Spruce Woods Provincial Park, Provincial park and nature reserve in southwestern Manitoba, Canada
Spruce Woods is a provincial park in southwestern Manitoba featuring a mix of sand dunes, coniferous forests, grasslands, and the winding Assiniboine River. The park includes distinct areas such as the desert-like Spirit Sands section alongside wetlands and wooded zones.
The area once held Fort des Epinettes, a trading post built by the Northwest Company in the 1700s. Archaeological findings suggest human presence in this region extends back thousands of years.
The Spirit Sands holds special meaning for Indigenous peoples, with historical markers honoring the Assiniboine First Nation's connection to this land. Visitors walking through this area see reminders of the generations who lived and traveled here.
The park operates a visitor center, campgrounds, and hiking trails for exploring the different landscapes. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, while summer months suit walking and horseback riding.
The park is home to the northern prairie skink, Manitoba's only native lizard species, living in the sandy habitats. Visitors may also spot rare cactus species thriving in these desert-like conditions.
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