Riel House

About this site

Riel House was built in 1880 by Louis’ brother Joseph. The house itself is constructed in Red River Frame style, which involves interlacing logs together to create structural integrity, eliminating the need for expensive nails. Designated a national historic site in 1976, Riel House stands as representation of a Red River Métis river lot settlement. Its river lot has particular importance as a symbol of Red River Métis culture in Manitoba.

Visit Riel House in July and August for guided tours and fun community events hosted by the Louis Riel Institute, the Manitoba Métis Federation and Parks Canada.

Try this

Parks Canada Xplorers

Xplorers booklets are filled with fun activities that will guide your kids through unique Parks Canada administered places, like Riel House! At the end of your visit, make sure to grab an official collectable souvenir be recognized as an intrepid Parks Canada Xplorer!

Three people have a conversation with two interpreters in historic clothing at Riel House National Historic Site.

The Métis perspective

Riel House represents the river lot system and explores 19th-century Red River Métis culture, while commemorating Louis Riel as a person of national historic significance.

An interpreter in historic clothing shows off a garment to three visitors at Riel House National Historic Site.

Family artifacts

There are over 800 artifacts on site at Riel House which, with the help of historical interpreters, offer visitors a chance to experience life as it was for the Riel-Lagimodière family in 1886.