Wood Mountain Regional Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wood Mountain Regional Park |
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Rodeo grounds at Wood Mountain Regional Park
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 Wood Mountain Regional Park
Location in Saskatchewan
Wood Mountain Regional Park
Location in Canada
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| Location | RM of Old Post No. 43,  Saskatchewan |
| Nearest city | Wood Mountain |
| Governing body | Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association |
Wood Mountain Regional Park is a special place in the southwestern part of Saskatchewan, a province in Canada. It's a protected area where nature is kept safe, and people can visit for fun activities. The park is located in a dry, hilly area called the Wood Mountain Hills. You can find it about 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of the village of Wood Mountain, right along Highway 18.
Right next to the park, you'll find Wood Mountain Creek and Wood Mountain Post Provincial Park. To the west is the Wood Mountain Indian reserve, and to the east is the Wood Mountain Game Preserve.
The park offers many cool things to do and see. There's the Rodeo Ranch Museum, a swimming pool, and places to camp. You can also enjoy hiking and biking trails. Plus, it's home to the famous Wood Mountain Stampede rodeo!
Contents
History of Wood Mountain Regional Park
Early Days and the North-West Mounted Police
In 1874, a group called the Boundary Commission was mapping the border between Canada and the United States. They set up a supply camp near Wood Mountain Creek, which is where the park is today. Later that year, the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) bought this camp. The NWMP were like Canada's first national police force.
They used the camp to build good relationships with the local First Nations people. They also patrolled the border to stop illegal activities like whisky trading and theft.
Chief Sitting Bull and Peacekeeping
In 1876, a famous leader named Chief Sitting Bull led his 5,000 Lakota Sioux people into Canada. They came to the Wood Mountain Hills after a big battle in the United States. The Canadian government was worried about problems, so they asked James Walsh of the NWMP to keep the peace.
Walsh did a great job, and he and Sitting Bull became good friends. This was like Canada's first big peacekeeping mission! In the nearby provincial park, you can see buildings that show the story of Walsh and Sitting Bull. After five years, Chief Sitting Bull and some of his people returned to the United States. However, many Lakota people stayed in the Wood Mountain area. In 1910, they were given their own Indian reserve, and their families still live there today.
The North-West Mounted Police closed their Wood Mountain Post in 1883. But it reopened in 1885 during a time of unrest. A couple of years later, the old buildings were replaced with new ones about 300 meters (984 feet) to the southeast, across Wood Mountain Creek. This new location is now part of Wood Mountain Post Provincial Park. The post stayed open there until it finally closed for good in 1918.
Fun Things to Do and See
Wood Mountain Regional Park is located in beautiful rolling hills and ranchland. It's a great place to explore!
Trails and Outdoor Fun
There are several trails throughout the park, perfect for hiking or biking. One trail even leads to the nearby provincial park. On hot days, you can cool off in the heated swimming pool. If you love camping, there's a campground where you can set up your tent or RV.
Rodeo Ranch Museum
The Rodeo Ranch Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of cowboys and ranchers in the area. These brave people settled here in the 1880s. The museum has old photographs, tools, and items from pioneer life and rodeos. It also has information about the East Block of Grasslands National Park.
Wood Mountain Stampede
The Wood Mountain Stampede is a very special event! It started way back in 1890. The North-West Mounted Police created it to encourage sports and celebrate Canada's Dominion Day (now Canada Day) on July 1st. It became an annual event held every second weekend in July. It's now Canada's longest-running annual rodeo, which is pretty amazing!
Sitting Bull Monument
High on a hill overlooking the regional park, behind the museum, stands a monument to Chief Sitting Bull. It's a powerful reminder of his time in Canada and the friendship he shared with James Walsh.
See also
- History of Saskatchewan
- List of protected areas of Saskatchewan
- Tourism in Saskatchewan
