WELCOME! The Rural Municipality of Lansdowne is at the center of farming in Manitoba, the "Keystone Province" of Canada. We have a mixed farming economy, good land, scenic country roads, lots of heritage and one classic small village ‘off the beaten track’. The World’s Largest Crocus Monument welcomes visitors year-round at the south entrance to Arden (population 150). At the north end of Arden, thousands of natural crocuses bloom each April on a vibrant native Prairie grassland site. You can retrace the steps of pioneers here. One branch of the Carlton Trail took the high ground along the Arden Ridge. Today, our Pioneer Cart Monument marks a fork-in-the-trail. Pioneer oxcarts, pulled by oxen or horses, were wooden and also were known as Red River Carts. Our Cart Monument is a full-size solid steel replica – standing beside what appear to be ruts from the original ox carts The Carlton Trail (also known as Fort Ellice or Edmonton Trail) had a ‘fork’ here. While most travelers continued west, some continued northwest on high ground (The Burrows Trail) to settle at Ste Rose and Dauphin. In the 1800s, this area became known as Beautiful Plains. For the first time, fur traders and settlers on high ground could see the ‘Beautiful Plains’ opening to the west, and the hills to the northwest that became Riding Mountain National Park. The Arden Ridge Road (PTH 352) is the high western shore of Glacial Lake Agassiz, a natural pathway used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years. It can be followed through the RM of Lansdowwne. Its modern junction at Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) is 6 km south of Arden and is a local shortcut to Highway 5 and Clear Lake. At the northeast corner of Lansdowne is another 'tucked away treasure' -- an authentic, restored, one room Country School. Tenby School is a designated heritage site, fully-restored and available for tours. In Arden, walk our Swinging Footbridge over the Whitemud River into the shelter of Lansdowne Park and Campground! Bring the team and play baseball. Then enjoy a wonderful stroll on our Nature Trail beside the river and into the woodlands. There’s a fishing hole, turtles sunning on the logs, frogs, birds, wildflowers and more. Pioneer Cart Monument Marking a fork in the  Carleton Trail See the Crocus Photo Contest - Winners for 2011 Website By: virtualmanitoba.com Take a Tour