UNITY -- Inflation, post pandemic recovery or just life circumstances. We don’t all have big budgets for travel or vacation plans this summer. However, the communities of Kerrobert, Luseland, Macklin, Unity and Wilkie all have something to offer the traveller or visitor.
In addition to all communities offering a golf course, a swimming pool and a museum, there are some hidden gems that might get taken for granted but are certainly worth pointing out.
Kerrobert
You will be surprised what you can find in Kerrobert. If you were around Kerrobert July 28, the Kerrobert Kinsmen continued a popular tradition and offering a Gumball Rally and Show and Shine that will feature live music, food and a chance to cruise with your classic car or just stop by and check out cars that are part of the show.
Have you ever been to the 102-year-old Kerrobert Courthouse? It is where their town office, museum and library are housed. Some say visitors may experience para-normal activity while others cherish the history and architecture of the building and what it offers. Kerrobert Courtroom Gallery has artists’ work on display all year round.
Kerrobert Reservoir is a must-see when in the community. The Wildlife Federation stocks the pond with ready-to-catch fish. You can walk there from Kerrobert using the nature trail that leads to the location, or you can drive out. The site includes further trails, a suspension bridge, plenty of birds and other wildlife to see as well as benches on the dock that can be used for fishing or viewing as well as picnic tables.
Luseland
Not far down the road is the community of Luseland. Have you ever heard of a threshing machine graveyard? Collected by Abe Olfert, this collection of more than 50 threshing machines is situated along a winding trail that allows you to drive by each item for easy viewing, four miles south of Luseland on Airport Road.
Luseland also offers two trout ponds for fishing enthusiasts and is part of the Bell Acres Golf and Country Club.
Luseland also offers a historical, self-guided walking tour. Luseland Prairie Park features an interpretive branch which incorporates a hand-painted mural of a prairie landscape and information panels explain the history of the prairie on a two-acre site.
Did you know Luseland has their own version of the hockey hall of fame? The Luseland arena has a designated space to recognize players, teams and contributors who have called Luseland home. Barry Gibbs, included on this wall, was part of the NHL for five seasons, and he is but one of many recognizable names and faces included on this wall of honour.
Macklin
Continuing down the road, the community of Macklin also has much to offer the visitor. The most famous event, World Bunnock Championship, will already be over, being held August long weekend each year, doubling the town’s population in size. The town has a giant size bunnock bone upon entry reminding everyone who travels to and through Macklin what the community is most famous for.
Just minutes away from town is Macklin Lake Regional Park which offers camping, a beach, a trout pond, hiking trails, playground and with multiple surrounding ball diamonds there may even be a ball game or two to catch while you visit there.
Unity
Unity also has plenty to offer a traveler or visitor and the Unity & District Heritage Museum might be acclaimed as Unity’s biggest attraction. The venue spans more than an acre and is set up to resemble a small prairie town that includes 30 buildings and monuments such as a church, an old schoolhouse, a train station, old homes, blacksmith shop and much more. The spacious grounds offer plenty of room to romp, picnic or offers the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities.
Unity has multiple kilometers of paved and graveled pathways that lead through places and spaces in and around Unity. The paths offer a great opportunity to connect with nature, leading through open areas where walkers/cyclists can see native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and wildlife.
Several Unity businesses offer indoor recreation options like mini golf, virtual golf, and 24/7/365 movie theatre.
Unity’s Sports Wall of Fame is included in the Unity Community Centre and is a fabulous showcase of individual and team success stories as well as builders of some of these same success stories. NHLer Curtis Brown is one of the more notable inductees on this wall of honor.
Around Wilkie
Between Wilkie and Scott in between fields and wide-open spaces is the Scott Reservoir. The water source is stocked with fish for the angler, enjoying plenty of Saskatchewan scenery.
Have you ever visited the Big Rock? Located between Wilkie and Cut Knife the quiet green space area is easily recognizable upon arrival. The origin of the rock is unknown but the plaque on it indicates it may have been deposited by glaciers. The rock is 30 feet at the base. It was used for a buffalo rubbing stone in the early plain’s era. The directions may not be clear as it is situated southeast of Cut Knife, but the coordinates can be looked up easily.
