Oyen: Museum, Recreation and Annual Indoor Rodeo

Oyen combines lively recreation with insights into the history of the Canadian Badlands region. At the Crossroads Museum, nine historic buildings are joined by artifacts from the pre-settlement and pioneer eras. There are also sports activities, a fishing pond and an annual indoor rodeo. During your stay, you can choose from history, exercise and shared experiences.

History at the Crossroads Museum

The Crossroads Museum comprises nine historic buildings and displays artifacts from two distinct eras: the pre-settlement and pioneer eras. Those interested in the history of the town and region will find more than a single exhibition space here. The museum is an attraction in Oyen, in the Canadian Badlands. There is also an escape room on the grounds.

The Indoor Rodeo as an Annual Event

The Oyen Indoor Rodeo takes place every year at Oyen’s Crossroads Centre. Competitions include wild pony races and wild cow milking. Food stands, live music and activities for children round out the event. For families looking for a local event with competitions and a varied program, the rodeo is a special occasion to get to know Oyen.

Water, Sports and Time Outdoors

The Shirley McClellan Aquatic Centre has a junior Olympic-size pool and a zero-entry pool. It also features a waterslide and a lazy river. This gives you a range of water activities to choose from, without everyone having to do the same thing. Trout are stocked in Oyen’s fishing pond. Fishing there is available on a catch-and-release basis with a valid provincial fishing licence and no additional fee. If you plan to fish, take these conditions into account when making your plans.

The Oyen & District Golf Club offers a well-maintained 9-hole golf course. The Oyen & District Curling Club hosts local league games, school curling, bonspiels and family drop-in ice times. These different options appeal to different interests: golf, curling and water sports each offer their own focus, so you can plan your stay around the activities that suit your travel group.

R.C.M.P. Centennial Park includes a skatepark and well-maintained lawns for lawn activities. The Town of Oyen also operates the Oyen & District Memorial Arena year-round. In summer, the Oyen Farmers' Market uses the arena. The town-owned Oyen R.C.M.P. Centennial Campground has 40 campsites. Together, these facilities offer more specific places to visit for a range of recreational and accommodation interests in Oyen.

Oyen as a Place to Stay

When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, it can help to consider which experiences you want to prioritize: a museum visit and escape room, water activities, fishing, golf or a visit to the annual rodeo. Each of the activities mentioned has its own location and conditions, so plan around your preferred focus rather than assuming they are all in one place or directly connected. Those traveling with children will find activities for children specifically mentioned at the rodeo, and family drop-in ice times at the curling club. Other travelers may prefer to focus on history, golf or fishing.

If you’d like to explore more town pages: Youngstown, Jenner, Veteran, Hanna, Consort.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 4.