Diplomat Mine Interpretive Site

Location: 135kms east of Red Deer, 13kms southwest of the village of Forestburg Alberta.

Description: The Diplomat Mine Interpretive site contains a few very large shovel machines that were used at the old Diplomat Mine site. One of them is a Marion 360 stripping shovel with a monster size bucket. Marion also built these same shovels which were used at the Hoover Dam site and the Panama Canal.

The sign reads this Shovel was built in 1927 but it sure doesn’t look that old. I tip my hat to whoever is maintaining these machines, well done. You’re kids and mechheads will love these big diggers on display here. One can walk under and around them plus it’s hands on. I’d love to see the tool box and wrenches they used on these.

You’ll also find huge 70 million year old petrified wood stumps on display that were taken from the local mines. I’m sure these stumps are some of the largest samples of petrified wood found in the world. This site is well maintained and a must see if you’re visiting the area or staying at the nearby Big Knife Campground. It would also make a great spot for a picnic lunch.