Coyote Flats Museum celebrates 35 years

By Pieter van Ewijk
Coyote Flats Pioneer Village

When the Prairie Tractor Club was formed on May 1, 1982, few could have imagined the recognized museum it would become, and the multitude of functions, events and community groups it would one day support.
Five local farmers, with time on their hands in winter, and a desire to preserve some of the historical tractors in their yards, got together and started working on tractors together. Later that year they decided to stage an old-fashioned harvest demonstration, which was the start of the annual Harvest Days.
After four years of operating on the Duane Dunn farm in Iron Springs, 32 acres of land was purchased in the current location south of Picture Butte.
After the shop was completed, one-by-one buildings started to show up. As farms were changing, modernizing and upgrading — houses, barns and sheds became available. The board at that time felt it was better to move these buildings to the new site, rather than to lose them to being burned down or bulldozed to the ground.
A great many changes have taken place over the years. About 10 years ago the decision was made to operate as Coyote Flats Pioneer Village, as there was much more at the location than just tractors. In 2009, Coyote Flats obtained Recognized Museum status. In 2015, Coyote Flats took over the annual car show from the Piyami Cruisers, and held the show at the museum instead of at a park in Picture Butte.
This year, Coyote Flats is partnering with the folks from Windy Castle Medieval Faire to host a jousting tournament. Coyote Flats is continually expanding, upgrading and maintaining grounds and buildings, and there is always an opportunity to volunteer.
Join us between 2-4 p.m. May 1 at the museum for high tea and pastries (or coffee and cookies).