Top 5 Best Attractions in Drumheller: Must-See Stops in the Dinosaur Capital
Tour Guide AJ Frey
Things to do in Drumheller
Discover the top 5 must-see attractions in Drumheller, the Dinosaur Capital, from fossils to hoodoos, plus a bonus stop at the Munchie Machine!
Top 5 Best Must-See Stops in the Dinosaur Capital
Drumheller isn’t just a dot on the Alberta map—it’s the self-proclaimed “Dinosaur Capital of the World,” a quirky Badlands town where prehistoric vibes meet small-town charm. Whether you’re a fossil fanatic, a nature nut, or just someone who loves a good roadside oddity, this place has something to hook you. About 90 minutes from Calgary, it’s a treasure trove of attractions that pull in half a million visitors yearly, all chasing the thrill of dinosaurs, stunning landscapes, and a taste of the unexpected. Why’s it such a hot search? “Attractions” is a golden ticket for tourists googling their next adventure, and Drumheller’s fame ties right into its big draws—think world-class museums and giant T-Rex statues. Here’s our countdown of the top 5 must-see stops that make Drumheller a trip planner’s dream, plus a bonus gem: the Munchie Machine, because who doesn’t need a snack in dino country?
#5: Hoodoos – Nature’s Weird and Wonderful Sculptures
What Makes Them Special?
Out on Highway 10, just 15 minutes southeast of Drumheller, the hoodoos stand like sentinels of the Badlands—sandstone pillars capped with tougher rock, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water. These aren’t your average rocks; they’re 20-foot-tall mushroom-shaped wonders, some clustered tight, others scattered across the hillside like a prehistoric art show. Locals call it the “Hoodoo Trail,” and it’s a postcard-perfect slice of Drumheller’s wild geology. Picture standing at the base, staring up at these eerie formations, feeling like you’ve stepped onto Mars—or at least a sci-fi movie set. They’re not just pretty; they’re a testament to the ancient forces that shaped this land, back when T. Rexes roamed nearby.
Why You’ll Love It
The hoodoos are free to visit, with a short trail leading from a parking lot to prime viewing spots—easy enough for a quick stop or a longer wander. Bring your camera; the sunset glow on these bad boys is Instagram gold. Kids love scrambling around (watch the loose gravel!), and there’s a spooky vibe that sparks stories—some say they’re cursed, though that’s just local lore adding flavor. They’re a must-see because they’re uniquely Drumheller—nowhere else in Alberta nails this mix of natural oddity and Badlands beauty. Pair it with a picnic, and you’ve got a low-key adventure that screams “I was here” without breaking the bank.
#4: World’s Largest Dinosaur – Tyra’s Big Grin
A Giant Worth Climbing
Smack in downtown Drumheller looms Tyra, the World’s Largest Dinosaur—a 25-meter-tall, 46-meter-long T-Rex that’s 4.5 times bigger than the real deal. Unveiled in 2000 for a cool million bucks, she’s not just a statue; she’s a climbable icon. For $5 a pop or $15 per family, you can tackle 106 stairs up her insides—don’t worry, you enter through a side door, not her tail—and pop out in her mouth for a view over the town. Picture peering through her teeth, the Red Deer River Valley sprawling below, kids giggling as they wave from 86 feet up. It’s cheesy, sure, but it’s the kind of roadside kitsch that makes Drumheller unforgettable.
The Fun Factor
Tyra’s more than a photo op—she’s a rite of passage. The climb’s decked with murals tracing dino history, turning it into a mini-lesson with a payoff: that jaw-dropping vista. Downstairs, a gift shop tempts with dino swag (good luck leaving without a T-Rex toy), and right next door, the Rotary Spray Park cools off summer days for free. Open year-round—weekends only in winter—it’s a hit with families and anyone who loves a good “world’s largest” brag. It’s pure Drumheller—big, bold, and a little bonkers, tying into the town’s dino obsession with a grin you can’t resist.
#3: Atlas Coal Mine – A Step Back in Time
Drumheller’s Industrial Soul
Twenty minutes east of town near East Coulee, the Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site flips the script from dinosaurs to Drumheller’s more recent past. From 1936 to 1979, this was the heartbeat of the valley’s coal boom, and today it’s a gritty, hands-on peek at that era. Picture walking past rusted train cars, climbing the towering wooden tipple (a coal-loading structure), or ducking into tunnels where miners once toiled. Guided tours—$15 to $30 depending on depth—bring it alive with tales of dynamite blasts and ghost sightings. The site sprawls over acres, with machinery scattered like relics, a stark contrast to the Badlands’ natural chaos.
Why It’s a Must
This isn’t just history—it’s an adventure. You’ll hear the creak of the tipple’s 70-foot frame, feel the chill of the underground, and maybe spot a miner’s helmet in the museum. Kids dig the “Coal Car Chaos” tour, riding vintage carts, while adults love the raw, unpolished vibe—less polished than the Royal Tyrrell, but just as gripping. It’s a top attraction because it balances Drumheller’s dino fame with its human story, showing how coal fueled a town that fossils later made famous. Bring sturdy shoes; the terrain’s rough, but the payoff’s a tale you won’t find in any textbook.
