Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/59721
110 The Antler River Historical Society Museum in Melita offers a wealth of history in its collection. See artifacts from archeological digs, a wedding dress, 1927 Aboriginal costume, rural school room, pioneer home from the turn of the last century, and more. Enjoy the transportation diorama, military history display, and wildlife exhibit with mounted birds and miniature model horses and wagons. Open from June to August and by appointment. Admission charged. location: corner of Summit and Ash p: 204-522-3103 (museum), 204-522-3438 (after hours) Miniota Stop to see the flowers at Heaman's Gardens near Miniota. The gardens include hundreds of lilies, perennials and annuals of many varieties. There are many different informal beds in natural settings. It's partly wheelchair and walker accessible too. Reserve a tour during July and August. location: west of Miniota on Hwy. 467 p: 204-567-3627 The Miniota Municipal Museum includes a pioneer home, Native artifacts and fossils. Open July and August daily and in June and September by appointment. Admission charged. p: 204-567-3690, 204-567-3505, 204-567-3643 Beautiful Plains Country Court Building – Neepawa Minnedosa Located in Manitoba's valley paradise, Minnedosa is a flourishing tourist centre with ample shopping, restaurants, a beach, camping, scenic historic walking and nature trails. They even have a challenging golf course. The Minnedosa District Museum is on the site of the former Hydro Electric Station in Minnedosa. Here, see a landmark church, rural school, 1910 period home, working windmill, trout pond, working water wheel, trappers' cabin, blacksmith shop, and 1929 log stable. Nearby, see a suspension bridge, bison compound and a fish ladder. Open from July to September. Admission charged. location: 100 Heritage Park Cres. p: 204-867-3542 Neepawa The town of Neepawa takes its name from a Cree word meaning abundance or plenty. The town is also known as the World Lily Capital. The Neepawa & Area Lily Festival is celebrated here during the third full weekend in July. p: 204-476-8811 toll free: 1-866-893-0381 w: www.lilyfestival.com Knox Presbyterian Church – Neepawa The Beautiful Plains County Court Building (PHS) in Neepawa is the second oldest public building in Manitoba. The County Court building was erected in 1884 to house the court, gaol (jail) and town and municipal offices. The Knox Presbyterian Church (PHS) is an excellent example of Romanesque Revival church architecture with its rusticated stone, round-arched windows and pyramidal bell tower. Manitoba's dramatic growth in the 1880s and 1890s is echoed in this church's elaborate architecture. location: 396 First Ave. Visit the Margaret Laurence Home (PHS) , the childhood home of the beloved Manitoba author and a tribute to the woman and her work. A wide variety of Laurence's belongings including her doctoral robes and hoods, typewriter, honourary degrees and some of the house's original furniture grace the place. The gift shop features her work. Open from May to September and the rest of the year by appointment. Tours welcome. Admission charged. location: 312 First Ave. N p: 204-476-3612, 204-476-5622 w: www.margaretlaurencehome.ca Oak Lake At the Meandher Creek Pumpkin Patch in Oak Lake, there are many opportunities for family fun on the farm as well as the fall tradition of choosing your pumpkin. There's something for everyone including a zipline, corn trail, farm animals, straw bale maze, hayride, and giant sand box. Admission charged. location: off Trans-Canada Hwy., north on PR 254, west on Rd. 53N, watch for signs p: 204-855-3246 w: www.pumpkinfun.ca b b WESTERN PHOTO: STAN MILOSEVIC WWW.MANITOBAPHOTOS.COM PHOTO: STAN MILOSEVIC WWW.MANITOBAPHOTOS.COM