Museums and Archives - Museum or Archive Details

A tribute to the red-coated North-West Mounted Police, this museum within a 1956 reconstruction of a fort depicts a colourful history. The force was created by the federal government in 1873 to stop the illegal whiskey trade and make the west safe for settlers. The Mounties arrived in 1874 and built a fort named after their commander, Lt.-Col. James F. Macleod, on an island in the Oldman River.

Within its log palisade, the fort contains a number of re-created buildings, including a chapel, blacksmith shop and law office, many on their original locations. The largest are the NWMP Building, featuring displays on the force’s history, and the Indian Artifact Building, with photographs, beadwork, and other artifacts. Exhibit themes include pioneer and ranching traditions, missionaries and medical people. Every building and exhibit at the Fort Museum will eventually be redeveloped, making every visit a new experience.

Open May 1-June 30: daily 9-5. July 1-Aug 31: daily 9-8:30. Sept 1-Oct 15: daily 9-5. Oct 16-April 30: weekdays 10-4. Closed Dec 24-March 1. Admission is charged. Wheelchair accessible. 219-25 Street, Fort Macleod. .