Famous for its Mushrooms
- Address:
-
Mainstreet
Box 10
Vilna, AB T0A 3L0
- Fax Number:
- (780) 636-3964
- Phone Number:
- (780) 636-3620
- Email:
- Click here to send email.
The Village of Vilna is a quaint and historic little boomtown located on Highway 28 in the County of Smoky Lake, 1.5 hrs NE of Edmonton. Vilna is a progressive community with many amenities and local businesses as it capitalizes on its prime location on a major transportation artery and its large trading area of farms, lake resorts, and First Nations reserves. This fortune has granted Vilna and its merchants an impressive degree of viability and sustainability for over 80 years.
Vilna, with a population of 275 has the distinction of being the smallest community to participate in the Alberta Main Street Program.It has also received recognition as the smallest place to receive 4 blooms in the Communities in Bloom beautification program.
Uniquely and most unprecedented, the village chose to commemorate Alberta's Centennial with the “Vilna & District Centennial Boardwalk Plaques on Planks Project” as a lasting tribute to the people who call Vilna & District home. As part of their 2005 summer streetscape improvements, the Village installed approximately 1200 wooden planks along its Historic Mainstreet to create an old-fashioned boardwalk complete with antique lighting and pedestrian benches.
On Main Street, Vilna's historic buildings still stand testament to Vilna's rich and storied past, retaining both the architectural history of a true Alberta boomtown and the pioneering spirit of its people. This unique Main Street boasts over 20 recently restored or enhanced building fronts that will feature interpretive plaques for a walking tour. Be sure to pick up your free Walking Tour Brochure from one of Vilna's many friendly merchants and begin the tour at the Pool Hall. You won't be disappointed!
There you will step back in time into an authentic, early 1920s pool hall and barbershop. Located on Vilna's Historic Main Street, this jewel is Alberta's oldest pool hall and barbershop. A living museum and provincially designated registered historic resource, it features four turn-of-the-century snooker and billiard tables, antique balls, cues, racks, advertisements and a Booker coal heater, oiled wood floors and the original barber's chair.
Just west of Main Street, you'll find Vilna's Mushroom Park. No Alice, you're not in Wonderland! You're at the site of the World's Largest Mushrooms. This giant fungi weighs over 18,000 lbs and is 20 feet high with a 15-foot diameter. Whether you're looking for a shirt, a pin, a cap, or a bottle of wine, all sorts of souvenirs can be found on the shelves of the local merchants. Don't forget to sign the guest book, and remember to bring your camera along.
Recreation enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the Iron Horse Trail that runs through Vilna. Five minutes east along Highway 28 is Bonnie Lake Campground. There you can enjoy your choice of power or non-powered sites, clean and quiet fishing, swimming, and boating and just a 5-minute walk takes you to the Vilna Golf Course. Travel east of Vilna through the hamlet of Spedden to reach Garner Lake Provincial Park where a gorgeous hilltop view of the lake greets visitors.
Vilna & District Boomtown Days
Plan to attend the Vilna Boomtown Days Fair and bench show on August 15 & 16, 2009. Billed as the “biggest little fair around” there are activities for all ages. Enter the bench show, visit the amusements, enter the parade or simply watch and enjoy. Shop at the craft market, stay for the dance and enjoy good food and good friends as you watch the fireworks. Also on August 16th on the Historic Mainstreet enjoy the Vilna Show & Shine from 10 am - 2 pm. For more information call 780-636-2294.
There is truly something for everyone to enjoy. The Vilna and District Agricultural Society is not limited to the fair. They host not only Boomtown Days but Gardeners Day and Craft Fairs and are getting a reputation as Halloween Headquarters with their dances and Haunted House.
If you want to experience a small town with a big heart then Vilna is your destination. For more information call 780-636-2665.
Call (888) 452-5962
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