There’s a lot to this park

Dawson Creek's N.A.R. Park is home to features of historical and cultural significance

Situated on four acres of land in Dawson Creek is a distinctive metal statue pointing towards the sky, as well as a remarkable grain elevator and what is considered to be the true Alaska Highway Mile O sign. These features lie within the Northern Alberta Railway Park, or as it’s known to the locals, the N.A.R. Park.  

Don’t be deceived by the name, though, because this is more than just a park. When exploring this plot of land, you have access to a unique railway car, a statue depicting a surveyor who worked on the Alaska Highway, the significant South Peace Historical Society Railway Station Museum and the distinctive Dawson Creek Art Gallery located in one of the town's original grain elevators.

Hook up with local history

Railway buffs will appreciate the museum housed in the original Northern Alberta Railway Station; it was built in 1931 and is now divided into two sections. By stepping into one portion of the museum, it’s possible to see the furnishings of the railway office, the baggage compartment and station in the same way the locals did when they travelled in and out of Dawson Creek towards Edmonton, Alberta, in earlier years. The outstanding and creative artifact displays and photos allow one to imagine what it was like to be an early settler or visitor to the region.

A large wildlife exhibit takes up the second half of the station; check out the displays showing fossils, moose, birds and more. Taking the time to view the video depicting the Alaska Highway during the 50 years between 1942 and 1992 will increase your awareness of the huge significance of this monumental undertaking. Agriculture is an important aspect of Dawson Creek to this day, and the museum’s displays of grains grown in the area are particularly interesting.

Enriching the local culture

A renovated grain elevator is now home to the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, which features works by local artists as well as major collections from other prominent galleries. This is the place to find some noteworthy photos of the construction of the Alaska Highway as well.

The N.A.R. Park is easy to find in Dawson Creek, and exploring its historical and cultural features will no doubt prove fun for all ages.