Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park
| Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park | |
|---|---|
Panoramic view | |
| Location | Kneehill County / Alberta, Canada |
| Nearest city | Trochu, Red Deer |
| Coordinates | 51°56′38″N 112°57′49″W / 51.94389°N 112.96361°W |
| Area | 34.5 km2 (13.3 sq mi) |
| Established | December 15, 1970 |
| Governing body | Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation |
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park is a provincial park in Central Alberta, Canada, located about 103 km (64 mi) southeast of Red Deer and 16 km (9.9 mi) northeast of Trochu, 1 mile north and 10 miles east of Huxley. The park is situated along the Red Deer River and features badlands topography. Its name derives from the large plateau in the middle of the park, 200 m (660 ft) above the Red Deer River, which has never been developed by humans and retains virgin prairie grasses.
The park is situated at an elevation ranging from 720 m (2,360 ft) to 875 m (2,871 ft) and has an area of 34.5 km2 (13.3 sq mi). It is the site of an ancient buffalo jump, where Cree native people drove bison over the cliffs in large numbers to provide for their tribes. The hills also contain unique flora and fauna that are not found this far east of Alberta's Rocky Mountains in as large numbers as at Dry Island.