Saint Paul: UFO Landing Pad, Museum and Iron Horse Trail

Saint Paul offers unusual local history alongside opportunities for fishing, golfing and exploring the Iron Horse Trail. The UFO Landing Pad was built in St. Paul in 1967; the trail runs through the town, and the St. Paul Trout Pond is a family-friendly fishing destination. There is also a museum about the history of St. Paul, Alberta, and a railway station that was relocated to St. Paul at the end of 2023. This lets you tailor your trip to your family’s interests, whether that means local history, outdoor activities or both.

UFO history and local discoveries

The UFO Landing Pad is a striking attraction for anyone interested in unusual sights. Its construction in 1967 gives the site a specific historical marker. Nearby, The Landing Pad offers a boutique shopping experience featuring goods from more than 50 local artisans. The two names are similar, but refer to different offerings: the UFO Landing Pad on the one hand, and the shopping experience featuring local crafts on the other.

The Musée Historique de St. Paul Historical Museum presents the history of St. Paul, Alberta. For families who would also like to include a cultural theme in their trip, the museum offers its own perspective on local history. The old Willingdon railway station was relocated to St. Paul at the end of 2023.

Fishing, trails and golf

The St. Paul Trout Pond is located at the intersection of 53 Avenue and 40 Street and is a scenic, family-friendly fishing destination. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout, brook trout and tiger trout. If fishing is part of an enjoyable outing for your family, the Trout Pond is a specific reason to consider including this activity in your travel plans. The trout species listed also make clear what the fishing destination is geared towards, without requiring you to plan a broader outdoor route.

The Iron Horse Trail runs through St. Paul and is accessible year-round. Activities include UTV riding, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, wagon rides and snowmobiling. These different uses offer a range of ways to include the trail in your stay. As a family, consider which activity you’d like to focus on: a UTV ride, a hike, a cycling trip or one of the other activities listed.

If you’d like to include golf in your trip, the St. Paul Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole course on the west side of town. It offers a distinct reason to visit, alongside fishing and trail activities.

Accommodation and regional culture

The Town of St. Paul operates two seasonal, municipally managed RV campgrounds for visitors and campers. This is a clearly identified camping option; those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home are considering a different type of stay. When choosing accommodation, it may help to first decide whether you’re visiting St. Paul primarily for its local history, fishing, golf or trail activities.

In the wider region, the Peoples’ Museum Society of/de St. Paul & District showcases agricultural traditions in rural northeastern Alberta through interactive exhibits. This adds a regional cultural theme to St. Paul’s local history. Families who enjoy learning about rural traditions while travelling can take this focus into account.

If you’d like to include more places in your travel plans, you’ll also find Normandeau, Horseshoe Bay, Lac La Biche, Bonnyville, Smoky Lake, Cold Lake, Plamondon and Elk Point here.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 12.