This summer, we're featuring an amazing collection of road trips that will help you explore every corner of Manitoba. Vive les prairies! road trip primarily takes you south down Highway 59, deep into the tall grass prairie of southeastern Manitoba, located on Treaty 1 territory. Take one part of the itinerary for a day trip, or combine them for a multi-day trip.

Part one

St-Pierre Jolys

In the summer, many travellers head north on Highway 59 for the beaches along the east shore of Lake Winnipeg. This out-of-the-ordinary drive takes explorers south along Highway 59 deep into the prairies. Start your journey in St-Pierre Jolys, one of the largest and proudest francophone towns in Manitoba, with distinct French and Métis offerings.

History buffs should plan to spend a morning learning the town's French Canadian history at Musée St-Pierre Jolys, which is housed in a designated heritage site, a 1900 Roman Catholic teaching convent. Also on-site, learn about the distinct lifestyle of the local Métis at Maison Goulet, a Red River-style log house that was a resting place for freighters who transported merchandise along the Crow Wing Trail, a historic ox-cart route between Fort Garry (present day Winnipeg) and St. Paul, Minnesota. For hikers, the Crow Wing Trail passes through the museum's property and interpretive signage explains the historical significance of the trade route, which is now a portion of Canada's Trans Canada Trail network.

Parc Carillon Park

This well-manicured town park is the perfect pit stop when travelling with kids. It features a frog-themed spray pad, skate park, play structure (including a mile-high climbing net), and even outdoor fitness equipment for adults. A walking path, which is part of the Crow Wing Trail, leads to frog ponds where visitors can learn about and get up close the town's most famous resident. St-Pierre Jolys also holds its annual summer festival Frog Follies (complete with frog jumping contests) in Carillon Park.

Part two

St. Malo Provincial Park

A 15-km drive south of St-Pierre Jolys is St. Malo Provincial Park, a popular weekend getaway for cabin owners, campers and day beachgoers. St. Malo features a man-made lake formed by a dam on the Rat River. Two sandy, family friendly beaches are a highlight of the park. The main beach features many picnic areas, along with play structures, mini golf, concession, canoe and paddle boat rentals and nearby walking trails. Sunset Shore beach is located across the lake, near the bustling group campground area. St. Malo has one of the largest campgrounds in a Manitoba provincial park.

Part three

Tall grasses and wildflowers

Native wildflowers can be found along many ditches, train tracks and hiking trails in this region of Manitoba, known as the Sunrise Corner. However, the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve in the RM of Stuartburn is a hidden gem for soaking in the vibrancy of this endangered ecosystem.

Did you know? Less than 0.5% of tall grass prairie exists in North America. Head off Highway 59 to Provincial Road 201 to reach the preserve's Agassiz Interpretive Trail, a short 3 km walk through prairie and aspen forest, where many colourful wildflowers pop up to greet you.

Part four

Mennonite Heritage Village

After hiking under the hot prairie sun, head back north via Highway 12 to the city of Steinbach. Although a modern, thriving community, Steinbach is most renowned as a place to 'travel through time' and learn more about pioneer life on the prairies, particularly for Russian Mennonites who settled the area.

At this Manitoba Star Attraction, families can explore buildings of the turn-of-the-20th street village, which includes a classic Mennonite housebarn and a general store selling old-fashioned candy. Hands-on heritage activities are often scheduled - particularly during the annual Pioneer Days celebration in August - such as wagon rides and bread baking.

Read more about the significant buildings and structures in the heritage village.

More family fun

Burn off that last bit of energy at one of Steinbach's noteworthy recreation attractions. Visitors come from around the region to play at Steinbach Aquatic Centre, which features an indoor waterpark with two slides and a lazy river, as well as an outdoor pool with splash pad. Quarry Oaks offers 27-holes of great golf for players of all skill levels - just decide if you want to play the Oak, Desert or Quarry nine. A 1-km BMX and mountain bike track is located at A.D. Penner Park and features four 180 degree turns and double jumps.