A Winkler family recently embarked on an 1,800 kilometre road trip around the province to seek out Manitoba attractions in a number of small communities. 

Ang Braun, her husband and 15 year old daughter said they initially heard of 9 attractions, but when they started looking into it, they came to realize there are many.
    
Braun said they did trek into Saskatchewan for some sight-seeing as well, but saw a lot of fun things right here in Manitoba.

They started at Roland, home to the giant pumpkin. Braun said It's something they drive by all the time, but when they stopped they discovered a plaque that describes how the plaque came to be, and tells the story of a successful farmer and pumpkin grower. From there they moved onto Elm Creek to visit a giant fire hydrant. 

"We had to look for it, but it's huge."

Next on the road trip, the Brauns made their way to Portage La Prairie to take in the sight of a huge owl. Braun said the 2,100 pound owl, which is located on a private residence, actually has a local connection, as it was created by Horndean Sculptor, Jake Goertzen. When they stopped to take a picture with the owl, and ended up being warmly greeted by the homeowner. 

"We were invited into the home by the man and his wife, and they have a 4,000 piece collection of owls."

"And then he left us with a little tidbit that there was also an eagle down the road that was also created by Jake Goertzen, so we surely had to check that one out."

Braun said the eagle was so tall they had to stand quite far back to get the picture, "I think the more you drive, the more you'll see."

The Brauns journey also took them to Glenboro where they saw Sara, the community's large camel. 

"She is beautiful," said Braun. "I had never seen her before in my travels, so she was very neat."  

"I would say probably the most taken care of, the most beautiful was Sunny, the banana at Melita," Braun said, adding they took a look at a visitors' book when visiting Sunny and noticed people from Texas had signed. 

"So clearly these things do attract people to your community."

Another interesting sight was "a huge guy" in the middle of a wheat field near Moose Jaw, named Moose Jaw Bob. 

"I don't know why he was there, but he was worth the trip."

Braun said they also stopped at Manitou Beach, which is apparently known as the Dead Sea of Canada. 

"While they didn't have much for a roadside attraction, the water itself is quite amazing.  It is actually so salty, you just lift your legs and float."

Braun said the trip was definitely a great experience for her family, and was also a cost effective way to enjoy a getaway. During their 1,800 kilometre trek, Braun noted they spent $200 on gas, and paid for two nights for accommodations.