Warren: A Town at the End of the Line (Prairie Dog Central Rail Line)
The Heart of Canada: Connecting North, East and West
A town of 1,015 residents, located 25 km north of Winnipeg on Highway 6, Warren is the largest community in the Rural Municipality of Woodlands. It is primarily an agricultural community, but its real claim to fame today is that it is the destination point of the Prairie Dog Central vintage rail line.
The West Interlake Trading Company operates the Lions Park Complex, where the train turns around. Three kilometers from the park you will find the seasonal Rubber Ducky Campground and the Warren West Interlake Golf Course.
In recent years, Richardson’s ground squirrels have journeyed to the area around Warren. Until recently, they only were found 30-40 miles south and west of the community. But they are just a few of the rodents and small animals now found here. Wild turkey are rare, but still exist. Foxes, rabbits and coyotes are common. Of course, gophers abound. The area is pure prairie, and thus smaller animals thrive.
The Prairie Dog Central, though, has not been as successful. Its primary stop included a visit to the Hitching Post Restaurant which, after decaddes of serving the rail riders, closed during Covid. Mostly, the route now ends at Grosse Isle, south of Warren, where riders can disembark and hike the Prime Meridian Trail.
Points of Interest, Things to Do
Take a ride on the Prairie Dog Central vintage railroad. Stop off at the West Interlake Trading Company at the end of the Prairie Dog line. Golf. Camp at Rubber Ducky Campground. Walk the Prime Meridian Trail. Buy farmed freshwater fish at Windsong Farms.
Warren has a small general store, two auto repair shops, a high school and elementary/middle school, one restaurant and a fuel station. However, its dearth of facilities is not an issue, since Stonewall is about 20 kilometers away and Winnipeg about 30.
