The Marine Park Museum

“Where Steel meets Keel”

The Marine Park is a 4 acre site located along the Clearwater River in Fort McMurray’s lower town site on Clearwater Drive. This is the original site of the shipyards where, after spring break up, passengers and freight destined for the north were transferred from rail to ship (or barge). It is the only shipyard remaining in the Province of Alberta. Its significance in Alberta’s history waits unveiling for the enjoyment of residents and tourists.

The Marine Park showcases five ships the Miskanaw, the Radium Scout (currently located at Heritage Park), the Miskanaw Barge, Dredge 250, the McMurray, a Fuel Barge, the Kris, and the Northern Alberta Railway Trains. The historic vessels were integral to river transportation along the Athabasca and Clearwater Rivers and as far north as the Arctic Circle. Together, they tell the story of northern river transportation: dredging, channel marking, and freight transfer. The newly restored Comboose and Caboose highlight the significance of Northern Alberta Railways and the Waterways Train Station.

This unique community destination will include historical exhibitions, a playground and beautiful picnic grounds.

The primary objective of the Fort McMurray Historical Society is to exhibit the vessels and trains to tell the story of river transportation. Future developments will include a Museum Centre, educational programs and events that will be open to the public in the near future.

The Marine Park Museum is under development in partnership with the community, local industries and businesses, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Provincial government. The Fort McMurray Historical Society appreciates your support and is accepting donations for the construction of the Marine Park Museum. Please click here to donate.

Artifacts, photographs and archival collections from the Fort McMurray region are also being collected, with special interest in the Northern Transportation Company, the Hudson’s Bay Company and the shipyards. To donate artifacts, archives and photographs, please fill the forms by clicking on the following links. Please bring donations to Heritage Park at #1 Tolen Drive.

Our Collection Management standard practices follow the provincial Alberta Museums Association regulations.