All Attractions
Historical Buildings
Log House
The original O'Keefe family home and an especially interesting contrast to the grandiose mansion later inhabited by the same family. On busy days, Nanny Duddy will be giving tours of the log house and sharing the special times the O’Keefe children had together.
Quilt Barn
Ever wonder how needlework, sewing, and fabric craft functioned before the modern sewing machine? Baffled by the majesty of your grandma's patterned quilt? There is no finer place to uncover these secrets than our Domestics Barn. Witness the elaborate work that went into items we now accept as commonplace and the tools used to create them, with a variety of techniques and history to explore. For those with an eye for textile themselves, we offer complimentary walkthroughs on these methods, ensuring you'll be crafting with antiquated mastery in no time.
Blacksmith Shop
Nothing defines times past like a blacksmith's industrious metalwork, and what better way to travel back in time than to see it for yourself? Complete with some of the ranch's original and still-functioning forges, our Blacksmith Shop sees regular use at the hands of our enthusiastic master smith Patrick and his untiring colleagues. The shop is always open for exhibition, but if you're the type to dive into history head-first, there's no better way than learning to work the forge yourself! Classes are available for booking here, and be you beginner or bladesmith, an unforgettable experience awaits!
Cowboy Bunkhouse
A recreation of what a typical cowboys' bunkhouse would have looked like in the 1800's, complete with rustic furnishings and pioneer embellishments. Within, you may happen upon a cowboy who's always welcome for company.
Balmoral School
This one-room schoolhouse, the base for our school program in May and June, was constructed in 1912. On Saturdays and Sundays, you may find yourself called in for a class by our authentic schoolmarm, who teaches traditional-style lessons for all who may wish to learn! After class, you can join the other resident attendees of the school for some classic games in the schoolyard, including ring toss, a fiercely competitive clothing competition, and blindfolded bell-ring challenge!
Schubert House
Built in 1891, this building was moved from its original spot on Otter lake to be a part of our exhibition. Just across the way from the school, the Schubert House is rich with authentic family history and is a fantastic example of the quintessential pioneer home. Additionally, you may find our local spinner working her craft within, displaying the detailed history of wool-work, threading, and the transition from sheep to blanket!
Milk Barn
On Saturdays and Sundays, come and meet our delightful Milkmaid, a recent European immigrant who delights in sharing everything she knows about traditional dairy product creation. From butter to ice cream and the cow it comes from, her knowledge is as deep as her accent is thick. Her passion for all things lactose and her superstitious antics will surely leave you in stitches, but don't let her catch you doing something that may attract bad luck!
Museums/Special Interest
Greenhow Museum
With help from the Vernon Museum, the O'Keefe ranch is proud to present a fully refurbished exhibition of life in pioneer times. Originally the living quarters of the Greenhow family, it has since been donated to facilitate historical education for years to come. Through hours of dedication, our talented historians have prepared a fascinating trip into colonial-era Canada, complete with authentic clothing, leatherwork, firearms, and other artifacts! The Greenhow Museum offers a variety of seasonal exhibits and features, ensuring that there is always something new to learn together.
Model Railway Exhibit
The North Okanagan Railroaders Association has demonstrated its extraordinary railway building skills upstairs above the Greenhow Museum since 1986. An amazing exhibition, the association's members work tirelessly to showcase a number of popular train stations throughout the Province, displaying a mastery of miniature sculpting. This area also offers a narrative in several languages to enrich the experience even further; It is certainly not an attraction to be missed during your tour of the Ranch.
SPPC Implement Museum
Experience the cantankerous majesty of vintage machinery in action! With a background in mechanical engineering and reverence for the mechanisms of old, the Pioneer Power Club collect, repair, and pilot a variety of tractors and other farm vehicles. Many such contraptions are on display year-round, however on select seasons these tools of times gone by rattle to life and make voyages around the ranch! If you're ever at the General Store, keep an eye out for our complimentary wagon rides! There is simply no better way to witness history than to be toured around.
