Local and Regional Attractions
Claresholm has some local attractions within the town including:
Claresholm Community Centre is located at 5920 - 8th Street West, at the northwest corner of Claresholm. The building is owned by the Town of Claresholm and operated by a board of local volunteers. There are various size areas available for use, and fees for each as well. Information regarding rates and availability can be obtained on their website HERE. For bookings, please contact the Town of Claresholm Administration Office at (403) 625-3381 or by email to [email protected]. Our community is fortunate to have a facility such as this.
The Claresholm Society for the Arts is a new charity organization dedicated to create an awareness, increase participation, build relationships and facilitate opportunities for the talent that abounds in our community. You can visit their Facebook page HERE. March 10, 2016 - The Community Foundation of Lethbridge & Southwestern Alberta did a wonderful article on the success of the society so far. Please read it HERE.
Home of the Harvard Memorial - In 1940, as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Program, Claresholm was home to the Number 15 Service Flying Training School, training over 2,000 pilots. The Harvard Memorial commemorates the pilots who trained here and the personnel who were stationed in Claresholm in the 1950’s as part of the NATO training program. This airbase is now the Claresholm Industrial Airport. Many visitors have visited this Harvard since it was erected in 1998. Stop and visit this memorial, located in Centennial Park, next to the ball diamonds and campground.
Claresholm Museum - The Claresholm Museum grounds includes a 1912 CPR train station, which is a provincially designated historic resource, an 8,000 square foot Exhibit Hall, Claresholm’s first school from 1903, a 1920’s log cabin and a CPR caboose. Established in 1969, the museum has long been committed to preserving and exhibiting the history of this unique region of southern Alberta. The first building is a historic sandstone railway station that was originally part of Calgary’s 9th Avenue C.P.R. depot in 1886 and was rebuilt in Claresholm in 1912. The CPR depot is home to a Visitor Information Centre, exhibits interpreting the history of Claresholm, and also has free wi-fi available. A new Exhibit Hall was constructed in 2008 and serves the community through interpretive exhibits, programs, research services and archival holdings. Please click on the link above to read more information regarding the Claresholm Museum.
Visitor Information located in the CPR Depot and the Museum Exhibit Hall (the new building) will open for the season on Friday, May 6th. Hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. We are also open by appointment (to researchers, school or tour groups) by phoning the Museum at 403-625-1742 or 403-625-3131 or e-mailing: [email protected]
Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada - Claresholm is home of the official registry of the Appaloosa Horse in Canada. The ApHCC Directors and Member Committees are currently working to establish our Hall of Fame as the highest form of recognition for people who have contributed to the breed, and to outstanding Appaloosas. The ApHCC was formed in 1954 and by 1961 official breed recognition was gained from the Canadian Department of Agriculture as the club was incorporated under the Livestock Pedigree Act. This act was replaced in 1988 with the Animal Pedigree Act under which the ApHCC is still recognized by Agriculture Canada and therefore is the only Appaloosa breed registry which may be incorporated under this act and receive this federal recognition. Since 1954, accurate registration records have been kept and are now being entered onto a computer program which will speed up office processing and provide members with even more record services and information.
The Appaloosa Horse Club of Canada | Box 940, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 | Ph: (403) 625-3326 | www.appaloosa.ca
Several recreational sites are located outside of the town limits. These offer outdoor activities and many more recreational opportunities. Be sure to visit … and bring a picnic lunch!
Willow Creek Provincial Park - The rolling grasslands and tree-lined creek provide quiet camping and picnicking spots on the edge of the Porcupine Hills. Experience the beauty of the foothills and flavor of ranching country. The area is rich in aboriginal history, and there is evidence of a teepee ring in the park.
Pine Coulee - The Pine Coulee Project was constructed beginning in 1996 and completed in 1999. This project, built north west of Claresholm, was initiated in response to recurring shortages of water supply due to the variable water flow in Willow Creek and the small streams that feed into it. The project will provide a reliable water supply for the 4500 residents of the Willow Creek Basin, including the towns of Claresholm and Granum. It will also secure a water source for irrigated land and allow an expansion of the irrigated areas already served. The project will enhance fish and wildlife habitat, as well as create additional water-based recreational opportunities near the existing facilities at Willow Creek Provincial Park. The reservoir has been stocked with Walleye and is open for camping and boating in designated areas.
Clear Lake - A great little man-made lake to visit just east of town! This location offers camping, a playground, and small hall which is great for family reunions or small gatherings. The lake is a great spot for boating, waterskiing or jet-skiing. Call the Municipal District of Willow Creek Office to inquire about booking the hall or camping area for group functions.
Centennial Park Campground - The campground is open 24 hours a day and is comprised of beautiful well established tree-lined plots. All sites have water and power to them and many of the sites have sewer hook-ups. A camp kitchen was recently built with a large double sink, clean well-maintained bath house with wash rooms and showers (no tokens are required!). Free wifi has been added for the 2012 season. New spray park and playground adjacent to the campsite and ball-diamonds close by. No open fires.
Rates:
30 AMP space - $30.00 daily
15 AMP space - $28.00 daily
No services - $18.00 daily
Tent - $15.00 daily
For further information or to book - call the campground on (403) 625-2751, or send them an email at:
[email protected]. For a layout of the campground, please click HERE.
***UPDATE***The Campground is now open for the season as of Monday, April 18th, 2016 with full hook-ups available.