Medicine Hat - Attractions

Attractions

The Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District is a living, working museum that offers a unique and extensive experience through collections, exhibits, interpretation, guided tours and educational and artistic programming. The Medalta Potteries and Hycroft China Factory Complexes are the focal points in this 150-acre (0.6 km2) region. This nationally recognized industrial historic district is a cultural initiative of the Friends of Medalta Society with Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Private support. Restoration, preservation and cultural development of the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District for the purpose of education and public enjoyment is ongoing.

Just south of the Trans-Canada Highway and overlooking the Blackfoot buffalo jump is the world's tallest teepee, the "Saamis Tepee". Designed for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary as a symbol of Canada's Aboriginal heritage, it was moved to Medicine Hat in 1991. It stands over 20 stories high and was designed to withstand extreme temperatures and winds up to 240 km/h (150 mph). During a January 2007 windstorm, a portion of the tepee was damaged. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that extensive weathering was partially to blame. After repairs were complete, the Saamis Tepee now stands approximately 15 feet (4.6 m) shorter.

The Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre is the largest indoor multi-purpose facility in the city. The building is 90,000 sq ft (8,000 m2) and is sited on 57 acres (230,000 m2) in the north end of the city. The facility includes an Olympic-sized ice rink, 50m pool, waterslide, diving platforms, kiddies pool, wave pool and cafe. In the area surrounding the Leisure Centre facility there are several other sporting venues including; 4 ball diamonds, lighted football field, 3 soccer pitches and one of the largest BMX racing facilities in Southern Alberta.

Located in downtown Medicine Hat, The Esplanade is a large multi purpose cultural centre. The facility features a 700+ seat performing arts theatre, art gallery, museum, archives, gift shop, and cafe. The Esplanade officially opened in October 2005.

The Medicine Hat Drag Racing Association is located just off the Trans Canada Highway on Boundary Road or the spectators entrance on Box Springs Road. This is Alberta's only sanctioned NHRA track and is a 1/4 mile in length. The facility proudly supports affordable family entertainment and encourages people to race the strip, not the street. The seasons typically run from May till September hosting a variety of events from jet and alcohol cars, bracket racing and the NHRA National open which attracts approx. 300+ cars from all over North America.

Medicine Hat Public Library is located across the street from The Esplanade. It has over 10,000 annual members and is the resource library for the Shortgrass Library System of Southern Alberta.