Preston Heritage Park
This beautiful Heritage Park enclosed piece of land, located off of PR276. In the Magnet district in the Rural Municipality of Lawrence, this newly constructed park was formerly the Preston's old yard site. The lot has been transport into a park area for rest and relaxation. It is here where people of all ages can enjoy a wiener roast over a campfire at the fire pits, or toss a baseball around in the open camping area. Whether its a quick stop for a breath of fresh air, or an over night stop to watch the stars. Preston's Heritage Park is definitely a place to stop and rest or gather with family and friends.
Bacon Ridge and Dog Nature Trails
The Bacon Ridge Trails were formed in the summer of 1995. Located just South of Ebb & Flow Reserve along PR278, these trails extend for 5 kilometers into aspen and spruce woodland, with signs to guide you along the way. Walking or riding through and exploring this trail may lead you to see some wildlife.
Dog Trail is a grass trail located behind Alonsa Public School. This trail contains the location of a snake pit, an exciting scene for anyone willing to look! At the other end is also a nice pond.
Jackpine Wayside Park
Jack Pine Wayside Park is located along Hwy 50 about half way between McCreary and Alonsa, Manitoba. With a picnic area and children's playground, this park is a perfect pit stop if you are driving through the area. The park also includes a walking trail with several interpretive signs with information on local wildlife.
Thunderbird Nest
Following interpretive signs put up by the Westlake Watershed District staff; You will learn the legend of the Thunderbird as you approach this nest located 4 miles West of the Lake Manitoba Narrows, off of Highway #68, this nest was thought to once be home to the legendary Thunderbird. the Thunderbird, often described as a super eagle capable of transforming into a man and able to cause lightning by the flashing of its eyes, was considered to be a guardian by natives of long ago. The Thunderbird nest was constructed to attract the Thunderbird as a guardian spirit. The builder would then be rewarded with special powers. Some say they feel the presence of something strange when they visit these mystical grounds.
Medicine Rock
A traditional gathering place where Aboriginal people give offerings. The Medicine Rock is located about 10 km southeast of Ste. Amelie, within the Alonsa Wildlife Management Area, which is approximately 80 sq. km and contains several walking trails. The site itself is located along a 13 km trail, and includes interpretive signage to guide your visit and visitors are encouraged to leave a small gift of tobacco or cloth as a symbol of respect for the spirits there.
Aboriginal Ceremonial Site
For some time this site was lost to the aboriginal people, and very few knew of its existence. A former Alonsa School teacher named Robert Bishop who loved researching the area's history came upon the site. Interest eventually revived, and with the assistance of various groups, the site was found again and preservation work was undertaken.
Generous support from numerous volunteers, and sponsorship from Department of Conservation, Intergovernmental Affairs, Aboriginal & Northern Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Manitoba Hydro as well as the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation administration, and the Ebb & Flow Band Council including Chief Ralph Beaulieu, Elders Percy and Lawrence Houle. Artwork was done by Mark Pangman. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on September 14, 2001 at the Ceremonial Site located within the PFRA Community Pasture, south of PTH #5O, 9.7km (6 miles) down the Glenella road, and then east for 3.2km (2miles).
This Ceremonial site consists of a Petro form atop one of the many glacial ridges present in the Alonsa Conservation District which looks after the area. The Petro form is stones arranged in an ellipse a metre in width (on average), and anywhere from 25 cm to½ a meter in height. The ellipse has a long access of 18 metres which follows the ridge, and a short access of 10m. In the centre rests a single stone. There are also two groups of stones which extend from both ends of the long access of the ellipse. These groups of stones extend for 30 m and also follow the ridge. There is some indication that within/near these groups of stones are smaller stone circles approximately a meter in diameter. The short walking trail accessing the site, has four interpretive signs posted at various intervals along it explaining the traditions and significance. This site is intended for use by the aboriginal community, and also educational purposes. School tours, using the interpretive assistance of aboriginal elders, are planned. Tourists are also welcome to view the sites, and if in use at the time of arrival please revisit at a later date.
