Torrington’s gopher museum is entering a new era, but don’t worry — there’s still weird taxidermy

The World Famous Gopher Hole Museum in Torrington, Alberta, has captured the hearts and imaginations of thousands of visitors over the years. Despite not fully understanding its allure, museum director Laural Kurta is determined to take the one-room museum into a new era.

Growing up in Torrington, Kurta’s parents established the museum in the ’90s, and now it’s her turn to carry on the legacy. She envisions a shift in focus, moving beyond depicting the life and times of Torrington to exploring broader themes that resonate with Albertans and Canadians, such as popular culture references like Star Trek and Harry Potter.

However, Kurta faces two significant challenges in realizing her vision. The first challenge is the need for new dioramas, as the taxidermied gophers used in the current exhibits are expensive. Despite this obstacle, she is determined to create new displays that resonate with visitors.

One of the museum’s newest dioramas pays tribute to Alberta’s wildland firefighters, featuring a gopher dressed in fireproof PPE. Alberta Wildfire spokesperson Christie Tucker expressed her admiration for the tribute, highlighting the importance of honoring the brave work of firefighters.

While Kurta is enthusiastic about creating new displays, she faces a second challenge in the form of limited space. The current buildings housing the museum and gift shop are old and failing, posing a significant obstacle to expanding the museum’s offerings.

Despite these challenges, Kurta remains determined to keep the museum alive and thriving. With a firm place in Alberta’s cultural landscape, the World Famous Gopher Hole Museum continues to attract visitors with its quirky and unique charm. As Kurta works on creating new displays and navigating the hurdles of limited space, she remains committed to preserving the museum’s legacy and celebrating the people that come to experience its whimsical charm.