The original settlement was several kilometres upstream on the Red Deer River where the water was shallow and easy to cross. Dr. Leonard Gaetz, a Methodist minister who arrived in 1884, persuaded the Calgary and Edmonton Railway to cross the river on his property by donating half of his land for use as a townsite. The trains came through, and the town took root at its current site. Agriculture and petroleum products are the major local industries.
City Hall Park, 48th Avenue and Ross Street, is a landscaped oasis known for its Christmas light and flower displays. West of town is Sylvan Lake, which accommodates Jarvis Bay and Sylvan Lake provincial parks.
The annual Canadian Finals Rodeo is held late October to early November.
Visitor Centers
Self-guiding Tours
A brochure outlining a walking tour of the historic downtown is available from the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery and from the visitor information center west of Heritage Ranch in Waskasoo Park.
Shopping
Bower Place , Gaetz Avenue and Molly Banister Drive, has 115 stores and is anchored by Hudson's Bay. Parkland Mall , 67th Street and Gaetz Avenue, has more than 100 shops.
Things to Do
Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & MuseumSunnybrook Farm Museum and Interpretive Centre
GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENTS
Cash Casino
Recreational Activities