The Town of Rossburn is located near the edge of Riding Mountain National Park in the Parkland Region of Manitoba. The community is 155 kilometres Northwest of Brandon and 300 kilometres from Winnipeg, the Provincial Capital. The Rossburn area provides a variety of recreational and tourism activities for residents and those travelling highways 45 and 16.
History
The Birdtail Valley was surveyed and mapped in 1850. The community's first settlers and permanent residents, the Ross family arrived in 1879 and the community became known as Rossburn. Early attractions to the area were large forests that provided fuel, heat and construction material, as well as timber for the logging industry. Meadow lands and high quality soil offered the promise of agriculture, and a good supply of clean water and abundant wildlife made the rustic landscape seem that much more enjoyable. The first arrival of British pioneers and their families brought the need for buildings and stores and as these were constructed, the town took shape. A second wave of immigration in 1899 brought settlers from Poland and the Ukraine. At the turn of the century, the railway arrived in the region and furthered the development of area communities. Incorporated in 1914, Rossburn grew to become the main centre for the growing communities in the area. The first Rossburn District Hospital opened in 1950, and a new healthcare facility was built in 1982. Hydro lines were routed to the community in 1938.
The landscape of the Rossburn area is rolling hills and valleys blanketed with wheat fields and forested bluffs. Elevation rises sharply to the Northeast as the terrain shifts to the forested uplands of Riding Mountain Park. Many lakes and rivers in the area offer opportunities for numerous recreational and sporting activities.
Economic Base
Mixed farming and ranching are the predominant economic activities in the Rossburn area. Cereal grains are widely grown, with some producers growing oilseeds like flax and canola. The rolling hills and treed areas provide an almost perfect area for beef production, and cattle in the area outnumber the residents. Rossburn has emerged as a major service centre for the agricultural community with many town businesses providing all necessary supplies and services. The town itself has a population of 650 residents, but more that 3000 other people in the immediate area depend on Rossburn for health, education, recreation, shopping and professional services. Many fine recreational facilities and areas around Rossburn attract tourists to the area each year, and the community enjoys its visitors.
Major Attractions
Arriving to Rossburn along Highway 45 or the Yellowhead Route (Highway 16), guests to the community will find an endless number of opportunities for recreational and sporting enjoyment. Deep Lake, Arrow Lake, Rossman Resort, and the Birdtail Valley all offer fishing, boating, swimming and other water-sports activities. Campgrounds offer a safe and convenient place to stay while visiting, and many offer electrical hook-ups, water, and other amenities. Forty-five minutes from Rossburn is the Gate to beautiful Riding Mountain National Park. The Park is a protected natural wilderness that offers everything from a pampered resort stay in Clear Lake to the ultimate adventure in backcountry hiking and camping.
For three days every summer, Rossburn becomes the 'Quarter Horse Racing Capital of Manitoba'. The racetrack in town attracts horses and owners from across Canada and the Northern States and spectators from miles around for a weekend of exciting racing entertainment.
