Home > Heritage Educational Programs > CARMN Guide > Historic Fort Normandeau

Historic Fort Normandeau is located on the Red Deer River just west of the city of Red Deer. Follow 32 Street west approximately 1 km past the Highway 2 overpass, then follow the signs. The Fort Interpretive Centre is open in the summer from the Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day. The hours of operations are 12-5 p.m. daily in May and June, and from 12 - 8 p.m. in July and August. The governing authority is the Normandeau Cultural and Natural History Society. The grounds are open for public use from April to mid-October. There is no admission fee, although donations are gratefully accepted.

The collection at the Fort Interpretive Centre includes permanent exhibits illustrating the beginnings and early history of Red Deer, which was centered at the river crossing where the Fort is now located. The Interpretive Centre includes a theatre featuring an audio-visual history of the site. There is a reconstructed log Fort and a palisade furnished with period displays. A large garden, poultry yard and tepees are set up for public enjoyment. The grounds include a beautifully treed picnic area and canoe launch, as well as lots of space to play.

The Fort presents annual re-enactments of military skirmishes with black powder guns, cannon, costumed soldiers and rebels on the weekend of Victoria Day, called Fort Normandeau Days. This opening event often includes Aboriginal dancing, crafts, games and traditional foods. There are public programs most weekends, children's daycamps, craft programs and special events throughout the season. Special group programs are offered by reservation.

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