Our connection to the land makes us unique as Manitobans, and spending time among an idyllic prairie farm setting is good for the soul. Here are some ways to plan a family day trip or weekend getaway to connect with our province's farming heritage:

Book a Farm Stay

For those without a family connection to a farm, the next best thing is booking an overnight at a country living-themed B&B. Rustic Retreat outside of Souris has been doing farmhouse chic long before it became trendy. The hay-loft-turned-B&B is charming with all its reclaimed wood features and antique furnishings. Breathe in country living and views of Lake of the Prairies at Barn in the Bush near Inglis. It’s the perfect escape for a fishing trip before hard water season kicks in. The Herdsman House in Neubergthal is where the village cow herder lived in the 1880s. This Mennonite street village and national historic site in south-central Manitoba takes you back in time. Restored to its original, the hand painted floors are the original patterns painted by the women in the house.

Dine in Farmhouse Chic

These destination restaurants are definitely worth a day trip for some home-style food in charming country settings. Lily Stone Cafe (formerly Ole Farmhouse Cafe) in Rosenort bakes everything on-site, serves a bakery-style breakfast & lunch, and offers a High Tea experience featuring finger sandwiches, scones and sweets. Reservations are advised; hours are 8:00 am–3:00 pm, Monday–Saturday (closed Sundays).

Farmhouse 50, a bustling bistro and cafe located in a handsome historic building, brings sophisticated tastes to Minnedosa's main street. Stop in for a latte or house-brewed iced tea and shop for jewelry and kids wear by Manitoban artisans.

If you're heading to Riding Mountain National Park via the historic East Gate Complex, you'll pass right by the Red Barn in Kelwood. Home to the perennial Harvest Sun Music Festival, the Red Barn also hosts plant swaps and a farmers market. The Mountain General Store sells local food stuffs and goods, while the tiny Farmer's Daughter cafe serves up fresh, wholesome dishes.

Pineridge Hollow, tucked away near Birds Hill Provincial Park, remains a restaurant/boutique/event venue. It has traditionally held a fall fair in late September. Check their website to confirm 2025 event dates and artisan shopping in “The Village”.

Explore a Pumpkin Patch

Kids always remember a visit to a pumpkin patch. It’s not just the cheery orange orbs that’ll put a smile on their faces but also the freedom to climb hay bales, explore barns, and ride old farm machinery. Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch just west of Portage La Prairie offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractor rides, playground games, farm animals, and more. General admission is required—buy ahead online to guarantee entry. A Maze in Corn outside of St. Adolphe is open from August 13 through November 2, 2025, with general admission $16 + GST (13+), $14 + GST (ages 4-12); includes maze, petting zoo, bale pyramid; extra activities (pony & hay rides) cost extra. Schwabe Pumpkins near St. Andrews remains a picturesque patch with dozens of pumpkin and squash varieties hosted in a family setting. Admission is $5/person and free for kids 3 and under.

Join the Table at a Fall Supper

Join the Table at a Fall Supper

Harvest time on the prairies brings Manitoba’s beloved fall supper tradition back to life. From mid-September to mid-November 2025, rural churches and community halls across the province will open their doors for buffets of home-cooked comfort food, plenty of pie and warm Manitoba hospitality. To find a supper near you, check out the Manitoba Fall Suppers website or visit Travel Manitoba’s 2025 Guide to Manitoba Fall Suppers for a detailed listing. Many events require advance tickets, so plan ahead. Or, you can still use the old-school way: look for posters on local community halls, libraries, or grocery store bulletin boards.

Visit a Hobby Farm

Hobby farms are a wonderful way to introduce kids to rural living because they go gaga over the animals. Aurora Farm, just five minutes south of St. Norbert near La Barriere Park, welcomes guests year-round on weekends (11am-4pm) to visit their goats, alpacas and chickens on a farm tour. Six Pines, just past the perimeter highway northwest of Winnipeg on Sturgeon Road, is Manitoba’s longest running petting farm, while Deer Meadow Farms near Birds Hill Provincial Park.

Original blog by Jillian Reckseidler.