Alberta is a province with so many natural wonders—mountains, rivers, and wildlife. But there are also incredible things to see that were created by the people of our past, and the Where in the World feature in Fall AMA Insider is certainly unique: the Sunnyslope Shelter, also known as “One Man’s Castle.”
The small structure is in a field near Didsbury, and has been designated a historic site by the Government of Alberta. It was believed to be built in 1903 by mason George Schech, a German immigrant who had relocated to Alberta from the United States.
Made of native fieldstone, the structure is what may be a completely unique variation of the ‘dugout’ homesteader shelter. Dugouts were a common “first home” for pioneers, usually used until a larger, above-ground home was completed. The Sunnyslope Shelter is historically important in Alberta because of its long-lasting stone base—as most of these types of shelters were temporary and made of less enduring materials like wood and sod.
The small structure came to have the nickname “One Man’s Castle” because it truly looks like a fortress for only one person. The dugout remains intact and features a mortared underground chamber, stone stairway, fan-shaped entrance, a chimney and even a sky light in its sod roof.
The Sunnyslope Shelter is about a twenty-minute drive east off Highway 2 between Red Deer and Calgary, on Highway 582.
Looking for more history?
AMA members have access to discounted admission at a variety of historical museums and centres around the province. The Reynolds Museum near Wetaskiwin features a massive collection of cars, airplanes, tractors, and machines from Alberta’s past. With your AMA membership, save 10% on regular admission.
In southern Alberta, head to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre to discover over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. A World Heritage Site, the centre brings you up close and personal with the historic significance of the area including expert talks and even select guided hikes through the summer months. Save 10% off admission with your AMA membership.
For what was a significant historical moment in our province, the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre overlooks the aftermath of Canada’s deadliest rockslide. In 1903, 110 million tonnes of rock tore off Turtle Mountain and killed 90 people in the town of Frank. The centre explains the science behind the rockslide—and use your AMA membership to get 10% off admission.
A reminder that the Canada Strong Pass is in effect for summer 2025, giving all Albertans under 17 free entry to a variety of provincial attractions. Albertans age 18 to 24 receive 50% off admission. The Reynolds Museum, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, and the Frank Slide Interpretive centre are all honouring the Canada Strong Pass discounts.