Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village

In the heart of scenic Muskoseepi Park lies the Grande Prairie Museum & Heritage Village—a unique place where the past of Alberta comes to life. This cultural complex, opened in 1971, is dedicated to the rich heritage of the Peace River region. Here in the city of Grande Prairie, tourists can discover a history spanning thousands of years: from the ancient inhabitants of these lands to the ambitious pioneer settlers.

The museum's collection is impressive in scale, featuring more than 55,000 artifacts. The main Rodacker/Campbell gallery hosts exhibits dedicated to the natural history of Canada, transport development, and military history. The Bones & Stones gallery is a particular highlight, where you can see an impressive replica of an Edmontosaurus excavation and authentic stone tools used by the first indigenous peoples—the Cree and Dene.

One of the complex's most striking features is the Heritage Village—an open-air ethnographic village. It consists of 15 meticulously restored historical buildings transported from various corners of the district. Walking through its streets feels like a journey through time, as you peek into an old blacksmith shop, a school, or a church from the turn of the last century.

For more information before your visit or to organize a group tour, you can use the museum's official contact details.

A visit to the museum offers guests a diverse experience, from scientific interest to atmospheric walks. Inside the galleries, you must see the Edmontosaurus skeleton and the fossil collection, which tell the story of the region's prehistoric era. Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the sections with antique cars, vintage motorcycles, and a replica railway station, while themed military displays and clothing collections help visitors better understand the daily lives of people across different decades.

A true immersion into the atmosphere of old Canada awaits you at the Heritage Village. Here, you can literally step into history: visit a classroom in the old Hermit Lake school, inspect the fire hall, or see the quiet McQueen Presbyterian Church. During the summer months, the village "comes to life" with craft demonstrations and special events for the whole family, making the visit especially interesting for children.

In addition to exploring the permanent exhibitions, guests can participate in hands-on interactive programs or visit temporary displays that are updated annually. You can conclude your walk in Muskoseepi Park itself, which surrounds the museum and where natural landscapes harmoniously complement the historical experience.

The attraction is conveniently located in the heart of the city, within the scenic Muskoseepi Park at 10329 101 Ave. If you are traveling by car, follow 102nd Street to 102nd Avenue, where spacious and convenient parking is provided for park visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, the Grande Prairie Transit system operates several bus routes. The nearest stops are located on 102nd Avenue or 101st Street, just a few minutes' walk from the museum entrance. If you are arriving from the Grande Prairie Airport (YQU), a taxi or Uber ride will take about 10–15 minutes, and from the city center, you can get there in just 5–10 minutes.

Active tourists can take advantage of Muskoseepi Park's extensive network of walking and cycling paths. A walk to the museum through the park is an excellent addition to your cultural program, allowing you to enjoy the local nature before diving into the region's history.

The history of this site began in 1971 with the opening of the Grande Prairie Pioneer Museum. Its original mission was to preserve the heritage of the early 20th-century pioneers and homesteaders who arrived in the rugged but resource-rich Peace River region. A significant stage in the museum's development was 1986, when the opening of Muskoseepi Park allowed the territory to expand and significantly enrich the scope of the exhibits.

Of particular value is the "Stones and Bones" gallery, which also appeared in 1986. It brought together two important milestones: the prehistoric past with dinosaur remains and the centuries-old culture of the Cree, Beaver, and Dene indigenous peoples. Many unique exhibits, including fossils, were donated by local enthusiasts, such as paleontologist Bert Tieman.

Today, the museum's collection includes more than 55,000 artifacts. The main Campbell-Rodacker gallery is named after two prominent figures—historian Isabel Campbell and businessman Mel Rodacker—who made invaluable contributions to preserving local memory. The museum traces the region's journey from deep antiquity to the rise of the modern oil, gas, and railway industries.

To thoughtfully explore the main gallery exhibits and examine the paleontological finds, most visitors require about 2–3 hours. The museum is quite compact but rich in details that encourage you to linger at the displays.

During the summer season, when access to the Heritage Village is open, we recommend setting aside another 1–2 hours for a stroll between the historical buildings. A total visit can take about half a day, especially if you plan to complement it with a break in the surrounding park.

The main museum building is open to visitors year-round from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the museum is usually closed on Mondays.

The Heritage Village open-air historical site welcomes guests seasonally—roughly from May to the end of September. As the village's operation depends on weather conditions, it is recommended to check the current schedule on the official City of Grande Prairie website before your visit.

After visiting the museum and strolling through the heritage village, it is worth spending some time exploring nearby establishments. Numerous interesting spots are concentrated in the immediate vicinity of the park where you can relax, sample local cuisine, or enjoy craft drinks.