Discover Riverton

A moose statue, a pedestrian bridge over the Icelandic River and places that recall Icelandic settlement: Riverton offers a variety of ways to explore local history and enjoy nature. Lundi the Moose was erected in 2007 and is one of Travel Manitoba’s “6 giant roadside gems of the Interlake.” The statue gives the community a distinctive landmark; other traces of history also lead to parks, monuments and historic buildings.

Local history around Riverton

The Riverton Walking Bridge spans the Icelandic River and connects the two parts of the community. At the western end of the pedestrian bridge, a small park is home to the Sigtryggur Jónasson Monument. It honours Jónasson as the “Father of New Iceland” and makes the region’s history visible in a specific place. Visitors interested in Icelandic settlement can put this memorial in the context of other historic sites.

Centennial Park is located on Main Street on the site of the former Möðruvellir Homestead. An outdoor stage, a picnic shelter and several monuments honouring local history are among the park’s features. Several themes come together here: the site recalls its historic use while also offering a stage and a place to take a break. When planning a trip, the park can be considered as a standalone stop focused on local history.

Another reminder of settlement history is the “Icelandic Settlement - Riverton” plaque in Riverton Town Park. Installed in 1962, it records that the settlement’s former name was later changed to Riverton. The Riverton Transportation and Heritage Centre was established in 2000 to preserve and share Riverton’s transportation and community heritage. Together, these places show different aspects of local history: the change in the community’s name as well as its transportation and community heritage.

Engimýri Homestead is at the northern end of Queen Street. It is one of the oldest homes in the region known as New Iceland. Anyone interested in the history of settlements and homes will find another tangible connection to the area’s past here. Along with the monument, plaque and heritage centre, it contributes to a layered picture of Riverton, rather than the community being defined by a single landmark.

Trails and experiences nearby

Nature can also play a role when choosing a travel destination. Hecla Provincial Park is north of Riverton, on Highway 8. It has hiking trails and cross-country ski trails. In restored Hecla Village, a self-guided, 1-kilometre trail shares the history of Icelandic settlement in the area. These activities offer different experiences: the park focuses on trails through nature, while the village walk explores settlement history.

The Interlake Snow Trackers’ trail system is another option for winter trips: several branches of the system, which is groomed annually, meet in Riverton. This gives the community a connection to cross-country skiing, while Hecla Provincial Park also offers trails for this activity. When looking for a holiday rental in Riverton, you can decide whether local history, nearby trails or a mix of both will shape your stay. Nearby historical and natural attractions complement the sights in the community.

More community pages: Ashern, Gimli.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 18.