CFDC goes tourist!

Despite the drizzling rain, we had one fun Friday on May 28^th when the CFDC staff went and visited other local tourist destinations. The “morden-ite” and returning staff were even surprised at the amazing opportunities for adventure in Morden. Our first stop was just a few steps away, to the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame, where we got the inside scoop from Joe Wiwcher, who is looking for volunteers as well as looking forward to the annual Fundraiser Buffet. Next stop was long-time favorite at Morden Park. The green grass, new playgrounds and bathrooms, and upcoming spray-park perked our interest and even the rain could not stop us. Downtown, we visited the Pembina Hills Art Centre where we got our passports stamped. Have you heard about the Pembina Valley Passport Adventure? Visit the best Pembina Valley attractions, get at least three stamps, and you can be eligible to enter a draw for up to $1500 worth of local swag! Including a Family Fossil Dig Adventure at the CFDC! Onwards, to Morden's Tourist Booth, Brianna Hunt had many pamplets, brochures, and maps about all to do in the Pembina Valley, and beyond! If you're planning a trip anywhere in Canada, give her a visit!We took a break for lunch, enjoying a Bruce Burger at The Timbers. Mmm, fish!

          Conner, one of our high school volunteer students, joined us after lunch as we went to explore Morden's Research Station. Known world-wide for its agricultural research, like "plant breeding for flax, field peas, roses and ornamental (trees and shrubs)". It's also a perfect place for picture snapping! Another great place to take pictures is Stanley Park! Located south-west of Morden. The playgrounds, picnic and campsites make this a perfect place for family fun. The weather put a wet blanket on our next stop... it was too muddy and mucky outside for the dogs of Dogtown to come out and play! It will remain on our list of things to do, perhaps when we're not so busy digging up fossils. We also added Manitoba's only drive-in-movie-theatre to that list. Bring a blanket and your sweetie, or bring the van of kids to the Stardust Drive In Theatre; they have a variety of movie choices throughout the summer to please just about everyone!
          Morden's Airport gets visitors flying in from all over the world. Mountain City Aviation (located there) can also teach you how to fly! Or, they offer special cloud-high tours of the Pembina Valley, or take an airplane ride to Steinbach to enjoy supper, and be back in time to get the kids to bed early!
          Another fantastic attraction is Morden Colert Beach! Which boasts hiking trails, a sand engulfed lake, and Lake Minnewasta Campground, where you can pick what CFDC creatures you'd like to camp the night with, like Mosasaur Park, Turtle Park, Plesiosaur Park, and more!
          Gaslight Sales staff was very welcoming to us, showing off their vintage artifacts decorating their building, their historical pictures of ol' Morden, and of course-- all their offical Harley-Davidson motorcycles and merchandise! Our final stop of the day was at Pembina Threshermen's Museum, found between Winkler and Morden. Sign up for a tour or explore the many farmer and pioneer artifacts and homes they have in their museum. 
          Thank-you to the owners and workers at all these fine destinations for taking the time out of your busy day to tell us what you do! It was so amazing talking about the worldly tourists Morden gets in every year, and the dedication that not only do these businesses have to Morden and the Pembina Valley, but also the community's support that has helped these "touristy" destinations thrive and grow!

-Jaclyn Kozak