#2: Horseshoe Canyon – Badlands Beauty Unleashed
A Hiker’s Dream
Just 17 kilometers southwest of Drumheller on Highway 9, Horseshoe Canyon drops you into the Badlands’ raw heart—a U-shaped marvel of layered cliffs and rolling hills that stretch out like a prehistoric painting. It’s free to visit, with a parking lot perched on the rim offering jaw-dropping views—think canyons striped in reds and browns, carved by ancient rivers. The 4.5-kilometer Horseshoe Canyon Loop Trail takes you down via stairs or a gentler slope, winding through coulees where fossils peek from the dirt. Picture hiking with the wind in your hair, prairie dogs scampering, and the vastness of Alberta’s wild side all around—a perfect taste of Drumheller’s outdoor magic.
Why It Ranks High
This is nature’s playground—hikers love the moderate challenge (bring water; it’s dry!), and photographers chase the golden-hour light. It’s less crowded than the Royal Tyrrell, offering solitude amid the chaos of eroded cliffs. Locals swear by it as a fossil-hunting spot—don’t take them, just snap pics—and its outlaw history (rumored hideout for horse thieves) adds a wild-west twist. It’s a must-see for its sheer beauty and accessibility, tying into Drumheller’s Badlands allure with a trail that feels like stepping back 75 million years. Pack a hat; the sun’s relentless, but the views are worth every sweaty step.
#1: Royal Tyrrell Museum – Dino Heaven
The Crown Jewel
Six kilometers north of Drumheller on the North Dinosaur Trail, the Royal Tyrrell Museum isn’t just a stop—it’s *the* stop, a world-class paleontology powerhouse that draws 500,000 visitors annually. Spanning 132,500 square feet, it houses over 160,000 fossils, from T. Rex skeletons to tiny trilobites, all dug from the Badlands’ rich beds. Picture walking through halls where full dino mounts tower overhead—Albertosaurus glaring down, Triceratops locked in stance—while interactive screens spill secrets of Earth’s past. Opened in 1985 and named for J.B. Tyrrell, who sparked the “dinosaur rush” in 1884, it’s a science lover’s dream with labs you can peek into, watching real paleontologists at work.
Why It’s Number One
This isn’t a dusty exhibit—it’s alive, with ever-changing displays, a primeval garden of ancient plants, and summer dig programs where you can play fossil hunter (book ahead!). Tickets run $21 for adults, $14 for kids, but it’s worth every penny—plan 2-3 hours minimum. Kids flip for the touchable casts, adults geek out on the science, and everyone leaves awed by skeletons like “Black Beauty,” a jet-black T. Rex. It’s the heart of Drumheller’s dino fame, a top-searched gem that ties every fossil in town back to its Badlands roots. Grab a cafeteria snack or picnic outside; it’s a full-day plunge into 75 million years of history you won’t forget.
Bonus Must-See: Munchie Machine – A Snack Stop with Swagger
A Quirky Fuel-Up
Tucked into Drumheller’s downtown scene, the Munchie Machine isn’t your average attraction—it’s a mobile snack shack with a vibe as bold as the Badlands. Picture a tricked-out Truck smashing dino burgers harder than the asteroid hit. They have quick bites—think Onion Rings Pickle fries, Popcorn Chicken and Kookies that hit the spot after a day of fossil-chasing. It’s not on every tourist map, but locals know it’s a gem, Find it stationed, pretty much all season at the old 7-11 or hotspots like the Tyra the T-Rex. The menu’s simple but crave-worthy, with a rotating lineup that might toss in a dino-themed treat—ever tried a “Triceratops Burger”? The Munchie Machine, it’s fast, locally owned and family-friendly, a perfect pit stop to refuel without slowing your adventure.
Why It’s a Bonus Hit
The Munchie Machine earns its bonus spot for its convenience and charm—open seasonally, it’s a summer staple that keeps you exploring without hunger pangs. It’s not about fancy dining; it’s about smashburgers! OMG their stegosaurus burger (The mushroom burger for the uninitiated) or the Smashed Potatoes, Mmmmm. Just grab some munchies and soak in Drumheller’s laid-back spirit. Pair it with a visit to Tyra or a hoodoo hike, and you’ve got a taste of local life—literally. It can be found daily at the old 7 Eleven. And you can always check social for the daily updates. It’s a must-see because it’s pure Drumheller—unpretentious, playful, and a little unexpected, just like the town itself.
Drumheller’s top 5 attractions—hoodoos, Tyra, Atlas, Horseshoe, and the Royal Tyrrell—plus the Munchie Machine bonus, are your ticket to the Dinosaur Capital’s best. They’re why “things to do” searches light up for this Badlands gem: fossils, fun, and funky vibes rolled into one unforgettable trip.
As you wander through Drumheller’s wild wonders, don’t forget to dive into the local magic that keeps this town roaring! Swing by Treasure Box Toys for a playful treasure hunt—think toys, games, and pure joy for all ages. Craving a snack? Hit up the Munchie Machine for a quick, quirky bite that’s as fun as it is tasty. While you’re at it, explore Smith & Son Pawn and Loan for unique finds that tell their own stories. And for a keepsake that’s pure Badlands gold, grab a Drumheller Dinosaurs Colouring Book to colour your own prehistoric adventure. These local gems are the heartbeat of our town—support them, explore them, and let Drumheller’s spirit spark your next big discovery!