The Town of Pilot Mound is located in the Pembina Valley, 195 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg along Highway 3. The town is part of the Westman Region and is 150 kilometres southeast of the region's largest centre, Brandon. The town was named after a steep rise in elevation just south of the community, used by early settlers as a "pilot" to help guide their way.
History
Two miles from the beautiful Town of Pilot Mound, sits the 116 foot-high elevation of "The Old Mound". It was a "pilot", a directional guide, to the early settlers as they traveled westward across the rolling prairies. The last stand of the Sioux Indians on British Territory took place on the slopes of the Mound in 1854, in a battle against the buffalo hunters. Near the turn of the century, Sir John A. MacDonald, while on a western tour, stood on the mound and addressed a political rally. It seemed appropriate that the town, first built on the mound itself, and later moved close to the railway, should take its name from this "pilot" of the prairies.
Pilot Mound continues to be a "beacon" today, attracting, as citizens, industrious and enterprising people who devote themselves to creating a friendly community with a quality lifestyle.
The town, situated in the heart of south central Manitoba, is surrounded by farmland, rolling hills and long stretches of wide valleys along the Pembina River.
Economic Base
Due mainly to the abundance of highly productive farmland, the economy of Pilot Mound is deeply rooted in the farming community. The town is home to several businesses that cater to the needs of the many family farms in the surrounding area. Only minutes from Pilot Mound, Rock Lake has many opportunities for recreation and fun. The lake and many other attractions around town attract many tourists to the community each year.
Major Attractions
Aside from the campground at Rock Lake, the Town of Pilot Mound and other surrounding communities offer campsites providing inexpensive accommodations and lots of fun. The Pilot Mound campground also features playground equipment to keep the little ones entertained.
Pilot Mound is also the home of a scenic and challenging nine-hole golf course. This course is complete with lush grass greens and a licensed clubhouse and restaurant, for post game meals and refreshments.
Many other sporting facilities are available in Pilot Mound as well. An indoor arena and multiple outdoor rinks offer a place for hockey and ringette games, as well as figure skating, while a curling rink holds many competitive and recreational leagues. During the summer months, there are baseball diamonds, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a bowling alley.
For the more culturally inclined resident or visitor, a trip to the Pilot Mound Museum, or the regional library is sure to satisfy all ages.
