Exploring and Photographing the Quiet Town of Michichi

Michichi is one of those little prairie towns that most people have not heard of and certainly have not visited.  It's located just south of Highway 9 between Drumheller and Hanna.

There's no real reason to stop at Michichi. There are no services that I can remember seeing the last time I went through town. Its not particularly beautiful in terms of its setting. Having said that, the town has developed a fairly nice path system along the Michichi Creek which looks to be worth visiting. 

If you are looking for some interesting facts about Michichi, the name comes from a Cree word and it means 'hand'.  It refers to the fact that Michichi is located near the scenic Hand Hills near Hanna.

According to the 1941 census, there were only 73 people. In 1991, the population had dropped to 42.  I tried to find current census data, but that information wasn't easy to find. My guess is that the population has only gone down.

michichi, alberta, rural, small town, canada

Photographing Michichi

There are really only photographic opportunities at the corner of Main Street and Railway Ave in Michichi.  

There is a great old store building that sits along the Main Street. I have had a chance to photograph it in both winter and in summer.   

michichi, alberta, rural, small town, canada


Next door is an old shed which has a bunch of abandoned old vehicles. These can all be easily photographed from a location that's not on the owner's property, although its not clear anyone cares. 

michichi, alberta, rural, small town, canada

michichi, alberta, rural, small town, canada

michichi, alberta, rural, small town, canada


There are also a few abandoned buildings in the area that I have not had a chance to explore, but that's on the list for my next visit to Michichi and area. 


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Location: Michichi, AB T0J 0W0, Canada

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