Lang Pioneer Village Museum

History comes alive at Lang Pioneer Village, an immersive museum experience nestled on the shores of the Indian River. Featuring over 30 restored and furnished 19th century homes and buildings along with costumed villagers who bring the village to life, Lang Pioneer Village offers a museum experience unlike any other.

The Lang Pioneer Village Museum is about 18 km east of Peterborough, just off County Road 24.

For up-to-date information and details on Lang Pioneer Village Museum, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.

A woman in traditional clothing tends to the fire in a recreated Indigenous dwelling at Lang Pioneer Village

More about Lang Pioneer Village Museum

Established to commemorate the centennial of Canada’s Confederation in 1967, the Lang Pioneer Village Museum serves as a reminder of Peterborough’s historic past. The Museum’s mission is to preserve, promote, and authentically recreate the history of Peterborough County. 

Visitors can tour more than 30 buildings on the 40-acre site, all of which were originally built between 1820 and 1910 and have been restored and furnished. This includes homes, shops, a factory, a general store and post office, church, schoolhouse, and two mills.

Costumed residents of all ages dressed in authentic 19th century attire attend to their daily chores and go about life in the village, making history come alive for visitors who explore the grounds at their own pace. Most buildings have an interpreter stationed inside happy to provide information and answer questions about that particular place.

Notable among the buildings is the working Lang Grist Mill and the weaver shop and loom, which features one of the only Jacquard looms currently on display in North America. There are even genuine outhouses on the property (though visitors aren’t expected to use them). They’re simply there to show what life was like in the 1800s.

Local farms in the area loan animals to the Pioneer Village, so visitors may get the chance to see sheep, goats, pigs or chickens.

The experiences at Lang Pioneer Village include Aabnaabin Camp, where visitors can learn about the history, language, and culture of the Michi Saagiig (Mississaguas) and hear the First Nations story told by Indigenous interpreters, thanks to a partnership between Lang Pioneer Village and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.

A typical experience at Lang Pioneer Village is both indoors and outdoors. Hours of operation vary by season and day of the week, so be sure to check the website before you visit. The Museum recommends planning a minimum of two hours to explore the entirety of the grounds, though some have been known to spend the entire day.

There are plenty of picnic spots around the Village, which are perfect for outdoor lunches. The Village also features a snack booth that serves assorted food, beverages, and Kawartha Dairy ice cream, or visitors can venture to local restaurants in the nearby town of Keene.

There are several annual events at Lang Pioneer Village, including the Father’s Day Smoke & Steam Show, Transportation Day Car & Motorcycle Show, the Anniversary Weekend Celebration, Applefest, Historic All Hallow’s Eve and Christmas by Candlelight. Events tend to sell out fast, so remember to purchase your tickets online in advance.

Due to the historic nature of the buildings, it is important to note that not all are up to modern accessibility standards. If visitors are unable to enter a particular building, the staff will work to meet their needs as best they can. Lang Pioneer Village is working hard to enhance accessibility around the village.

Lang Pioneer Village offers an unparalleled glance into the past, where visitors can step back in time to explore and learn about 19th century Canadian pioneer life.

Last updated: August 18, 2023

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