About Fort Whoop-Up
Fort Whoop-Up is a replica of an original fur trading fort built in the late 1800s, situated in the picaresque Oldman River Valley.
We tell the story of the buffalo robe, the illegal whisky trade, and all the folks who called the Oldman River Valley home over the centuries. We offer unique interactive experiences, authentic stories, and a glimpse back to Alberta's founding history. Come and learn about Southwestern Alberta's amazing past though the viewpoints of the Niitistapi (Blackfoot) Metis, and early settlers.
Upon your visit, your family will hear a new story, learn a new skill, and connect with the past in a unique way. In the high season we offer horse drawn wagon tours, resident livestock, historic gardens, and a gift shop stocked with locally made goods.
The Fort is on a connected series of pathways that wind through the valley, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a prairie badlands environment. Visitors are sure to see animals including bald eagles, deer, and a variety of plants valued by our local indigenous communities.
HOW TO FIND FORT WHOOP-UP
What to do at Fort Whoop-Up
Niitistapi Gallery
The Niitistapi Gallery offers a powerful glimpse into the Blackfoot way of life, past and present. Through stories, artifacts, and cultural teachings, the exhibit honours the knowledge, traditions, and resilience of the Niitistapi (Blackfoot people). Visitors are invited to learn from Blackfoot perspectives, fostering respect and understanding of the land, language, and relationships that shape Blackfoot identity.
Roping Wooden Horses
Try your hand at roping with wooden horses—fun, skill-building activity inspired by traditional ranching techniques.
Candle Making
Hands-on workshop where participants roll and shape natural beeswax into beautiful, fragrant candles to take home.
Parfleche Bag Making
Learn to craft a paper medicine bag! The medicine bag is historically an important cultural and spiritual item to Indigenous people. Learn the meaning behind the colors, shapes, folding, and uses while you craft one of your own!
Euchre
Fast-paced, trick-taking card game played in teams—perfect for friendly competition, strategy, and lots of table talk.
Self-Guided Tours
The Fort offers self-guided tours with support from our knowledgeable interpreters. These self-guided tours include a map and an informative brochure to expand your experience of the fort site.
Ice Cream
There are over 10 amazing hard ice-cream flavors of Foothills Creamery Ice Cream to choose from in the gift shop. Additionally, we feature one amazing seasonal variety from Milk Man Milk Bar, right here in Lethbridge!
Event Quick Links
Become a Member
Membership to the Galt Museum & Archives | Akaisamitohkanao'pa and Fort Whoop-Up is now combined. Valued members get free admission to both cultural sites, along with the following benefits:
50% off general admission for one additional guest on the same visit to the Galt or Fort Whoop-Up.
10% discount on all purchases in the Galt Museum and Fort stores, including online shopping.
Free admission or special discounts on programs, lectures and special events at both the museum and the fort.
Invitations to special exhibition openings, members’ activities and events.
50% off admissions to the Southern Alberta Art Gallery and Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.
Subscription to the Galt and Fort Whoop-Up Calendar of Events (2 times per year).
Memberships are renewed annually. To learn more or to buy a membership, visit galtmuseum.com/memberships.
GET INVOLVED
Museums and heritage sites that preserve local history, like the Fort, depend on helping hands to tell our stories and fulfill our mandates. To help today, follow this link to our external volunteer site.
Rebecca Many Grey Horses presents an overview of Indigenous history in southern Alberta.