Town of Eastend nestled in the “Valley of Hidden Secrets”
Established in 1914, the Town of Eastend is a jewel nestled in the historic Frenchman River Valley, better known as the “Valley of Hidden Secrets.” Eastend is located on one of Western Canada’s oldest trails — the Red Coat Trail (Highway 13). This was the original route the North West Mounted Police took on their historic march west in 1874. They set up a satellite police detachment near here, calling it East End, as it was the east end of their patrol from Fort Walsh, Alta., 160 kilometres to the west. On the hilltops, you can see the last vestiges of the western frontier — Teepee stones, gathering circles, homesteader shacks, wagon wheels and crumbling log corrals. One can envision the massive bison herds that once roamed oceans of waving grasses. There are many attractions in and near the community. Camping is available along the banks of the Frenchman River. There are 42 sites, including 17 full service, 24 partial service, and one with no service. Tents can be added to family sites for $5/night. In the valley is the beautifully treed, watered and manicured Streambank Golf Course, a picturesque 9-hole course that sits beside the meandering Frenchman River. Ladies face a 2,090-yard course and men face a 2,308-yard course. The course is open May 1 to Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to twilight. If the family wants to relax on a hot day, visit the swimming pool and splash park. The venue is at 402 Pottery Street and opens seasonally. For more information, call 306-295-3358.
The Eastend Historical Museum preserves and promotes the community’s history. The building also serves as a tourist centre and as a community resource for cultural activities. See what life was like on the southwest Prairies at the museum. Walk around the “Tie Rail Ranch Log House,” the best log house in the West that resident Donald Corry built in 1909. The town moved the building to the museum in 1987 and refurbished it with artifacts. The museum also includes a schoolroom, medical room, and valuable collections on different topics important to the area, such as the Wilkinson Telescope, hand-built by a resident. For more information, call 306-295-3375. If telescopes are your thing, then visit the Wilkinson Memorial Observatory. Named after amateur astronomer and blacksmith Jack Wilkinson, the observatory is one of Western Canada’s finest. See the amazing rings of planet Saturn and follow the space station as it soars in silence through outer space. The Wilkinson Memorial Observatory is located south of Eastend on Highway 13. You will have to book an appointment, so call 306-295-3323. Other places to visit around Eastend include a ninehole Raptor Rounds mini-golf course, Pine Cree Regional Park, Chimney Coulee, Chocolate Peak Hill, and the famous Jones’ Peak that offers a breathtaking panorama of the river valley and rangelands below. Eastend is three hours’ southwest of Moose Jaw off Highway 1.
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