Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
In Spruce Woods Provincial Park, see the Manitoba desert known as the Spirit Sands. Hike along self-guided trails or travel by horse-drawn covered wagon. See the Devil's Punch Bowl – an eerie pond formed by active underground streams. Cycle or enjoy horseback riding along the park trails. There's a concession, store and gift shop for your convenience. Sleep in a yurt, or stay in their modern campgrounds. Explore the beach and get active in the games area. Take part in interpretive programs, visit the amphitheatre, and enjoy a campfire talk, guided hike and other events. In the summer, equestrian and mountain bike enthusiasts can explore the many back-country trails. location: off Hwy. 5 south of Hwy. 1 p: 204-827-8850 (mid-May to early Sept.), 204-834-8800 (Sept. to mid-May) b If you love lilies, this is the nook for you. At the Lily Nook, just south of Neepawa, see over 2,000 named varieties and 20,000 one-of-a-kind lilies. These flowers are from Manitoba and around the world. The best time to catch them in full bloom is in mid-July. Groups by appointment. Donations are appreciated. location: 4 km/2.5 mi south of Neepawa on Hwy. 5 p: 204-476-3225 w: www.thelilynook.com At Turtle Mountain Provincial Park, enjoy miles of mountain biking trails, canoe routes, horse riding trails, self- guided hiking and fitness trails. Stay at the campgrounds. Take a hiking trail to the Turtle's Back Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains and farmlands. Go boating and fishing on the lakes named William, Max, and Adam. Windsurf on William Lake. Rough it at William and Max lake campgrounds. Enjoy electrical service and water at Adam Lake campground. p: 204-945-6784 toll free: 1-800-214-6497 ATTRACTIONS Arrow River Explore what it was like to travel by horse and carriage at the Cleggs Museum of Horse Drawn Vehicles near Cypress River. The museum displays 90 restored horse-drawn vehicles and over 1,000 related artifacts. It's open year-round by appointment and admission is free. location: 3.6 km/2.3 mi south of Hwy. 24 at Arrow River corner p: 204-562-3543 b See the Icelandic Frikirju (Free) Church, near Cypress River. This church was built in 1910 for the Icelandic Lutherans. Special services are held here each year. location: from Cypress River 2 mi south, 1.5 mi east and 1.5 mi south If you are interested in Icelandic history and architecture, you will want to see the Grund Frelsis Liberty Church (PHS) near Baldur. The oldest Icelandic Lutheran Church in Canada (established in 1889) is a beautiful example of late nineteenth century Gothic Revival church architecture. It's built on a wood frame with a simple rectangular plan. Special services continue to be held here. location: 9 km/5.5 mi north of Baldur Birtle Step back in time and visit a pioneer home from the turn of the last century at the Birdtail Country Museum in Birtle. Located in a former bank building, there's a lot of history here in many artifacts and exhibits. Peruse old newspapers on the microfilm reader or take a guided tour by request. The museum is open from mid-May through August and by appointment. Donations accepted. location: 738 Main St. p: 204-842-3363, 204-842-5350, 204-842-3472 Turtle Mountain Provincial Park Boissevain Stop in Boissevain. This beautiful, warm and welcoming community is a Communities in Bloom winner with a number of things to see in addition to the flowers. During your visit, be sure to check out over 20 historical murals on buildings around town, a 22-ft statue of Tommy the Turtle, the Artspark and a 522-apartment tower for Purple Martins. w: www.boissevain.ca 103 Irvin Goodon International Wildlife Museum b The hills are calling you. Come to the Beckoning Hills Museum in Boissevain and explore farming and domestic life as it was once upon a time. The museum includes old photos, and artifacts relating to culture, education, religion, home life and agriculture. There are also Legion exhibits and collections. The museum is open from late May through September and by appointment. Donations accepted. location: 425 Mill Rd. S p: 204-534-6544; 204-534-6813 w: www.boissevain.ca/visitors/museum b Heed the call of the wild and view wildlife up close and personal at the Irvin Goodon International Wildlife Museum in Boissevain. Here, many wild animals are displayed as they once appeared in their natural environment. The latest additions are a bear creation den and a Métis log cabin. Stop by the gift shop for crafts, antler products and lodge pole furniture. The museum is open from May to October and by appointment. Admission charged. location: 298 Mountain St. on Hwy. 10 p: 204-534-6662, 204-534-6341 w: www.goodonmuseum.com b WESTERN