The Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Woodlands was incorporated in 1880. The municipality lies about 50-kilometres north west of Manitoba's capital city of Winnipeg, along highway 6. Much of the southern areas of the municipality are largely based in agriculture. The northern border stretches on aspen and poplar forests common to much of the area. The R.M. of Woodlands is situated between the southern basins of Lakes Winnipeg and Manitoba, and is part of Manitoba's Interlake Region.
History
Much of the area, which makes up the present day municipality, was first claimed by a local homesteader named David Porteous. The land was covered with heavy bush and thick stands of oak and poplar, spanning the gently rolling hills. The name of Woodlands was the only logical choice for the new community. With the establishment of the railroad to the area in the late 1800's, settlers began to arrive in larger numbers. The land base was divided up into homesteads and settlers cleared the land to make way for productive fields and farms.
Economic Base
Today, the R.M. of Woodlands consists mostly of agriculture and minor tourism industries. There are several urban communities within the boundaries of the municipality, and businesses in these communities provide goods and services to the local residents. The agricultural community in the area is diverse with almost every imaginable aspect present. Fields of grain and oilseeds are common, as are hog and poultry barns, and cattle and dairy operations. Some of the more unique farms specialize in such things as Miniature Horses, Donkeys, Llamas, Emus and Alpacas. There are several buffalo herds in the area, and many breeders of racing and riding horses. There are several U-pick berry farms, and acres of alfalfa are seeded as livestock feed.
Major Attractions
Several popular attractions are located in the boundaries of the municipality. One of the most popular attractions is the 18-hole golf course located at Warren. The course offers a restaurant and lounge, and a pro-shop for club and power cart rentals. A local park offers camping, picnic sites, and a man-made lake with a sand beach. The museum in the R.M. of Woodlands boasts an excellent collection containing pioneer buildings such as a school and church, and a building filled with area artifacts and photographs. There is a large display of antique agricultural implements as well. One of the favorite attractions of the community and guests is the Vintage Locomotive Society of Manitoba and the Prairie Dog Central. The Prairie Dog is a restored and functional steam locomotive dating back to the 1800's. The locomotive and its antique coaches make the trip form Winnipeg to Warren twice on the weekends during the summer months. The excursion is a thrill for young and old alike, as the shrill holler of the steam whistle echoes memories of a distant past.
