The town of High River is located in southwestern Alberta, and currently boasts a population of practically 11,000 people. High River is just south of Calgary by around 23 miles or 37 kilometers, and sits at the intersection of the 23 and 2 Highways. Although reasonably distant from Calgary, the town is nevertheless considered to be part of the Calgary Region.
The Highwood River that runs through the town of High River is where the High River gets its name. The river will normally flood in the springtime.
The town of High River is best famous for being the birthplace of former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark. Various popular former citizens consist of W.O. Mitchell, author of such books as Roses Are Difficult Here and Who Has Seen the Wind, and John "Pie" McKenzie, a WHA and NHL hockey player.
High River was utilized as a set for Smallville in Superman III, as well as High River, Montana in Nickelodeon's series Caitlin's Way. Recently, a CBS television series, Heartland has found the town of High River its main filming location. In addition, the movie Carolina Moon based on the book by Nora Roberts was filmed in High River.
Numerous murals have been painted all-around town throughout much of the past 3 decades to help promote High River's tourism and heritage endeavours. High River hosted the World Professional Chuckwagon Association Dodge Pro Tour Championships during the year 2006 and the year 2010.
The Medicine Tree was an actual tree located near the existing Town of High River site. It was created through a natural grafting that occurred between two cottonwood trees, when the branch of one grew into the trunk of the other.
The indigenous peoples, in particular the Blackfoot and Stony, considered this to be a sign from the Spirits which the location was favoured. It was also near the Medicine Tree that traders determined to build a fort, and immediately after settlers came to claim the land which is presently High River.
The High River Culture Centre was designed to become a great venue which was able to meet the needs of the local community, offering various programs, activities, and special events for the people. Programs are intended for all ages and are designed to expose the local community to various opportunities.
There is a huge studio at the Culture Centre that could be used for many activities such as dance, music and the arts, and general interest in addition to health and wellness courses.