As soon as you enter the badlands in central-east Alberta, you are greeted with many sights and places to stop and enjoy the views.
One of the most ideal places to stop, whether for a picnic, or a car break, is Midland Provincial Park. The park is a day-use area and can fill your day with a variety of activities.
While at the park, you can enjoy the world’s largest collection of dinosaurs, picnics at the river, or breaking a sweat with some disc golf and hikes. And when you have time to get out of Midland Provincial Park, there will be a lot more to see and do for all ages. You’ll find more hikes, more attractions, and some cool or unique places to stay.
A Day at Midland Provincial Park
- The Royal Tyrell Museum may take an entire day or afternoon to explore. The large museum will have much to read, see, and do for all ages. The most noteworthy feature is the museum’s collection of dinosaur bones and fossils- the largest collection in the world.
- Explore what remains of the Midland Coal Mine at the day-use area of the same name—a short interpretive trail loops around the abandoned site and small structures.
- If you want a new challenge for a game of disc golf, then look no further than Alberta’s hilly and rocky badlands. The course will get you to some great views, too!
- Follow the Badlands Interpretive Trail, another short loop which connects the museum to the rest of the park.
Credit: Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
Unique Attractions Near Midland Provincial Park
- Barney’s Adventure Park is about 5-minutes northwest of the Museum on the N Dinosaur Trail. The family adventure park offers several different outdoor games and activities.
- The Drumheller Hoodoos are on the opposite side of Drumheller from the Provincial Park and are visible from the main highway. Stop by to hike around the hoodoos on interpretive trails.
- The Rosedeer Hotel and Last Chance Saloon in the town of Wayne are one of three businesses in the mostly abandoned town, along with the Community Campground. The drive out to Wayne takes you directly through the badlands and is famous for the 11 bridge crossings needed to access the town.
Last Chance Saloon
Where to Stay or Camp in Drumheller
Midland Provincial Park has a lot to offer but is one of few Provincial Parks which does not offer camping. That is no problem, however, as Drumheller and the badlands offer camping, hotels, cabins, cottages, B&Bs, and almost any way to stay.
- There are many adorable vacation rental options both in Drumheller, and in the surrounding valleys. Some are suited to couples and small groups, while some can offer up to five or six beds.
- The Hoodoo RV Resort & Campground will situate you in a nice central spot for all Drumheller attractions.
- The Cactus Coulee Fun Park & Campground is one of the closest campgrounds to Midland PP, and the park offers a wide selection of extra kids’ activities.
Planning your Trip – Midland Provincial Park
What: Midland Provincial Park is named after the abandoned Midland Coal Mine. The Park is on the north banks of the Red Deer River and is a short drive west of Drumheller. Here, there are two different picnic areas: one at the old coal mine and one under the trees near the river. The park’s major claim to fame is The Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology- the largest of its kind in the world. The picnic area is connected to the museum grounds with a paved trail.
Best time to go: May-October, Open year round.
How to get there: west of Drumheller on the N Dinosaur Trail (838).
145 km from Calgary.
Cost: free admission for the park, museum admission applies.
For more information: