museum's colourful exterior and pleasing scenic view as you pull into the parking lot. I parked under a tree to provide some much needed shade for my car and walked in. Admission is $11 plus tax. The woman at the desk was kind to show me where everything was with the help of the map in the program guide. I walked over to the museum area and was greeted by an older gentleman. Everyone I talked to seemed so surprised that it was my first time at the museum for some reason. I looked like a complete tourist, armed with my digital SLR camera in hand. The man recommended that I go outside and explore Doon Heritage Village first. It has been hot outside these days and I showed up early, so the heat wasn't as bad as it could be. I spent nearly two hours exploring each building in the village and understanding how Mennonites lived in 1914. You see everything from the post office to the meat market. There are staff dressed up in clothing back in the day providing good information. There is also a farm with chickens, horses, and more. After I was done, I walked back into the Waterloo Region Museum. I looked like I had done an intense workout. I was sweating buckets, mainly because it was so hot and humid outside. I needed a towel and a shower! I sat down in the theatre to cool off and learn more about the lives of folks living in Kitchener (formerly Berlin) back in 1914. It was fascinating that I watched the whole slide show a second time before venturing into the exhibits at Waterloo Region Museum. The museum houses information and artifacts about the region, including a hall of fame on the second floor. You learn about the history of local industries, such as Schniders and Kuntz, with the latter becoming Carling and then Labatt's. I also learned about Abraham Erb, a Mennonite who settled in Waterloo from Pennsylvania, who is known to have founded Waterloo. The hotel that I am staying at is sitting on the street named after him. I loved my time here. I spent roughly 3.5 hours soaking up all the exhibits. I had a great time despite sweating so much. (250)

If ever traveling to Waterloo or Kitchner, this museum is a great place to visit. The first floor…read moreincludes the history of the area and the reasons why Europeans immigrated to the region, including great testimonials from people of various countries. There is a large collection of historic artifacts displayed documenting the community's heritage. The second floor displays Canada's Hall of Fame heroes, from military to government to sports figures; it is quite informative and impressive! Outside, behind the museum, one is thrust into the era of 1914, with a steam engine, historic buildings, and artifacts, including workers in period costume. Each worker has knowledge of the respective building. There is even a historic farmhouse that belonged to a Mennonite family. Out back there are chickens and a pig. Toward the front of the house are beautiful horses. It is well worth the time to visit this museum.

Huge! We did 2 sections:…read more1. European household goods. Educational. Relaxing. 2. Dinosaurs. A massive exhibit. The best I have ever seen. $68.93 CAD for admission for 2. $9.60 CAD for coffee and hot chocolate.

Such an amazing museum always love to go back when they have mew exhibitions. From dinosaurs to…read moreancient Egypt they cover many fun and interesting historical timelines definitely recommend.

What a beautiful place! You feel transported to the Victorian era while visiting this opulent…read moremansion. It is so ornate, and they have so many objects from the era (books, toys, etc.). It is like being in a time-capsule surrounded by beauty. You'll learn some interesting facts about the family and the era. A great place to visit! The troupe-l'oeuil painting technique adds an extra 'je ne sais quoi' to the experience.

Beautiful castle. Excellent restoration. The wall and ceiling paintings were amazing. The family…read morestory was interesting. Many of the original furnishings are on display. We stayed in St. Jacobs and made the short trip to see the castle. We were glad we did. It took about 2 hours to walk thru the castle including the 15 minute intro video. Each room had a brief description to read which helped fill in the details.

This museum is on the history of the immediate geographic area. It works well for all ages between…read morehefty stuff to read for adults or older children 15 and up), things to tour and try little quizzes for kids in the 8-14 range, and interactive exhibits for those under age 8. I would allow 3 hours. It seems that exhibits rotate. When we went, there were a few major sections. 1.) A section on prohibition and bars in the area historically 2.) A reconstruction of the Owen Sound area in about 1850, then 1880, then about 1910 - outdoor area with several buildings/guides/things to see - about 16 buildings - takes a while - covers the 3 eras 3.) A section on the Ice Age - including things to read/quizzes/games/interactive exhibits 4.) A section on printing through the ages and the furniture industry history for the area

Amazing fun to explore. Our daughter and us where in amazed from so many variations and how awesome…read morethese creatures are.

I happened across this attraction while driving out to Waterloo. I didn't need to stay long and…read moredecided I'd visit on my way back home. It wasn't too hard to find off the highway. It was a summer weekday and although I figured it might have additional traffic with kids on school break, I could tell just by turning into the parking lot that it wasn't crowded. What I did find a little strange was the constant signage and website warnings to book tickets online and not on-site. I guess that might have been an issue in the past but it certainly wasn't a problem the day I visited. I paid my entrance fee and walked the short distance back to the conservatory area. There's really good signage to let you know what species you're seeing, and their habits. What I didn't think of was all the butterfly remains I'd see on the grounds...a little disconcerting at first but ok, what did I expect! The sanctuary is easily accessible. It's very warm and humid, but quiet with the hum of the waterfall. It was great that it was so quiet. There were maybe 2 dozen species of butterflies, and many species of trees and plants. At the back end of the conservatory, there's a counter with large, informative photos naming all the different butterflies and insects, and their distinctive characteristics. There were also pupa hanging, and staff to answer any questions. There were a couple of seating areas. After I had rounded the sanctuary a couple of times, I decided to sit on one of the rocks near the waterfall and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. I then decided to check out the snack bar/cafe. The offerings included some lunch items and baked goods in addition to the usual beverage selections. One thing I encountered that is one of my pet peeves, is a place that charges full 13% HST on takeout food that's $4 or less. I brought it up to the staff and asked that they enlighten their management on how that works. This isn't some mom and pop corner store and they really should know better. Anyway the cafeteria is large and has plenty of seating space, plus a big patio area out in the back with acres of greenery to look at. There are also some swings and space for children to enjoy some fresh air outside. Last but not least, a visit to the gift shop is mandatory. They had tons and tons of preserved butterflies in frames. They also had a good selection of books and gift items. I liked that they were not the generic same old, same old you often see in other attractions' gift shops. I purchased a couple of things I will use as gifts in the future, and be happy that I won't have to worry they'll already have it or get it from someone else. I would love to revisit in future, and bring a friend with her young child. It's the absolute perfect place to spend a day or afternoon getting some light exercise, enjoying a slice of nature, and recharging your battery.

Great little museum featuring changing displays on history of Waterloo. Free admission…read moreWorth a look see if you are ever in Conestoga Mall. Located at back of food court. Very knowledgeable staff so if you have any questions on history of area great resource.