Forestry Museum
Forestry Museum is closed, open again next summer. Welcome!
Rännärinmuseotie 112 | 044 786 5516
The Forestry Museum showcases the history of forestry, from the rise of the sawmill industry in the 1860s to the mechanization of the 1960s. The museum area includes an exhibition hall, a logging cabin, a sauna, a horse stable, and forest machinery. In addition, nearby attractions include a nature trail, Messukallio, a swimming beach, shelters, and campfire sites. The Forestry Museum and the surrounding Kaidatvedet are also part of the Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark in Parkano.
You can also visit the area outside of opening hours for hiking and enjoying nature. Up-to-date forest fire warnings can be found here, and they should be followed according to the notifications.
The history of forestry work
In the early 20th century, the methods of forestry work began to develop, with horses and various timber harvesting machines complementing manual labor. This phase was particularly important in the Parkano area, where forestry work provided livelihoods for many local families. In the 1960s, mechanization marked a significant change in forestry, as machines started to replace human labor and horses in forest work. The entire forestry process changed, affecting both timber harvesting and forest management.
In August 2007, the Parkano Forestry Museum opened the “Polkuja metsään” (Paths to the Forest) exhibition, produced by the Pirkanmaa Nature Conservation Association. This was the first permanent exhibition in Finnish museums dedicated to forest conservation.
The exhibition highlights the importance of forests to the Finnish people, changes in our forest nature, and the history and current status of forest conservation. It also showcases the activities of environmental organizations and the opportunities for landowners to protect and nurture forest nature.
Nature trails
Kustaa elk nature trail
The Kustaa elk Nature Trail is a 2-kilometer-long path located in the area of the Metsämuseo, starting from the museum’s parking lot and looping around the beautiful Messukallio before returning to the museum’s campfire site. Along the trail, there are eight different boards encouraging reflection and interaction. The texts on the boards are also translated into English. The trail includes boardwalks and small elevation changes, so it is not fully accessible. Just pack your snacks and head out for an adventure with Kustaa elk!
Käpykintukka
You can explore the landscapes of Kaidat vedet by walking the Käpykintukka hiking trail, which stretches about 7 km from the Metsämuseo to Käenkoskikeskus. The boardwalks along the trail have recently been replaced and renovated. The Metsämuseo is an excellent destination for active leisure, hiking, and organizing various events. The museum is also fully accessible, making it an ideal destination for special groups.
Useful Links for Visitors to the Forest Museum
Also explore Leena Perälä’s work Kyrökankaan talvitie 2011, which provides a comprehensive account of the history of the Kaitojen Vetten area!
The Kaidatvedet – Part of the Ancient Winter Road (2020) book is available for purchase at Parkano Library for €20.
Description of the Hiking Spot: Forestry museum and Käpykintukka
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