In a land known for towering dinosaur skeletons and sweeping Badlands landscapes, it might surprise you to find one of Alberta’s most beloved landmarks standing just a few feet tall. The Drumheller Little Church is a miniature place of worship that’s touched hearts for decades. Nestled along North Dinosaur Trail, this tiny white chapel invites travelers to pause for a moment of peace and reflection—no matter their beliefs.
With seating for just six people, this small but meaningful attraction captures attention for its scale, story, and soul. Whether you’re visiting Drumheller for fossils, family fun, or photography, the Little Church is a delightful stop with a spiritual message that reaches beyond its size.
What is the Drumheller Little Church?
The Drumheller Little Church is a fully functional miniature chapel. Measuring approximately 6 meters long and 2 meters wide, it features six single-person pews, a small altar, stained-glass windows, and a steeple. It was originally built in 1968 by the Christian Men’s Fellowship as a place of prayer and meditation for people of all faiths.
This unique church has welcomed thousands of travelers over the years. Despite its size, it continues to serve as both a spiritual space and a tourist stop. The charm of the Little Church lies in its simplicity and inclusivity—it’s open to everyone, and it silently encourages stillness in the middle of a busy sightseeing trip.
Whether you stay for five minutes or fifteen, the church offers something rare: a moment of serenity in a land otherwise filled with fossil digs, museums, and outdoor adventure.
History of the Little Church
The idea behind building a tiny church came from a desire to offer a spiritual space in a region drawing thousands of visitors each year. Drumheller was already becoming famous for its dinosaur fossils, and tourism was on the rise. The Christian Men’s Fellowship decided to create something humble but powerful: a tiny church where anyone could stop to reflect or pray, regardless of denomination.
Over the decades, the Little Church became a symbol of peace. Sadly, it was vandalized in the 1990s, but instead of being abandoned, it was rebuilt by inmates from the Drumheller Institution, showing how a small building could inspire hope and healing in unexpected ways.
This act of restoration turned the church into more than a roadside chapel—it became a story of community, second chances, and spiritual openness. Today, it remains one of Drumheller’s most photographed and cherished landmarks.
Where to Find the Little Church
The Drumheller Little Church is located along the North Dinosaur Trail (Highway 838) in Drumheller, Alberta. It’s just minutes from the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum, making it an easy and worthwhile stop during your trip.
Address:
North Dinosaur Trail, Drumheller, AB
(Approx. 6 km northwest of downtown Drumheller)
Hours:
Open year-round, 24/7 (no gates or staff—self-guided)
Admission:
Free
There’s a small gravel parking area beside the church, and it’s clearly visible from the highway. You don’t need reservations or tickets. Just stop, walk in, and enjoy the moment.
What to Expect When You Visit
The Drumheller Little Church is tiny in size but big on impact. From the outside, it looks like a dollhouse chapel—with a peaked roof, steeple, and white wooden walls. Step inside, and you’ll find six tiny pews, stained-glass windows casting colored light across the wood floor, and a small pulpit at the front.
Here’s what to expect during your visit:
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Despite being a tourist spot, it feels sacred. It’s a calm, respectful space.
No time limits
Stay for a moment or linger in reflection. It’s your space, open and free.
Perfect for photos
The contrast of the tiny church with the vast Badlands sky makes for amazing shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
All ages welcome
Kids love the tiny size, adults love the story, and all visitors respect the space.
It’s a lovely place to gather your thoughts, say a prayer, or simply take a break from your road trip.
Why Visit the Little Church?
You might wonder: with so many big attractions in Drumheller—like the Royal Tyrrell Museum or the World’s Largest Dinosaur—why make time for a tiny chapel?
Here’s why the Drumheller Little Church is absolutely worth a stop:
It’s Unique
Where else can you find a working chapel that seats only six? This rare gem is unlike anything else on your itinerary.
It’s Peaceful
In a town filled with crowds and sightseeing, the Little Church is a moment of peace. It’s a chance to pause and breathe.
It’s Symbolic
Rebuilt by prison inmates, the church represents healing, forgiveness, and community—a deeper story than meets the eye.
It’s Free and Easy to Visit
There’s no cost, no lineups, and no time restrictions. Pull over, walk in, and experience something meaningful.
It Balances Your Trip
Between museum exhibits and hoodoo hikes, this quiet spiritual moment adds variety and depth to your Drumheller experience.
Travel Tips for Visiting
Here are a few helpful tips to enhance your visit:
- Go early or late for the best light and fewest crowds. The morning sun through the stained glass is beautiful.
- Bring your camera—this is one of Drumheller’s most Instagrammable spots.
- Respect the space—it may be a tourist attraction, but it’s still a spiritual place.
- Pair it with a trip to nearby attractions, like the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Horseshoe Canyon, or the World’s Largest Dinosaur.
What’s Nearby?
You can easily combine your visit to the Little Church with other nearby Drumheller highlights:
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Canada’s leading paleontology museum with thousands of real fossils and life-sized dinosaur reconstructions.
World’s Largest Dinosaur
Climb 106 steps inside this giant T-Rex for panoramic views of Drumheller.
Hoodoo Trail
See Alberta’s iconic hoodoos—natural stone pillars carved by wind and rain over millions of years.
Final Thoughts: A Tiny Chapel That Leaves a Big Impression
In a town filled with ancient bones and massive fossils, the Drumheller Little Church reminds us that meaning doesn’t come from size. This tiny, six-person chapel may not roar like a T-Rex or tower over the town—but it gently calls visitors to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
Whether you’re religious or not, the Little Church offers something rare: a space for quiet thought in the middle of a high-energy adventure. It’s quirky, sincere, photogenic, and peaceful—all at once.
So, next time you’re exploring Drumheller, don’t just look for the biggest attractions. Take a moment to stop at the smallest one. You might just find that it’s the most memorable part of your journey.