This community is located 210 kilometers northwest of Winnipeg, the province’s capital, and 50 kilometers from Brandon, the Westman Region’s largest center.

Minnedosa’s beginnings were in the early 1870’s when John Tanner developed a stopping place along the Carlton Trail at a crossing of the Little Saskatchewan River. The stopping place known as “Tanner’s Crossing” soon attracted hundreds of settlers as they passed through on their way west. In 1879 the first bridge was built over the river and Tanner’s Crossing was soon forgotten. The town of Minnedosa was officially incorporated in 1883.

The economy in Minnedosa is based largely on agriculture and farming. Major crops include most cereal grains and oilseeds, as well as many forage crops for livestock. There are several livestock operations in the area which augment these crops. The town is a full-service centre for agriculture in the area. Manufacturing is a big part of the town’s economy as well, with two major plants operating in the community – one producing farm machinery and the other producing Ethanol from grain for use as an automotive fuel and other industrial applications.

Minnedosa Dispensary

Minnedosa has a thriving retail and business district where residents can purchase almost all they will ever need. The business district offers shopping and services for residents of surrounding communities.

Recreation plays an important part in the lives of many Minnedosa residents. Facilities such as hockey and curling rinks, baseball diamonds and soccer fields exist, as well as several unique facilities. The town boasts historical walking trails and paths, and numerous historical sites.

The jewel of the community is Lake Minnedosa, created by a dam and spillway on the Little Saskatchewan River. Home of Manitoba’s longest fish ladder, the 600-foot structure was constructed by conservation officials and groups to aid fish over the dam in their migration routes.