Welcome to the Living Prairie Museum / A Prairie Gem in the City
Looking for a place to connect with nature right here in Winnipeg? The Living Prairie Museum is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the city, preserving one of the rarest ecosystems in North America , the tall grass prairie. Once stretching from Texas to Manitoba, today only 1% remains. Thankfully, 13 hectares of that natural history are protected right here in St. James.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, parent, teacher, or just someone who loves a peaceful walk surrounded by wildflowers and birdsong, the Living Prairie Museum has something for you. Open year-round, the museum offers self-guided trails, free family events, educational programs, and a welcoming interpretive centre that’s full of resources for all ages.
Don’t Miss This!
The 17th Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival is happening Saturday, July 26 & Sunday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s free and family-friendly, expect butterfly displays, guided hikes, crafts, milkweed giveaways, and more.
Looking for free family activities this summer? Family Theme Days run Thursday mornings July 17–August 21. Topics range from Bison to Flower Art to Eager Beavers, perfect for kids aged 5–12. Registration is required.
Friday Guided Walks are also back for the summer! Join a naturalist Fridays at 11 a.m. throughout July (plus July 5 & 19 Saturdays) to explore what makes the prairie so special. No registration needed — just come ready to discover.
One feature I especially love is the Medicine Garden, planted in collaboration with Indigenous community members and Elders, it honours traditional teachings and offers public access to sacred plants like sweetgrass and sage.
Whether you’re there for the trails, the seeds, or to simply slow down and listen to the sounds of a disappearing ecosystem, I encourage you to visit, volunteer, or register for a program. This space reminds us of the beauty that existed here long before development and why protecting it still matters today.
Living Prairie Museum
2795 Ness Avenue
Winnipeg, MB
204-832-0167
prairie@winnipeg.ca
www.livingprairie.org
