Step into the living room of the family home where Louis Riel, the famous Red River Métis leader seen by many as the founder of Manitoba, lay in state for two days in December 1885 after he was hanged for high treason. The interior of Riel House National Historic Site is a snapshot of this monumental moment in time.
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.
Inside this restored structure, you can reflect on the fascinating and complex story of Louis Riel and explore his modern legacy with knowledgeable guides from the Louis Riel Institute. Learn about the Riel family, the daily life of the Red River Métis and how this turbulent time in history created Manitoba. Outdoors, take in the long, slender footprint of the river lot system and find out more about the agricultural practices of the day and the crops being grown on-site.
On the shore of the Red River in Winnipeg, Riel House is a link to a turbulent time in Canada’s history. Beginning in the 1860s, Louis Riel fought to preserve the Métis way of life, leading movements to resist settlement of southern Manitoba. Executed by the Canadian government for high treason in 1885, he was later celebrated by many for his role in supporting Métis rights. Riel House brings visitors into the world of Riel’s mourning family, six months after his death. You can take a self-guided tour and learn about the combined Indigenous and European heritage of the Métis people.