Brooks (pop. 10,000) lies in the middle of irrigated farmland and meadows. Brooks Aqueduct was hailed as a brilliant technical achievement when it was built in 1913.
The importance of irrigation is illustrated in the Brooks & District Museum, consisting of several restored buildings. Some well-chosen exhibits depict the culture of the Indians
and describe the lives of the early settlers, ranchers and railroad pioneers. There is also some Royal Canadian Mounted Police memorabilia.
From Brooks there is an interesting detour of 78 km (48 mi.) into the Badlands of the Red Deer River to the Dinosaur Provincial Park.
The return route to Calgary from Brooks - 185 km (115 mi.) - is along TransCanada Highway 1.