Discover the Living Prairie Museum, A Natural Paradise in Winnipeg
The Living Prairie Museum in Winnipeg holds a special place in my heart as a local Winnipegger. It’s a serene oasis within the city that allows me to immerse myself in the unadulterated beauty of nature.
What I love most about it is the way it brings nature to life, with acres of preserved tall grasses and wildflowers swaying with the breezes of the wind.
Walking along the trails, I’m reminded of my childhood adventures exploring the countryside with my family. The landscape evokes memories of picnics, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the peace and scenery.
If you like to find inspiration in nature, you won’t be let down by this beautiful part of the city. Check out our guide to the Living Prairie Museum in Winnipeg!
Best Time to Visit the Living Prairie Museum in Winnipeg
The best time to visit the Living Prairie Museum is during the summer months, typically from late June to late August. During this time, temperatures range from around 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) in Winnipeg.
I particularly enjoy visiting this prairie preserve during the summer because the weather is warm and pleasant. I can wear light clothes and move freely within the prairie.
During this season, the prairie also comes alive with vibrant colors, as wildflowers bloom and wildlife becomes more active. It’s a great time to observe various species of birds, butterflies, and other creatures that call the prairie home.
Additionally, for obvious reasons, since the summertime has longer daylight hours, visitors can spend more time outdoors and maximize their visit.
How to Get to the Living Prairie Museum in Winnipeg
By bus from the airport
Head to the airport bus terminal located outside the main terminal building and board the Route 15 (Sargent-Mountain) bus heading eastbound. It will take you to downtown Winnipeg.
Get off at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street downtown. Transfer to the Route 21 (Portage Express) bus heading west.
Alight at the intersection of Portage Avenue and Sturgeon Road, which is the closest bus stop to the Living Prairie Museum. From this stop, walk south on Sturgeon Road for about 5 minutes until you reach the museum’s entrance at 2795 Ness Avenue.
By bus from downtown
From The Forks, you can walk to nearby bus stops, either along Waterfront Drive or Main Street. You can then take a Route 21 westbound bus and follow the instructions above.
By bus from the St. Norbert area/Southern Winnipeg
Find the nearest bus stop along Pembina Highway. Board a Route 16 (Osborne) bus heading north until you reach the intersection of Osborne Street and Confusion Corner.
At Confusion Corner, transfer to a Route 14 (Ellice-Notre Dame) westbound bus and get off the intersection of Portage Avenue and Sturgeon Road. From here, you can walk to the museum entrance.
By bus from the University of Manitoba campus/area
From the University of Manitoba, you can catch a Route 78 (Waverley) northbound bus from one of the stops on campus. Alight at the intersection of Waverley Street and Chevrier Boulevard.
You can then transfer to a Route 66 (Grant) bus heading east, which will take you to the Grant Avenue-Sturgeon Road intersection. On Sturgeon Road, walk north for a few minutes and you’ll find the entrance to the Living Prairie Museum.
Things to Know About the Living Prairie Museum in Winnipeg
The Living Prairie Museum is a 13-hectare tall grass prairie reserve located in the neighborhood of Booth, close to the airport. It was established in 1968 and is home to more than 150 types of grasses and wildflowers, as well as various prairie animals.
Fun fact: In Manitoba, only a tiny bit of the original tallgrass prairie is left – just 1/20 of 1%! The Living Prairie Museum is one of the very few preserves that are still standing today.
The museum has an interpretive center with exhibits, a bookstore, and an observation deck providing a great view of the reserve.
The interpretive center opens each year when Manitoba’s provincial flower, the prairie crocus, blooms and stays open until mid-October.
The main goal of the Living Prairie Museum is to raise awareness of and conserve natural areas through environmental education. There are guided hikes and educational programs for youth throughout the year.
Special events such as the Monarch Butterfly Festival, Thursday Theme Days, Prairie Planting Workshops, and the Winter Speaker Series provide opportunities for the public to learn about prairie conservation and enjoy this unique habitat.
Things to Do in the Living Prairie Museum
1. Go on a self-guided walk.
The Living Prairie Museum offers a downloadable booklet with instructions for a self-guided tour. The path starts at the east side of the interpretive center, and I recommend taking the longer path (which is only about 1 kilometer!)
2. Join Snowshoe Sundays.
I like visiting the museum in the summer, but I see to it that I also visit at least once from January to March so I can join Snowshow Sundays. This free event is open to all skill levels, even beginners!
Snowshoes are already provided, so you basically just have to show up! Do note that this activity is only available on the first and last Sunday of the month.
3. Learn more about prairies through the Winter Speaker Series.
Available on Tuesday evenings (7 PM to 8:30 PM) from January to March, this event is an interesting presentation on the natural habitats in Manitoba as well as the ongoing research about them.
It’s advisable to call ahead if you want to attend this event as there are limited seats available.
4. Learn to grow prairie plants through a workshop.
Bring home nice memories of Manitoba and learn how to grow prairie plants in the comfort of your own home. This workshop at the museum opens every April and includes a presentation and demonstration by an expert.
Seeds are available for purchase at the museum. If you do wish to participate in this activity, calling ahead is a must.
5. Have your little ones join Thursday Theme Days.
Every Thursday in July and August, the museum offers a family program that features fun activities, presentations, and guided hikes. The best part about this event is it’s free!
6. Join the fun at the Monarch Butterfly Festival.
Every July, the museum celebrates the Monarch Butterfly Festival. The place comes alive with displays, crafts, live butterflies, and a whole lot more!
If you’re joining this event with your family, I highly recommend packing your own water and snacks as most of the program takes place outdoors.
This free event is one of the reasons why I love visiting the museum in the summer. You’ll get free milkweed too!
7. Witness wildlife pass by.
The prairie meets its fair share of wildlife, particularly deer, passing by. Visitors are more than welcome to observe them at a safe distance.
Please keep in mind that you should not be feeding these animals, for your safety and theirs!
8. Purchase a live prairie plant.
The museum holds Prairie Plant Sales every May and June. The plants come from Prairie Flora.
If you wish to purchase a plant but aren’t sure which species are available, you can check them out at the Prairie Flora website beforehand.
9. Join the annual spring clean-up.
The museum is always open to extra sets of hands when it’s time for the yearly clean-up. You can volunteer for this event every May!
After the program, volunteers can indulge in a nice appreciation barbeque.
10. Join a guided hike in the summer.
The museum has a self-guided hike throughout the year, but if you prefer like-minded company, you can join the public guided hike in July and August!
It’s held on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 11 AM.
11. Volunteer to collect seeds.
Every September, some Winnipeggers like to help the museum in their revegetation efforts, mainly harvesting seeds for the next planting season.
Feel free to register if this is right up your alley!