Listen to that steam whistle! It must be summertime in Nakusp.

During the summer months, Nakusp and District Museum allows visitors to pay $5 to pull the Minto Paddlewheel’s noon-hour steam whistle.

The museum is a humble treasure located on the lower floor of the iconic Centennial building.

Historical marvels abound, beyond the legendary pig that is still housed there. For such a small collection, there are some real gems such as an International Business Machine time clock used in a local mine, one of IBM’s pre-computer machines. The displays give a feeling for the history of the Arrow Lakes from the Sinixt people to settler mining camps to modern hot springs.

There have been some major changes to the museum in the last few years, including a new pressed-tin type ceiling and UV-filters that have allowed the sun through the windows without endangering the artifacts. These days, it’s a bright, welcoming space – one with an amazing collection.

The Nakusp and District museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm. For more information visit nakuspmuseum.com.