Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
112 Souris Visit the former home of Squire Sowden, now the Hillcrest Museum in Souris. Built in 1910, this castle-like structure showcases a collection of over 5,000 butterflies and moths, and an agricultural museum. Open during June, July and August. Call to book group tours. Admission charged. location: 26 Crescent Ave. E p: 204-483-3309 Come play and stay at Victoria Park. Choose from serviced and unserviced campsites. Make a splash in the outdoor swimming pool, take a hike along walking trails, and dine in the picnic area. Enjoy the Elks playground, baseball diamonds, boat dock, and be sure to visit the bird sanctuary. Fees charged for camping and swimming. Virden Take a tour of Manitoba's main oilfield near Virden. See the pump-jacks dot the landscape. Book Oilfield tours with the Manitoba Industry, Economic Development and Mines, Petroleum Branch. p: 204-748-4260 w: www.virden.ca The former Virden Canadian Pacific Railway Station (PHS) built in 1906 is an impressive fieldstone structure that now serves as a community arts centre. The Virden Municipal Building and Auditorium (PHS) is the oldest opera hall in Western Canada. Although it was built in 1912, the auditorium was restored, the fire hall was demolished, and the municipal hall was renovated. Imagine life in the Victorian era at the Virden Pioneer Home Museum inc. The large brick home was built in 1888 and furnished in the style of the era. Open from May to August, and by appointment. Admission charged. location: 390 King St. W p: 204-748-1659 w: http://virden.cimnet.ca Virden Canadian Pacific Railway Station Waskada Waskada Museum includes four historical buildings: Union Bank built in 1906, an Anglican Church built in 1914, Menota School built in 1896, and a 1927 blacksmith shop. There are also two additional buildings with displays. See a mounted whooping crane, Simplex silent movie projector, hand-powered table saw, fireless cooker, WWII "Weasel" snow tracker, restored cars, trucks and wagons, a steam engine, a horse-drawn fire wagon, pioneer items, military items and more. Open daily July and August or by appointment. Admission charged. location: Railway Ave. p: 204-673-2557, 204-673-2503 w: www.waskada.ca b Wawanesa The Sipiweske Museum has a collection that includes memorabilia from the pioneers, the Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company, the Criddle family and Nellie McClung. It's located in Wawanesa's original building built in 1903. Nearby, The St. John the Divine Anglican Church, built at Rounthwaite in 1882 is also a designated provincial heritage building. Open during July and August, and by appointment. Admission charged. location: 102 - 4th St. p: 204-824-2369 b The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company (PHS) was created in 1896, providing farmers in the Wawanesa area with their own insurance company. Alonzo Fowler Kempton, its founder, began the operation by insuring straw-burning threshing machines. This circa 1900 building is home to the Sipiweske Museum. location: 102 - 4th St. WESTERN PHOTO: STAN MILOSEVIC WWW.MANITOBAPHOTOS.COM