Visit Historic Lang Pioneer Village

Lang Pioneer Village offers a slice of Canada’s rich history in a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. This historical ‘museum’ occupies 25 acres of land just outside Peterborough, Ontario, and is packed with things to do, people to meet, and history to discover. 

Your whole family will be able to learn about the pioneers who first settled the area with hands-on activities and live recreations of the time period. Here’s our guide to experiencing one of the most charming establishments in Ontario. 

A Living Museum

The Lang Pioneer Village was established in 1967 to commemorate Canada’s confederation and seeks to preserve the history of the area. Named after Samuel and Margaret Lang, who settled in the area in the early 1800s, the museum is a living example of the development of Peterborough County.

The unique feature of Lang Pioneer Village is how the entire exhibit is alive. Throughout the historically-accurate town, you’ll find people dressed in early 1800’s garb as they go about their period-themed lives. They’ll teach you all about raising animals, growing crops, working in shops, churning butter, and other activities typical of 19th-century Canada.

Historic Activities

Lang Pioneer Village houses dozens of historical buildings that guests can tour while learning about different occupations. You’ll learn what it was like to be a 19th-century blacksmith, carpenter, shopkeeper, cider-maker, and more as you experience the day-to-day life of this early settlement.

Blacksmith Shop

An essential element of the community is the blacksmith’s shop. The blacksmith, so-named for the black iron he worked, would make and repair a variety of different equipment. From horseshoes to sleighs to farming tools, the blacksmith’s expertise was extremely valuable to everyone in the village.

Today you can tour the workshop to see what it was like to hammer away at the forge all day. The blacksmith’s equipment can be seen throughout the shop, including a furnace, anvil, hammers, grindstones, and more. Hanging on the walls and in the rafters you’ll see the tools and equipment that would typically be made in the shop.

Lowry Weaver’s Shop

Today we often take for granted how easy it is to buy clothes, but during the early 19th century cloth-making was a complex and time-consuming process. The Lowry Weaver’s shop is a workroom and store dedicated to the meticulous process of keeping a community clothed.

The large looms on display in the shop are working replicas of the ones pioneers used to make cloth for shirts, pants, dresses, blankets, and more. These intricate wooden machines made the process much easier and could be used to weave delicate patterns into different kinds of fabric. Visitors will learn all about the patience and skill required to turn spools of thread into the clothing of the time.

Cheese Factory

A favorite attraction in the village, this modest building shows how pioneers would make different varieties of cheese. The town ‘cheese maker’ will tell you all about the process of making the delicious cheese in large wheels, and they may even have a sample for you to try.

Cheese making was a popular job throughout the 19th century, and there were over 1000 cheese factories in Ontario by the year 1900. The central vat in the factory holds 400 pounds of milk, which would be used to make about 40 pounds of cheese. That’s a lot!

Tours and Events

The events and programs frequently hosted at Lang Pioneer Village add even more to do and see. Throughout the year visitors will be treated to a variety of historical and non-historical activities, such as harvest festivals, holiday bazaars, car and motorcycle shows, and more. 

The events change throughout the year and the museum keeps an updated calendar on their website so you always know what’s going on. Be sure to check their schedule to see what events are happening during your stay.



Stay With Lake Edge Cottages

Located just 20 minutes away from Lang Pioneer Village, Lake Edge Cottages is the perfect place to stay after a day of soaking up the local history. Our pet-friendly resort is located right on the edge of Lake Katchewanooka and offers a comfortable stay for the whole family. Come relax in our cozy cabins while you contemplate the incredible achievements of the early pioneers.

Book your stay with Lake Edge Cottages today!