The district began to be settled around 1911–12; however, growth in the area was slow until the coming of the railway in the late 1920s. The first settlers primarily engaged in ranching. The Spiritwood post office, which had been established in 1923, was named after Spiritwood Lake, North Dakota, the hometown of the first postmaster, Rupert J. Dumond. After the railway arrived, settlers of diverse origins poured into the district and many businesses were established. On October 1, 1935, Spiritwood was incorporated as a village and, by September 1, 1965, the community had grown large enough to attain town status. This was the scene of the two deaths of RCMP officers in 2006, where after a 12-day manhunt, the suspect surrendered without incident.
Demographics
Economy
Mixed farming predominates and consists primarily of grain production. A Spiritwood company with global connections that focuses on pig genetics, producing breeding stock and commercial swine, has roughly 50 employees. There is some forestry in the region north of Spiritwood.
Attractions
The town has a range of recreational facilities. Once hometown of the annual Silverbuckle Rodeo, a mid-summer attraction for many years, the grandstands are no more. "SpiritFest" is held annually in August. Spiritwood Museum is open seasonally throughout the summer months. The museum showcases the community's history, including an exhibition of antique farm tractors all freshly restored and in running condition. Campground facilities available with 12 sites. Spiritwood is located in the centre of an area that features six golf courses, six regional parks and 35 lakes, all within a 60-minute drive. The lakes have fishing for perch, walleye, pike and trout. Its close proximity to lakes and parks with camping, boating, fishing, golfing, hunting, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and hiking.
Infrastructure
There is sewer/water capacity for 1,500 residents to allow for 50% community growth. Free Wi-Fi, Cellular service and Cable television are available.
Northern Lakes Health Committee, a volunteer group, was set up at Spiritwood in May 2010 with directors selected to represent each of the surrounding communities, organizing fundraising events to support a physician recruitment initiative through a subcommittee. Since 2006, Spiritwood & District Health Complex was closed "temporarily", leaving the community at large without acute care facilities. Completed in the fall of 2001, this modern $3.6 million facility encompasses approximately of new construction and of renovated space which is linked to the former Spiritwood Hospital and Idylwild Lodge to serve as one integrated facility.
