Categories: Things To Do

World’s largest oil lamp replica is in a tiny village surrounded by Alberta’s Badlands

Photo Via Donalda and District Museum/Facebook

Surrounded by the rolling landscape of the Alberta Badlands, Donalda is home to a landmark that’s pretty hard to miss. The World’s Largest Oil Lamp Replica rises 42 feet above the village and lights up at dusk. And just a short drive away, the Donalda and District Museum houses more than 1,500 historic lamps, along with exhibits about the area’s history.

Before you make the drive, here’s what to know about visiting the World’s Largest Oil Lamp and exploring the area around it.

What to expect at the World’s Largest Oil Lamp Replica

What is the history behind the World’s Largest Oil Lamp?

The World’s Largest Oil Lamp Replica is an enormous version of an old-fashioned oil lamp that stands above Meeting Creek Coulee in Donalda, Alta.

According to Donalda and District Museum, the replica officially opened on July 1, 2000, as a millennium project for the community. The structure was designed to complement Donalda’s growing collection of historic oil lamps, which has since become one of the village’s biggest attractions.

The replica stands at 42 feet tall and measures 17 feet wide at its base.

Why does Donalda have so many oil lamps?

Per the Donalda and District Museum, local residents Don and Beth Lawson donated their collection of 500 lamps to the museum in 1979, giving the community a foundation for the extensive lamp collection. Today, the museum is home to more than 1,500 lamps dating from the 1600s to the 1950s.

In addition to the oil lamps, the museum has a large local history collection with more than 4,000 artifacts, including historic clothing, pottery, dishes, tools, and other objects connected to everyday life in the area.

The museum also houses the Whitford Collection, which features Métis artifacts from the early 20th century, many of which were handmade. They also have archival materials, including photographs, maps, early newspapers, and books.

Where can I see the lamp?

The lamp is in the village of Donalda, which is located about 40 kilometres from Stettler. If you’re coming from Calgary, the village is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive northeast of the city, and if you’re travelling from Edmonton, it’s about a two-hour drive southeast.

When you arrive in the village, the lamp is located at the entrance along Main Street, overlooking Meeting Creek Coulee. Parking is available near the lamp and is completely free, so you can pull in, check out the replica, and continue through the village.

What else can I do in Donalda?

If you’re making the trip to see the lamp, you might as well take some time to explore the rest of Donalda, too. The village has a handful of historic and cultural spots, plus plenty of surrounding coulee to explore.

Donalda Gallery for the Arts
- The Donalda Gallery for the Arts is a small local gallery where you can see rotating exhibitions from artists in Donalda and the surrounding area. The Gallery is housed in Donalda’s historic Imperial Bank of Canada building, which was later preserved and transformed into an arts space.
  - Where: 5002 Main St., Donalda, Alta.
Willow Canyon Provincial Recreation Area
- According to the Village of Donalda, Willow Canyon is a 129-acre natural area just outside Donalda where you can explore the Meeting Creek Coulee and the surrounding Badlands. The area was formerly home to the Donalda Ski Hill and has since been repurposed into a multi-use recreation area. Today, it hosts a variety of events year-round, including trail rides, tobogganing, and drive-in movies.
  - Where: Directions to Willow Canyon Recreation Area
Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area
- Located about 15 minutes from Donalda, Buffalo Lake Provincial Recreation Area sits along the northeast shore of Buffalo Lake and has a small beach and shoreline area where visitors can swim, fish, kayak, and enjoy a variety of water activities.
  - Where: Township Rd. 411S, Rochon Sands, Alta.

So next time you’re mapping out an Alberta road trip, add Donalda to the list. Make a stop at the enormous lamp, then take some time to see what’s around the village!