Neepawa is a town on the Yellowhead Route #16 in the province of Manitoba, about 100 km NW of Portage la Prairie. The town has a population of over 4,000 people. Neepawa is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of festivals and events around the year, including the popular Lily Festival.
Neepawa History
The area arounds Neepawa has a rich history back to the time of the First Nations peoples. The Assiniboine and Cree Nations were the original inhabitants of the area and lived off the land for centuries before European settlers arrived.
In the 1870s, the Canadian Pacific Railway was built, and attracted settlements in the area. The town of Neepawa was founded in 1883 by Scottish businessman and politician Robert Wilson. The name “Neepawa” comes from the Cree word “Neepewe”, which means “Land of Plenty”. Neepawa quickly attracted schools, churches, and businesses based on the local agriculture, with wheat and avariety of other crops being grown in the surrounding area. The railway also made the town a key transportation hub for the region.
In the early 1900s, Neepawa experienced a boom in the production of hybrid seeds, and the town wasaknown as the “Seed Capital of Canada”. The town’s agricultural heritage continued to grow, with the establishment of the Neepawa Agricultural Research Station in 1936.
Neepawa Attractions
Beautiful Plains Museum
91 Hamilton St, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
(204) 476-3896 or (204) 476-3684.
The Beautiful Plains Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the town and the surrounding area. Exhibits include artifacts from the early days of settlement, as well as displays of agriculture, medicine, and education.
Margaret Laurence Home
312 1st Ave, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
(204) 476-5648
Margaret Laurence was a Canadian author who lived in Neepawa for many years. Her former home has been turned into a museum, which includes exhibits of her life and work, as well as displays on the history of Neepawa.
Yellowhead Centre
16-2nd Ave. S.W., Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
(204) 476-3397
The Yellowhead Centre is a multi-purpose facility that hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts, trade shows, and sporting events.
Riverbend Park
Riverbend Park Rd, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
(204) 476-7600
Riverbend Park is a beautiful park located on the banks of the Whitemud River. It offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, as well as a scenic view of the river.
Lily Festival
Various locations in Neepawa, MB
(204) 476-3232.
The Neepawa Lily Festival is an annual event that takes place in early July. It features a parade, live music, a craft sale, and a tour of local gardens, where visitors can see the famous Neepawa lilies in bloom.