With its serene countryside, lush forests and close proximity to dozens of pristine lakes, it’s no wonder the German count chose the area around St. Walburg to call home. Whether your visit to St. Walburg or Paradise Hill is over the course of several days, or part of a larger excursion to one of our many lakes, we’re sure the many services this area has to offer will make your stay an enjoyable one.
When the artist first visited this part of Saskatchewan in the early 1900s, it was during a hunting expedition. The area reminded him of the German Rhineland of his youth and, now an American citizen, Imhoff was captivated by this new territory and the opportunities it presented.
Settling a few kilometres south of St. Walburg, Berthold Von Imhoff became as well known for his works of charity as he was for his works of art. The artist was community-minded and donated to several building projects in the early life of St. Walburg.
These acts of charity also include the decoration of many churches throughout Saskatchewan. Several of these projects were completed for parishes of pioneering communities with little or no remuneration to the artist. Imhoff was pleased that his talent brought joy to others.
As a result, many communities throughout Saskatchewan are linked by the works of Berthold Von Imhoff. Visiting these locations and viewing the works they contain is another way to learn about Imhoff’s legacy and why, more than 70 years after his death, it continues to inspire our residents and our visitors.
While visiting St. Walburg and the surrounding area, be sure to include the following attractions:
- The life-size bronze statute of Imhoff on horseback, completed by artist Susan Velder and installed by the community in 1998.
- The St. Walburg and District Historical Museum (formerly the Roman Catholic Church) located on Main Street, and the Grotto and Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, located on the forested grounds behind the museum. These tranquil grounds also contain a pathway marking the Stations of the Cross.
- Burial site of Imhoff, located at the Roman Catholic Cemetery.
- Trans Canada Trail and Town Trails (access to the trail is just west of Lakeland Lodge).
- Centennial Park, honouring residents who played an active role in community life.
- Chuckwagon Interpretive Centre, located on Main Street. (Please call the town office (306.248.3232) for information about opening dates).
- In Paradise Hill, Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, decorated by Imhoff.
- In Frenchman’s Butte, the Tea House and Museum.
- In Lloydminster, the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre, which contains more than 250 paintings by Imhoff, including The Glory of Emperor Frederick William, the oldest painting in the Imhoff collection, completed in 1884 by the artist at 16 years of age.
Hotels and Motels
FARM HOUSE INN 306.248.3688
ST. WALBURG INN 306.248.3414
BLUEBERRY INN 306.248.7976
SMOKING LENS (Paradise Hill) 306.344.2061
Bed and Breakfasts
St. Walburg Gil Grammlick 306.248.388
MARIE’S COUNTRY GETAWAY Hwy 26, (8km north of St. Walburg) Marie Stolniuck 306.248.3479