Experience the Heritage of Lethbridge - Indian Battle Park Feature Page

The atmosphere of Indian Battle Park has developed from a blend of historical and natural features. Located in the Oldman River Valley in the midst of Lethbridge, the park is shielded from the surrounding urban environment by coulees extending 300 feet from prairie level to floodplain.

These impressive natural sculptures form a sheltered valley ideally suited to a variety of year-round recreational opportunities. Natural and historical interpretation, open space recreation, picnicking, jogging and hiking are just some of the park activities. Indian Battle Park provides both an escape from the urban setting and a chance to experience the heritage of Lethbridge.

It is in the river valley setting of Indian Battle Park that the history of Lethbridge comes alive. As the park name commemorates, the last battle between the Cree and the Blackfoot was fought here in 1870. Much of the battle took place in Indian Battle Coulee on the west side of the river, while the retreat across the river ended in a last stand close to the Coal Banks Interpretive Site. A formal peace treaty between the two nations was signed the following year.

The coal mining industry on which Lethbridge was founded began in 1874 when Nicholas Sheran started the first drift mine in the valley. The original valley mining settlement of Coalbanks grew to become Lethbridge in 1885.

Dominating the valley, the CPR High Level Bridge was constructed in 1907-09. At the time it was the longest and highest steel viaduct in the world, rising 96 metres (307 feet) and stretching 1,624 metres (5,327 feet) across the valley. In 1960, after repeated floods drove valley residents to the prairie benchland, Indian Battle Park was officially opened.

Park Attractions:

Sir Alexander Galt Museum & Archives - Originally the Galt Hospital, the 1910 building overlooking Indian Battle park has been the home of the Galt Museum since 1967. The main gallery of the Museum contains a permanent display on the history and growth of Lethbridge. The Galt Museum offers an unique way to explore Lethbridge. The Museum interprets the history of Lethbridge and southern Alberta through artifacts, six galleries, movies, and Sunday programs. Guided tours may be booked. Open daily year round. Admission charged for special exhibits.

Fort Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre - Located at the base of the coulees, this replica of the original whisky fort was opened in 1967 and expanded in 1986. The original Fort Whoop-Up was established by Montana traders and stood at the junction of the St. Mary’s and Oldman Rivers from 1869 until 1874, dealing mainly in whiskey and buffalo hides. Years of whiskey trading and lawlessness ended with the arrival of the North West Mounted Police in 1874. The Centre offers site tours, special events and public programs throughout the year. Admission is charged.

Coalbanks Interpretive Site - This open-air kiosk provides information on the original settlement of Coal Banks, coal mining in the valley and the CPR High Level Bridge. The kiosk is located just inside the nature reserve a the site of an original mine entrance.

Historical markers indicate the Stafford grave, the Medicine Stone and the paddle wheelers, as well as the site of the last Cree and Blackfoot Indian battle.

Helen Schuler Coulee Centre - The 82 hectare (203 acre) nature reserve was set aside as a protected area in the early 1960s and the nature centre was built in 1980 to interpret the river valley habitats to park visitors. Self-guided nature trails provide an introduction to the valley, coulee and river environments. A display room in the nature centre features interactive exhibits on seasonal themes. The Coulee Centre is open year round and admission is free. In addition to a schedule of public events, community groups, private groups and schools may arrange for special programs.

Elks Community Recreation Area - This enclosed picnic area has all the requirements for large group gatherings. Services include kitchen facilities, gas barbecue and warming ovens, picnic tables, fireplace, campfire circle, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, beach volleyball court and more. Available to rent, this location may be licensed for liquor on the premises and can be booked by calling 320-3009.

Group Picnic Shelters - The Baroness and Alberta Picnic Shelters are located in Indian Battle Park and they are named for the sternwheelers that transported coal from Coalbanks to Medicine Hat in the 1880s. The Baroness Shelter has electrical service in addition to picnic tables, fire pit, benches and wood stove. This shelter is available on a permit fee basis. The Alberta Shelter may be used for gatherings on a first-come, first-served basis.

Picnic Sites - Shaded and sunny sites with picnic tables invite families and small groups to enjoy a leisurely picnic.

Playgrounds/Horseshoe Pits - Creative play units and horseshoe pits are located near main parking areas north of Fort Whoop-Up. Open space throughout this area provides room for impromptu play activities.

The Coal Banks Trail enters the park in the south along the Oldman River. Two branches continue along the river and through the park then join before entering the nature reserve. The valley trail ends at Highway 3 for a total of 4.7 kilometres. A network of walking trails is provided in both the \valley and coulees. These shale trails traverse the coulees to connect the Museum, lookout tower, Lodge Hotel and brewery Gardens with the valley facilities. There are more than 20 kilometres of trails in Indian Battle Park, Bull Trail Park and the Nature Reserve