Diplomat Mine Interpretive Site.

Diplomat Mine Interpretive Site is located near Big Knife Campground approximately 135km East of the City of Red Deer and 13km South West of the Village of Forestburg. There are 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 to dig 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 good spot for a big size picnic lunch.

Local Campground Official Website
   
   
   
   
Marion 360 shovel.  
   
  Petrified wood stump and log.
   
Petrified wood stump and log.  
   
Petrified wood stump and log. My truck keys are on this petrified wood stump.
   
Petrified wood stump. Petrified wood stump.
   
 
Petrified wood stump.  

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