hamilton museum of steam and technology

Chappy55_12

We took our grandchildren there for a day outing in October during the week. There is an outdoor area that looks like there are train rides for children but everything was closed. There was a short demonstration of the steam turbines but unfortunately, there are very steep stairs to climb so anyone with small children or people that have difficulty climbing stairs (it is an old building so railings are almost non-existent), will not be able to enjoy the entire facility.This is definitely a summer experience but the website doesn't really show that. We purchased our tickets online and wouldn't have bought them at all if we'd visited first.

JayB638

We had the opportunity to visit the Museum during the doors open Hamilton event, in the sprint. It was our first time going there and it was quite interesting to see how Hamilton was powered for many years. We also got the opportunity to see the large pump wheel in operation. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the property.

igals2014

We came to a museum by mistake (were looking for washrooms). We were totally stunned by the museum and think we had a great opportunity to learn local history of Hamilton, water delivery and craftsmanship. Kids loved the fact they saw the original engines moving (and run back to the small model to see it again), they also loved the kids area.We are glad we discovered this place (also by mistake).We only regret the trains were not open for display

wintercamper

I expected more out of the Steam and Technology Museum,, It was worth the stop, the work that went into that place is amazing,, and very well preserved, But don't plan on making a full day trip,, you can see the whole thing in about an hour....

268be

beautiful architecture..hand-chiseled stone walls, some 3-feet thick... 1 km from the water...it is great to see how older technology still works!Our tour guide Katherine was very efficient, friendly and pleasant, as were Nancy, Laura and the gentleman on the grounds.

NKLounger

Our family visited the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology this weekend and we had a great time. The museum provides a great history lesson into how steam power helped to provide water to the city. The tour operator was very knowledgeable. The building itself is impressive and the fact that the pump still works (electric power now) really excited our kids. Overall it is a small facility and you will probably only spend 1-2 hours here but it is time well spent. We brought a picnic lunch and ate at the tables in the wood shed area.

lilfish5626

I have lived in Hamilton all my life and was always curious about the steam museum, today we went in. It was fantastic! Our tour group consisted of ages ranging from 6 to well over 50. I was impressed with the science based play areas for the children before the tour began. The tour director was well informed and presented the technology well, which made it interesting to everybody. The kids asked intelligent and appropriate questions and seemed fascinated by all they saw. I was amazed that the machinery from pre 1900 was still moveable to show how everything functioned. It was relevant and informative. I was also pleasantly surprised that the gift shop offered plenty of science based toys and souvenirs that were reasonably priced. It took me 40 years to get there, I am telling everybody about it now.

Rod670

This is a small museum. The biggest attraction is the 45-foot steam engine that pumped water for the city of Hamilton for over a hundred years. They run the engine for the visitors to see. Now they use an electric motor to run the engine just for the show; it does not produce any steam or pump water. It is very neat to see the giant engine moving and you can climb to the top and observe it. The best time to visit would be in the summer when they have steam engine enthusiasts run their scaled down steam engines and they also have the rides on the small tracks and engines for the visitors. You would have to check their website for the dates of the events. Worth spending couple of hours.

GeeW_12

I have lived in Hamilton most of my life and thought this was a steam train museum -- wrong!!!! the first of its kind public waterworks museum! great staff - fun tour - makes for a wonderful Heritage Fair project topic!

917regs

Learn about steam technology and how Hamilton developed its water supply system. It's great for kids, perhaps 7 and older. Learn how this equipment and buildings were saved from the wrecking ball.

DianS360

This is a good place to visit especially when the steamer days are on and you and the kids can ride the little trains for free which is amazing. They usually have hotdogs from a cart for a good price. You have to pay to go to the museum but it's not terrible and if you call ahead you could visit when they're going to actually run the wheel which is really neat. The staff and volunteers are amazing! There was a huge Thomas The Train set for the kids to play with and you don't have to pay for that part. There is an interpretive center which is usually open that is free. Just walking around the grounds is fascinating, the stonework is beautiful. Kids will enjoy just running around here and the parking is free which is amazing.

travelfromCANADA

My son and I visited this museum and it was a little different then the other museums.The tours are guided and the lady who gave us the tour was very enthusistic and it showed in her tour style.You start my viewing a model of the pump house and then go inside to see it working.Not a long tour only about an hour, but was very interesting, especially when one realizes that this was built in 1859.More of a niece tour, but we enjoyed it.

krassid3

Very interesting place to visit, machines built a century and a half ago are still kept in working condition and there are very friendly and knowledgeable guides who give you the demo how exactly they use to do their job - pumping clean water to feed the City of Hamilton in the middle of 19th century.

RosscoInOshawa

Very interesting history and an amazing engineering feat for the time. Steam power at its best. A tad pricey for admission but worth it if you take advantage of all the tour extras.

albur

We visited awhile back but found this to be a real gem in Hamilton. An amazing display of steam era and the old waterworks of Hamilton. Cool train rides around the grounds for kids (old and young ones)