The Town of Emerson is located on the Canada/United Stated border along Provincial Trunk Highway 75. Straddling the Eastman and Central Plains regions of the province, Emerson is 100 kilometres south of the province's capital city, Winnipeg. At one time, the town was poised to become the largest centre in Manitoba, but today the quiet rural community may be the essence of small town country living.
History
Emerson's origins date back to 1875. Due to its location, the town was the first that travelers came to upon entering the province from the U.S.A. Because of this, Emerson soon became known as "Manitoba's First City". Emerson's prosperity rose in 1879 when the Pembina branch of the CPR was connected through town with the American line to St. Paul, Minnesota. Emerson became the only rail link between eastern Canada and the northwest. Business boomed and the population quickly grew to more than 5000 people. Emerson was the gateway to the northwest and threatened to out grow the Provincial capital. The boom collapsed, however, when the CPR laid a direct overland route east west through Winnipeg. Emerson lies in the middle of the sprawling Red River Valley.
The land in the area is as flat as a tabletop and a person can see for miles until the horizon disappears into the sky. Repeated flooding in the past left the wide valley floor covered in rich black river silt, and the resulting clay loam soils produce some of the best agricultural crops in the world. The Red River flows lazily through the region that is lined with large oak and aspen trees.
Economic Base
Many of the small farming communities around Emerson rely on the town's businesses for many things. Emerson acts as a regional service centre for producers, providing farm supplies and services on a wholesale and retail basis.
Emerson is also home to one of the few ports of entry along the U.S.A./Canada border open 24 hours a day. The port, located on Provincial Trunk Highway 75,
is a key factor in the Mid-Continent Trade Corridor.
Many restaurants and service stations along the highway are busy, as they are the last stop before entering the United States, or the first stop in Canada. The business district of Emerson is home to branch offices for many international brokers and customs agents, handling all types of cross-border freight.
Major Attractions
For international travelers or long time residents, Emerson has many exciting cultural and recreational activities for all to enjoy. Centennial Park has a newly rebuilt swimming pool with zero-depth entry, suitable for all ages. Other facilities include tennis courts, baseball courts, a child's playground, and a campground with indoor plumbing and shower facilities.
A newly renovated boat dock on the river at Catfish Point offers a platform for landing catfish of MONSTROUS proportions. 3 kilometres of hiking trails wind their way along the river, and double as cross-country ski trails in the winter months. A suspension bridge, old fox farm, and a railway swinging bridge are just a few of the sights along the way.
The Emerson Golf and Country Club sits on the edge of town and offers a well-groomed nine holes. The rates are reasonable, the clubhouse is newly licensed and the local golfers are friendly.
Other attractions in Emerson are the many historic buildings in town, including two original log structures and the old town jail.
The town hall in Emerson is a working museum, complete with a library and a computer access room.
For a quiet and relaxing afternoon, Aunt Maud's TeaRoom is open for a quaint Victorian style experience.
