Darwell Community
Darwell is an unincorporated community in central Alberta in Lac Ste. Anne County, located 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) north of Highway 16, 74 kilometers (46 mi) northwest of Edmonton.
Darwell has a colourful history. A rail station in 1912 also started the settlement of the community of Darwell. Being located between Lac Ste. Anne and Lake Isle created some controversy with naming the community. Many debates with no resolution occurred around the name, until an enterprising man took out his hymnbook and randomly picked a good tune. The tune had the name Darwell in it. In 1915 Darwell was recognized as a Hamlet, making 2015 its 100-year anniversary!
Darwell's rail station also became known throughout Alberta as a Hobo stop during the Depression because of a ranch which never turned away anyone asking for shelter. Many a man out of work rode the rail to Darwell to get food and lodging in exchange for work. As the story goes many a man wanted by the law also found refuge and the North-West Mounted Police spent many a trip going to the Hobo Ranch.
Today Darwell boasts a Gas Station, Post Office, Store, Restaurant & Bar, Fire Hall, Seniors Lodge, and a Grade 1 - 7 School. For a small community we have some impressive Agricultural Grounds with open & covered riding arenas, an outdoor lighted ice rink, two ball diamonds, and a short track for the AG Drag. There is also the Community Hall with an attached Library and the separate Golden Age Hall.
The old ranch has long disappeared, but the hospitality of this community still exists today. The annual summer fair is held the third weekend in August. It is an old-time county fair, lay back and quiet. It focuses on the children and country enjoyment. Our Fair provides such family fun things as a parade, pancake breakfast, animal shows, clowns, face painting, the money mine and numerous fun activities for the kids that are all FREE!
In July we have the annual "Bull Bash". Top stock and Cowboys from around the world to see. If you can't make it to the NFR or the Calgary Stampede! Come to Darwell, see some of the same participants and get much closer to the action.
There is always something going on in Darwell, stop by and see for yourself!
Darwell has a colourful history. A rail station in 1912 also started the settlement of the community of Darwell. Being located between Lac Ste. Anne and Lake Isle created some controversy with naming the community. Many debates with no resolution occurred around the name, until an enterprising man took out his hymnbook and randomly picked a good tune. The tune had the name Darwell in it. In 1915 Darwell was recognized as a Hamlet, making 2015 its 100-year anniversary!
Darwell's rail station also became known throughout Alberta as a Hobo stop during the Depression because of a ranch which never turned away anyone asking for shelter. Many a man out of work rode the rail to Darwell to get food and lodging in exchange for work. As the story goes many a man wanted by the law also found refuge and the North-West Mounted Police spent many a trip going to the Hobo Ranch.
Today Darwell boasts a Gas Station, Post Office, Store, Restaurant & Bar, Fire Hall, Seniors Lodge, and a Grade 1 - 7 School. For a small community we have some impressive Agricultural Grounds with open & covered riding arenas, an outdoor lighted ice rink, two ball diamonds, and a short track for the AG Drag. There is also the Community Hall with an attached Library and the separate Golden Age Hall.
The old ranch has long disappeared, but the hospitality of this community still exists today. The annual summer fair is held the third weekend in August. It is an old-time county fair, lay back and quiet. It focuses on the children and country enjoyment. Our Fair provides such family fun things as a parade, pancake breakfast, animal shows, clowns, face painting, the money mine and numerous fun activities for the kids that are all FREE!
In July we have the annual "Bull Bash". Top stock and Cowboys from around the world to see. If you can't make it to the NFR or the Calgary Stampede! Come to Darwell, see some of the same participants and get much closer to the action.
There is always something going on in Darwell, stop by and see for yourself!