7 historic sites to visit in Saskatchewan this summer

From wild-west adventures to the political decisions that helped formCanada, there are many exciting stories to absorb in Saskatchewan.

Here are just seven of the spotsto visit this summer foranyonelooking to explore the historic sites that make this province such a unique place.

Many of the attractions have seasonal hours and are now beginning to open.

1. Fort Walsh National Historic Site

After the Cypress Hills Massacre in 1873, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald famously sent out the Royal Canadian Mounted Police toclamp down on the American whiskey traders running rampant in the west.

According to Parks Canada, Fort Walsh was established in 1875 and became the most important and heavily armed garrison of the RCMP during the force's early years.

Today, the site features guided and interpretive tours that include period costumes of the day as well as programming for kids.

Hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday from May 16 to June 30, and seven days a week in July and August.

2. Batoche National Historic Site

The Batoche National Historic Site is filled with fascinating history.

In1885, the Battle of Batoche became the lastfight of the North West Rebellion.Parks Canada says 300Mtis and First Nations fightersunder the leadership ofLouis Riel and Gabriel Dumont faced off against 800 Canadian soldiers.

Batoche continues to represent an important symbol inMtis culture. The Bell of Batoche, which was known to have beentaken back east as a spoilof war following the battle, still makes headlines in modern times.

Hours: Open Monday to Friday from May 18 to June 30, and seven days a week in July and August.

3. Big Muddy Outlaw Caves

The rugged terrain and cavessurrounding the townof Coronach, Sask. in southern Saskatchewan once provided hideouts for 19th centuryoutlaws crossing the U.S. border.

Today there are toursto attractionssuch as the Castle Butte structure, an ancient First Nations buffalo effigy and the notorious caves.

Hours: Town offers pre-booked Badlands tours and a visitor booth open from the May long weekend until September.

4. MotherwellHomestead National Historic Site

Saskatchewan is well known for its pioneer culture fromthe early 20th century.

The Motherwell Homesteadis a great slice of the pioneer period,approximately 108 kilometres northeastof Regina. It was once the settlement ofWilliam Richard Motherwell, an important figure in Canadian agricultural and political history.

There are many family-friendly activities at the site whichincorporate the traditional pioneer way of life.

Hours: Open Monday to Friday from May 20 to June 26, and seven days a week in July and August.

5.The Doukhobor Dugout House

The Doukhobor story in Saskatchewan is unique.The official website for thedugout house says thatat the end of the 19th century, members of this Russian religious grouprelocated to the areaof Blaine Lake, Sask, bringing along their culture and survival methods.

According to the online Canadian Encyclopedia, the Doukhoborswerea sect known for "radical pacificism"and their descendents in Western Canada now number in the tens of thousands.

The dugout house is only open to visitors on Saturdays in July due to ongoing research in the area.

Hours: Open Saturdays from July 4 to July 25.

6.Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site

The Claybank Brick Plant is a well-preserved example of the early industrial age.

Tourism Saskatchewan says that the plant is virtually unchanged since it opened more than 100 years ago and is located among the clay canyons about 72 kilometres southof Moose Jaw.

Hours: Open from July 1 to August 23.

7. Last Mountain House Provincial Park

This provincial park offers a historical spin as the site of a fur trade post for the Hudson's Bay Company.

Constructed in 1869, the Government of Saskatchewan says that the post marked the end of the fur trading era in the province.

Visitors can explore six reconstructed and furnished buildings. Last Mountain House is in the Fort Qu'Appelle valley about 48 kilometresnortheast of Regina.

Hours: Open Thursday to Saturday from July 1 to Labour Day.

There are many more historic sites to enjoy in Saskatchewan. For more, check out the external link below to Tourism Saskatchewan's list of provincial and national heritage locations.

• EXTERNAL LINK: Tourism Saskatchewan's historic attractions