Roland, Manitoba: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Canada
Roland, Manitoba is a small community located in the heart of Canada. Despite its size, it is a hidden gem that offers a variety of attractions and natural wonders for tourists to explore. From parks and lakes to trails and roadside attractions, Roland has something for everyone.
Attractions
One of the most popular attractions in Roland is the Roland Pumpkin Fair. This annual festival takes place in October and features a variety of activities, including a pumpkin weigh-off, a parade, and a pumpkin carving contest. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and a beer garden.
Another popular attraction in Roland is the Roland Golf Club. This 9-hole course is open to the public and offers a challenging and scenic round of golf. The course is surrounded by beautiful trees and features a variety of water hazards.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Roland Nature Trail is a must-see. This trail winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing along the way.
Natural Wonders
Roland is home to several beautiful lakes, including Lake Francis and Lake Metigoshe. These lakes offer a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and hiking along the shores of these lakes.
Another natural wonder in Roland is the Pembina Valley Provincial Park. This park features a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites. Visitors can also enjoy swimming and fishing in the park's lake.
Roadside Attractions
One of the most unique roadside attractions in Roland is the Roland UFO Landing Pad. This pad was built in 1967 as a symbol of the community's openness to extraterrestrial life. Visitors can take photos with the landing pad and learn about the history of the site.
Another popular roadside attraction in Roland is the Roland Grain Elevator. This elevator is one of the last remaining wooden grain elevators in Manitoba and is a symbol of the community's agricultural heritage.
History
Roland was established in 1886 and was named after Roland Hill, a British postal reformer. The community was incorporated as a village in 1907 and became a town in 1967. The town was founded by a group of settlers who were attracted to the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources.
Conclusion
Roland, Manitoba may be a small community, but it offers a wealth of attractions and natural wonders for tourists to explore. From the Roland Pumpkin Fair to the Pembina Valley Provincial Park, there is something for everyone in this hidden gem in the heart of Canada.
Sources
- Travel Manitoba. (n.d.). Roland. Retrieved from https://www.travelmanitoba.com/places-to-go/central/roland/
- Roland Pumpkin Fair. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rolandpumpkinfair.ca/
- Roland Golf Club. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rolandgolfclub.ca/
- Manitoba Parks. (n.d.). Pembina Valley Provincial Park. Retrieved from https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/popular_parks/western/pembina_valley.html
- Atlas Obscura. (n.d.). Roland UFO Landing Pad. Retrieved from https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/roland-ufo-landing-pad
- Manitoba Historical Society. (n.d.). Roland Grain Elevator. Retrieved from http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/rolandgrainelevator.shtml