Drumheller, Alberta
Drumheller is situated in the "Badlands" of central Alberta, and features one of the world’s most unique dinosaur fossil deposits! Explore Drumheller’s remarkable canyons; study the multi-coloured sandstone, shale, ironstone, bentonite, clay, mudstone, and coal seen on the canyon walls; and discover ancient remains within the sedimentary layers dating back to the Cretaceous Period! Drumheller is significant because it is one of the few areas on the globe where sedimentary layers have been corroded by wind and water (natural processes) to reveal prehistoric fossils, and even complete dinosaur skeletons.
Drumheller has been nicknamed as the "Dinosaur Capital of the World" because it is the site of the World’s largest dinosaur! It is a man made 86 foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex that faces the Canadian Badlands; it also features a stairway within the body, which allows tourists to climb up the dinosaur and view the town of Drumheller from it’s jaws. This is a fun adventure for the whole family because it provides educational facts, and real fossils all along the stairway.
Drumheller Attractions - Hoodoo's, Fossils and Museums
The Hoodoo's of Drumheller are characteristic to the area and provide an erie charm to the Drumheller canyons. The hoodoos are strange mushroom like pillars formed by water and wind erosion over thousands of years. These sandstone forms are topped by hard capstones, and become extremely fragile without the caps to hold them up! These pillars were named 'Hoodoo's' by First Nations who believed them to be petrified giants that came alive at night.
Besides searching for dinosaur fossils in the Drumheller Badlands there are numerous other activities in and around the world famous town. Explore the Historic Atlas Coal Mine, which is a historic site featuring interpretive trails, original miner’s shacks and dynamite sheds, antique machinery, a "Thunder in the Valley" video presentation, and the Miner’s Lamp Gift Shop!
Visit the Drumheller Dinosaur and Fossil Museum which features a collection built over the lifetime of L. A. Duncan. Duncan spent his time uncovering prehistoric fossils, marine life, and Native North American artifacts. The exhibits feature explanations of the ancient inland sea, petrified forests, coal formations, and exciting dinosaur remains.
Check out the East Coulee Museum and Archives in Drumheller where you’ll discover restored 1930’s houses and schools, as well as the School Museum and Cultural Centre. If you’re an antiques fan you’ll find the Homestead Antique Museum interesting with it’s collection of musical instruments, relics, military items, farm implements, and antique vehicles. Don’t forget to see the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, which is a world recognized display of complete dinosaur skeletons and related interpretive information.
This is definitely a tourist attraction not to miss! Drumheller is a perfect stop for families, couples, or even locals - it’s one of the city’s top tourism spots! Visit the nearby restaurants, hotels and accomodations suitable for all tastes and group sizes. For evening entertainment visit one of the city’s nightclubs, pubs or lounge destinations. For more listings and tourist information check out the Yellow Pages. Be sure to find a map to Drumheller, and a map of Drumheller so that you don't get lost!
Contact:
Dinosaur & Fossil Museum
Tel: 1 403 823-2593
Address: 335 - 1 Street East, Drumheller, Alberta, Canada
Contact:
East Coulee Museum
Tel: 1 403 822-3970
Address: 18km East of Drumheller in East Coulee, Alberta, Canada
Contact:
Homestead Antique Museum
Tel: 1 403 823-2600
Contact:
Historic Atlas Coal Mine
Tel: 403 822-2220
Fax: 403 822-2225
Directions: 15 mins east from Drumheller town site on Highway 10 E
Address: Highway 10 E