Education Programs for young and old!  If you have a school group that is looking for a "living" educational experience, look no farther!

The Prairie Dog Central Railway has three options for you.  Throughout 2013 from May (from March for visits only) to the end of September we've made it easy for everybody to learn about Western Canadian history and how the railways played an integral part of the building of today's communities.

Spend a day at Inkster Junction Station. In small working groups, be escorted by our knowledgeable and friendly Volunteer Members. Learn about railway history inside our Canadian Heritage Railway Station, see how an 1882 steam locomotive "boils water"
with coal, climb on board and feel the rumble of a diesel locomotive, touch and use railway controls and experience how trains move from one track to another, and of course learn about Safety First on the railway. Bring your own lunch and enjoy the fresh country air in our grassed park area. Rain is never a problem... our Maintenance Shop and Station Waiting Room can accommodate everyone! Available from March through September. All-inclusive, including take-home materials, only $10 per person... minimum 20 persons required.

Go for a Vintage Train Ride.  All of the above, PLUS go on a train ride aboard 1900-era wooden enclosed passenger coaches to Grosse Isle. Relive how settlers and immigrants journeyed to Western Canada from the sea ports of Halifax, Montreal and Vancouver. See rural Manitoba and a small community that is only minutes from the "big city". Bring your own lunch and play in the park area adjacent to the Prime Meridian Trail at Grosse Isle. What if it rains? We'll "do lunch" on board, just like yesteryear. Available from May through September. All-inclusive, including take-home materials, only $20 per person... minimum 50 persons required.

See Nature Close Up.  Include all of the above to your day's historic experience and ADD ON a visit to the Prime Meridian Trail at Grosse Isle. A former railway line now abandoned, it has gone "back to nature" and is cared for by a dedicated group of nature lovers. See what an original environment on the Prairies was like a century ago. Participate with the Trail's Interpretive Escorts as they point out unique plants and, if you're lucky, you might see a squirrel, raccoon, fox or even a deer! These operate rain or shine, so be sure to bring rainwear and appropriate footwear. Lunch (hot dog, potato chips, soda and "dixie" ice cream) is PROVIDED. Available from May through September. All-inclusive, including take-home materials, only $25 per person... minimum 50 persons required.

Manitoba Education Social Studies Field-Based Experience Guidebook
The Social Studies Field-Based Experience Guidebook provided by Manitoba Education has been prepared to support the implementation of the new Manitoba Kindergarten to Grade 12 social studies curriculum.
It provides examples of field-based experiences for various grades, and lists relevant specific learning outcomes (SLOs) for each activity.  Skills outcomes are not specified for the activities, as it is left to the teacher’s discretion to decide which skills to focus on during each field-based experience.  The Prairie Dog Central Railway, while relevant for all grades, is highlighted in the Guidebook for Grades 4 and 6.
The Guidebook is also available en français.

Fun Activities
7-page PDF
for Teachers
Download this PDF
Railroad information, Prairie Dog Central Railway history, web pages to look at when at school or at home, and fun games too!

History of
the CPR
for Children
Educational Website
Wonderful website from Canadian Pacific Railway chock full of history, videos, books, websites, museums and railways.

 
Kid’s Site
of
Canadian
Trains
Educational Website
Discover the history of Canada’s trains through Library and Archives Canada. From famous moments to Knights of
the Steel Rails.