Rosthern, Saskatchewan, a charming town nestled at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 312, is a must-visit destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Situated approximately halfway between the bustling cities of Prince Albert and Saskatoon, Rosthern offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and recreational activities.
The history of Rosthern, Saskatchewan, dates back to the late 19th century when Mennonite settlers, led by Gerhard Ens, began to establish their roots in the area. The arrival of the Qu'Appelle, Long Lake & Saskatchewan Railway to Prince Albert around 1890 marked the beginning of the town's development. The establishment of the post office in 1893 and the community's recognition as a village by 1898 further solidified Rosthern's place on the map. By 1903, Rosthern was officially incorporated as a town.
The origin of the town's name is a subject of much debate and speculation. One popular theory suggests that the name "Rosthern" was born out of a tragic incident in which a man named Ross drowned in the creek that flows through the town. "Terne," an old English term for a pool, was added to his name, thus creating "Rosthern." However, it's more likely that the name was brought over by a homesick railroad worker, echoing the name of Rostherne, a village in the United Kingdom.
Rosthern, Saskatchewan, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers. The town boasts a public library, numerous parks and walking trails, and the Valley Regional Park, complete with an 18-hole grass green golf course. Sports lovers can enjoy two ball-diamonds, two indoor hockey rinks, a curling rink, a bowling alley, and three school gyms. A modern outdoor swimming pool, completed in 2005, provides a refreshing retreat during the summer months. Rosthern is also home to the Youth Farm Bible Camp, a popular destination for young adventurers.
Just a stone's throw away from Rosthern is the Seager Wheeler Farm, a National Historic Site of Canada, and the Rosthern Mennonite Heritage Museum, a Municipal Heritage Property listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
Founded in 1974, Valley Regional Park is a regional park located about 2 kilometres north-east of Rosthern on the western shore of Rempel Lake. The park features an 18-hole golf course, a campground, and a picnic area. For thrill-seekers, there's a 100-foot slide and an 80-foot zip line. The campground offers about 80 campsites and modern washrooms and showers. The Valley Regional Park Golf Club is an 18-hole, par 72 course with grass greens and a total of 6,577 yards. The club also features a pro shop, practice green, and a licensed clubhouse.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Rosthern, Saskatchewan, had a population of 1,602 living in 642 of its 694 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -5.1% from its 2016 population of 1,688. With a land area of 4.14 km2, Rosthern had a population density of 387.0/km2 in 2021.
