DISCOVERY CENTRE > DISCOVERY & EXPERIENCES
Exhibits & Experiences
Permanent Exhibits
The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada – NOW OPEN!
Featuring:
AWARD WINNING
Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures presents the Indigenous presence in Muskoka for more than 10,000 years. It has been created by a curatorial circle of Indigenous elders, scholars and linguists representing the four cultural groups including Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabek, Métis and Haudenosaunee that are part of our history. The project was led by Tim Johnson, who in his 10 plus years with the Smithsonian Institute, led the development of the National Museum of the American Indian in both New York and Washington.
The visitor is taken on a seven-stop metaphoric canoe journey through the region. The trip will cover the arrival of Indigenous hunters at the end of the last ice age, the adaption by hunter gatherers to the changing environment, farming, colonial engagement, and contemporary times. The content that has been developed over two years could not be more authentic and richer.
Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield presents the explosive and transformative last two hundred and fifty years relative to the thousands of years before. The Muskoka area changed rapidly from a serene landscape to a collection of towns and thousands of permanent and vacation homes. The story is one of conflict and resolution. This exhibit provides insight into the various stages of Muskoka’s development and the impact of different technologies.
Wanda III: Steam to Green one of the few surviving steam yachts, Wanda III, is a sterling example of the bygone steam era. However, with the transition to electric power she has also now become a symbol of sustainability and our need to make our world a more environmentally friendly place. Sustainability and climate change is a core theme of the Muskoka Discovery Centre and we are very proud of this ambitious initiative. We look forward to seeing Wanda III on the water of the Muskoka lakes again soon.
The Water Gallery
Watershed Wonders
Wonder is the feeling of amazement/surprise caused by something beautiful, unexpected, remarkable or unfamiliar, maybe even inexplicable. The Muskoka Watershed is an environmental wonder, because it is uniquely beautiful in myriad unexpected and unfamiliar ways. Importantly, it is the cradle of our heritage and the foundation of our economy.
Water Is Life
Water is Life is all about the Indigenous relationship with water. This exhibit highlights the significant role of women as recognized “Water Keepers” in the protection and nurturing of water.
Grace & Speed Boathouse
The Grace & Speed Boathouse houses North America’s largest collection of in-water classic antique wooden boats. The collection is always changing and their stories are found on iPads at the end of each slip. All the boats are privately owned and are on display due to the generosity of their owners.
Discover our outstanding collection of Canoes & Rowing Skiffs and their stories, interactive ACBS (Antique & Classic Boat Society) story, Boat Show Posters, all surrounded by elegance and beauty you will see with each visit.
KidZone “STEAM” Family Engagement Gallery
Where the Fun & Learning Never Stops!
Fun is serious business and it is our goal to ensure we provide year-round fun for families of all ages, 1-101.
Based on the S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning principles Kidzone creates a space for hands-on activities and programming in our 5 zones. “Laugh, Learn, Explore, Discover” as you “play to learn and learn to play”.
KidZone is a 4,000 sq ft family hands-on interactive engagement and discovery STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) learning space. Our goal is to provide year-round fun for families to play and share their creativity and imagination together. Play to Learn and Learn to Play in Kidzone! KidZone STEAM centres include: Ozobot programmable robots, Campsite, Lego, KEVA Planks, Chalkboard Wall, STEAM activity tables, Trains, Die-Cutter, Light Bright Wall, Magnetic Gears, junior toys, and more! Our Play Specialists will engage with your families with all of our stations and lead craft and experiments programs. Come visit us today and discover something new!
ASHMuskoka
Hauling Ash to Solve Ecological Osteoporosis Interactive Exhibit
This exhibit will successfully demonstrate that wood ash recovered from residential wood stoves in Muskoka is both chemically safe and biologically appropriate for use in replenishing calcium levels in soil and water.
This interactive exhibit will deeply explore this idea that wood ash can safely be used to restore the well-documented damage to forests and lakes caused by widespread calcium (Ca) decline in Muskoka. Restoration beginning with restoring soil and groundwater Ca levels to their pre-acid rain levels, launch this project in local sugar bushes which follows sugar bush operators’ recent independent assessment that their sugar maples are suffering from severe low Ca stress in Muskoka. Muskoka residents will see the impact of their collection of ash over the past few years.
Virtual Exhibits
Misko-Aki Online
Visit the new Misko-Aki Online exhibition and continue your journey of exploring more than 13,000 years of Indigenous history in Muskoka. This exhibit is in addition to the physical Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures exhibit at the Muskoka Discovery Centre.
Visit now at https://miskoaki.com/
