The Palliser expedition in 1857 and the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), as part of the March West to deal with the Cypress Hills Massacre, in 1874 also went through this area.

The route taken by the NWMP is commemorated by a series of highways through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta called the Red Coat Trail.

[5] Settlers in the area originally built a community known as Clare, located two miles north-east of where Arcola exists today, but almost all the buildings of Clare were moved when the CPR announced in the early part of 1900 that the railroad would run south of town.

Arcola was the "end point" of the southern branch line running west from Souris, Manitoba for four years, during which time it became an important hub for westward migration.

A full range of stores and services are available including three antique shops, a hospital and medical clinic, a K-12 school and pottery studio, as well as full-service restaurants, a laundromat, and a motel.

[12] Prairie Place Complex features, an ice rink, three sheet curling, a hall that seats 450 people, and ball diamonds.