POINTS OF INTEREST IN CROCUS COUNTRY
Waskada Museum & Blacksmith Shop
The Waskada Museum consists of six separate buildings: Union (Royal) Bank (1906), Anglican Church (1914), Vehicle Display Building (1999), Blacksmith Shop (1927), new Display Building (2006), and the Menota country school (1896-1952).
HISTORICAL SCHOOL HOUSES IN THE REGION
Walking Trails
Ralph Wang Walking Trail
In 2012, the Regional Municipality of Edward (now the Municipality of Two Borders) partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to protect the native prairie at the Ralph Wang Trail.
This trail offers a glimpse of what the prairies once looked like, stretching endlessly across the landscape. Today, native grasslands are rare, along with many of the birds and plants you’ll see along the way.
Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area: Long Loop
The Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area: Long Loop is a scenic trail that winds through diverse prairie and wetland habitats, offering visitors a chance to experience Manitoba’s rich natural landscape. This loop provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of a protected conservation area. (2.4 km)
Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area: Short Loop
The Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area: Short Loop offers a shorter, easy-to-navigate trail through native prairie and wetland habitats. Ideal for a quick nature walk, it provides opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting while showcasing the beauty of this protected landscape. (1.8 km)
Linear Mounds National Historic Site
The Linear Mounds National Historic Site, located near the Souris River in southern Manitoba, is a significant archaeological area featuring some of the most well-preserved burial mounds in Canada. Constructed between approximately 900 and 1400 CE, these mounds are part of the Devils Lake-Sourisford Burial Complex and are notable for their linear formations with rounded ends. Artifacts discovered at the site, such as stone tablets, clay mortuary vessels, and shell gorget masks made from Gulf Coast conch shells, indicate that the peoples of this area were part of a continent-wide trading network.
The site was designated as a national historic site of Canada in 1973 due to its archaeological significance.
Visitors are encouraged to respect the archaeological integrity of this important site.
Brockinton Archaeological Site
Brockinton Archaeological Site, also known as the Brockinton Indian Sites National Historic Site of Canada, is located within the Municipality of Two Borders, along the valley wall of the Souris River. These sites offer insights into the early Indigenous habitation of the area. Artifacts and remains found here date back centuries, providing a glimpse into the lives of the region's original inhabitants. The oldest artifacts date back to 800 AD.
Boundary Trail Heritage Region
- Origin: Originally a Métis and Indigenous trade route along the Canada–United States border.
- Route: Follows the 49th parallel, running east-west through southwest Manitoba, passing near places like Coulter and the Turtle Mountains.
- Purpose: Used historically for buffalo hunting, fur trading, and settlement. It also played a role in surveying the Canada–U.S. border in the 1870s.
- Current Use: Sections of the trail are now heritage trails and hiking paths, preserving its historical significance.
Birdwatching in Crocus Country
Crocus Country offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities. With its diverse landscapes of native prairie, wetlands, and river valleys, this region is home to a variety of bird species, including grassland songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors.
Notably, the Melita Bird Viewing Station is a prime spot to see the endangered Ferruginous Hawk and the Burrowing Owl, both of which nest in the area. The Souris River Valley, prairie grasslands, and conservation areas such as the Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area also provide excellent locations to observe migratory birds and year-round residents.
Whether you're a seasoned birder or a casual nature enthusiast, Crocus Country offers a unique glimpse into Manitoba’s rich birdlife. Bring your binoculars and explore the trails, wetlands, and open skies of this birdwatcher’s paradise!
Hunting in Crocus Country
Crocus Country offers excellent hunting opportunities for both residents and visitors. With its vast prairies, river valleys, and agricultural lands, the region is known for its abundant populations of white-tailed deer, mule deer, waterfowl, upland game birds, coyotes some moose and even the occasional black bear.
The area's mix of public and private lands provides diverse hunting experiences, from waterfowl blinds near the Souris River to open prairie and farmland hunts for deer and game birds. Hunters are encouraged to follow Manitoba's hunting regulations, obtain the necessary licenses, and seek landowner permission where required.
Whether you're an experienced hunter or new to the sport, Crocus Country offers a rich and rewarding outdoor experience in the heart of Manitoba's prairie landscape.
While moose populations are not as concentrated as in northern Manitoba, they can be found in the Souris River Valley and wooded areas in the southwestern part of the province. Manitoba Conservation manages moose hunting carefully, with limited entry draw seasons in some game hunting areas (GHAs) to protect populations. Hunters should check the latest Manitoba Hunting Guide for regulations, season dates, and licensing requirements.
Popular Game Species
- White-tailed Deer – Found throughout the region, particularly near the Souris River Valley and in wooded areas.
- Waterfowl (Ducks & Geese) – The many sloughs, ponds, and wetlands in the region attract large numbers of migrating waterfowl, making this a great spot for duck and goose hunting.
- Upland Game Birds – Sharp-tailed grouse and pheasants are commonly hunted in open grasslands and agricultural fields.
- Coyotes – The prairie landscape provides ideal conditions for coyote hunting, a popular activity in the region.
Hunting Areas & Regulations
Hunters can explore a mix of public and private lands, including designated wildlife management areas like the Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area. It’s important to follow Manitoba hunting regulations, obtain the appropriate licenses, and secure landowner permission when hunting on private property.
