Eston, Saskatchewan: A Hidden Gem in the Prairies

Eston, Saskatchewan is a small town located in the west-central part of the province. With a population of just over 1,000 people, it may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Saskatchewan. However, those who do make the journey to Eston will be rewarded with a charming community, beautiful natural surroundings, and a rich history.

Attractions and Natural Wonders

Eston is surrounded by stunning prairie landscapes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is home to several parks and trails, including:

Eston Riverside Regional Park: This park is located on the banks of the Battle River and offers camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities.
Eston Walking Trail: This 2.5 km trail winds through the town and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Eston Lions Park: This park features a playground, picnic area, and baseball diamond.

In addition to these parks and trails, Eston is also home to several natural wonders, including:

Eston Sandhills: These sand dunes are a unique feature in the prairies and offer a fun and challenging terrain for hiking and sandboarding.
Battle River Valley: This valley is home to a diverse range of wildlife and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Roadside Attractions

Eston is also home to several quirky roadside attractions that are worth a visit, including:

Eston UFO Landing Pad: Built in 1967, this landing pad was created as a symbol of the town's commitment to welcoming visitors from other planets.
Eston Giant: This 20-foot-tall statue of a farmer is a tribute to the town's agricultural heritage.

Festivals and Events

Eston is a lively community that hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including:

Eston Winter Festival: This festival takes place in February and features snowmobile races, ice fishing, and other winter activities.
Eston Show and Shine: This car show takes place in July and features classic cars, live music, and food vendors.
Eston Rodeo: This rodeo takes place in August and features bull riding, barrel racing, and other rodeo events.

History

Eston was established in 1905 as a stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The town was named after Eston, England, the hometown of one of the railway's engineers. Eston was officially incorporated as a village in 1908 and became a town in 1952. The town's founder was John Edward Brownlee, a lawyer and politician who later served as the Premier of Alberta.

Conclusion

Eston, Saskatchewan may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer visitors. From beautiful natural surroundings to quirky roadside attractions, there is something for everyone in this charming community. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure or a glimpse into Saskatchewan's history, Eston is definitely worth a visit.

Sources

"Eston, Saskatchewan." Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan. https://esask.uregina.ca/town_eston.html
"Eston Riverside Regional Park." Saskatchewan Regional Parks. https://saskregionalparks.ca/park/eston-riverside-regional-park/
"Eston Walking Trail." Tourism Saskatchewan. https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/listings/1027/eston-walking-trail
"Eston Lions Park." Town of Eston. https://www.eston.ca/parks-and-recreation
"Eston Sandhills." Tourism Saskatchewan. https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/listings/1028/eston-sandhills
"Battle River Valley." Tourism Saskatchewan. https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/listings/1029/battle-river-valley
"Eston UFO Landing Pad." Atlas Obscura. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/eston-ufo-landing-pad
"Eston Giant." Roadside America. https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2113
"Eston Winter Festival." Town of Eston. https://www.eston.ca/events/2022/2/4/eston-winter-festival
"Eston Show and Shine." Town of Eston. https://www.eston.ca/events/2022/7/16/eston-show-and-shine
"Eston Rodeo." Town of Eston. https://www.eston.ca/events/2022/8/12/eston-rodeo