Simmering in style, culture and culinary delight
The City of Steinbach, 50 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg, was founded in the fall of 1874 when a small party of Kleine Gemeinde (small church) Mennonites determined it a suitable location to settle. This group of 18 families, almost half of whom came from the Borosenko colony that is today in the Ukraine, chose this spot along “Stony Brook” (Steinbach) to build a replica of the village they had fled. Who knew that from these humble rural beginnings would grow the prosperous City of Steinbach - the hub of southeastern Manitoba and still known as home to many Mennonites today.
But like a pot of schmauntfatt simmering on the stove, there's more than Mennonite history cooking in Steinbach. An eloquent bed and breakfast, divine culinary treasures, shops that are worth the drive, craft brewing and historical highlights come together to create the ultimate Steinbach visitors guide.
A stylish tune
Steinbach is a booming community-turned-city that is growing exponentially. Amid the Mennonite culture and history of the area lies a more modern tune that is outright bright, blossoming and will surprise even the most urban of city goers. It’s time to see Steinbach like you've never seen it before, for its style, culture and culinary delight.
House & Home at Rosedale Chapel B&B
It's not every day a church turns into a home... but to many, they are one in the same. Tied into the history of Steinbach and the famous Old Church Bakery, lies the original establishment of this Manitoba icon. Built in the 1930s, the original church was relocated and beautifully restored to be turned into a home by and for David and Junia Plett, only to eventually be accompanied by the Rosedale Chapel Bed and Breakfast next door.
From the moment you walk into this eloquent B&B, you feel as if you’re in a decadent home and garden magazine. The ornate decor, craftsmanship, history and attention to detail in this space embodies the love and care put forth by the owners. There’s a sense of ethereal beauty found here that holds close a sense of heart and home in the countryside.
The epitome of warm and welcoming hospitality is found here. You'll find everything you need to enjoy your stay, including a fully equipped kitchen, washroom complete with a shower, two bedrooms, a cozy living room with fireplace and your own patio area with a barbecue, complete with twinkling lights for the evening.
The morning of your stay, you will be treated to an exceptional homemade breakfast. Complete with fresh coffee and tea, delivered to your room. The owners produce many of their own ingredients, including home-ground flour, strawberry jam and fresh garden-grown herbs.
More good reasons to visit Steinbach
Stop & Shop
Another good reason to visit Steinbach is Retro Chique. This cool and kitschy nostalgic store houses creative collectibles, vintage wears, and retro decor. It's groovy, full of books, lighting and fabulous mid-century finds. These hand selected items go far beyond a garage sale visit...it's a carefully curated collection from passionate owners.
Tasty Takeaways
A trip to Steinbach solely for the tasty takeaways alone is worth the drive. Old Church Bakery is a must-visit. Their freshly baked pastries fly off the shelves every morning, with locals and out-of-towners coming for their baked treats. Sweet or savoury...it's up to you! Order a hot beverage and sweet to stay, while grabbing one of their many artisanal breads to go.
You won't drift far as you walk next door to Prairie Oil and Vinegars. You can pick up one of their sampler packs, but since you're going to love their oils anyway, we suggest grabbing a bottle of olive oil and a bottle of balsamic vinegar to enjoy with your fresh artisanal bread, back at the Rosedale Chapel patio. If you're feeling like you need a pick-me-up throughout the day's adventures, stop by Hitch and Boler Coffee Roasters and Cafe. With the aroma of freshly roasted beans onsite, you'll be tempted to grab not just a cup, but a whole bag of beans to go.
Community On Tap
Steinbach has its very own brewery, The Public Brewhouse and Gallery. With several different beers on tap, this spot is a great find for evening escapades. It's a unique establishment in that it houses both a brewery and a public art gallery, showcasing local artwork. They have a large outdoor patio and a large interior that offers snacks, games and a place for conversation and community. All are welcome here!
Make your way to the Mennonite Heritage Village
Noted as one of Manitoba's 7 Signature Museums, a visit to the Mennonite Heritage Village must not be missed! Established to preserve and interpret the history of Russian Mennonites arriving to Manitoba since the 16th century, this vast cultural site has everything you need to complete your visit.
First order of business is to snag one of the ever so helpful Mennonite Heritage Village Site Maps. This fun, scavenger hunt-style guide will have you itching to visit every checkpoint on the list!
The Main Gallery houses over 16,000 artifacts, displaying the history of the Russian Mennonite experience in Canada. The Mennonite Village Photography exhibit in the Gerhard End Gallery tells the stories of early settlement in Manitoba.
Outside The Village Centre, find the General Store. It is as iconic as you could imagine any "old fashioned" general store could be. A walk around the store will have you topping up on candy and locally crafted wears, from candles and jewelry to housewares and decor.
Continue down Main Street with The Reimer Store, The Printery and The Blacksmith Shop. From the printing press to pioneers pounding steel and forming molten metal, it is a trip through time. To have the opportunity to see and learn how life operated many moons ago, makes you appreciate how far technology has come.
After having worked up an appetite walking the grounds, visit The Livery Barn Restaurant for lunch and try a traditional Russian Mennonite meal consisting of locally made Foarma Worscht, Vereniki smothered in Schmauntfatt, with a side serving of coleslaw. All whilst served with a bowl of Komst Borscht, a slice of stone ground whole wheat bread and Plautz. The restaurant has a varied menu including a children's section, and most importantly... Mennonite desserts.
Foarma Worscht: Locally made smoked pork sausage, lightly seasoned. Delicious eaten hot or cold.
Vereniki: Boiled pockets of soft dough filled with cottage cheese.
Schmauntfatt: Rich savoury cream gravy.
Komst Borscht: Soup made from meat broth, cabbage (komst), onions, potatoes and pieces of sausage flavoured with dill.
Plautz: A delicious cake-like dessert with a crust, fruit filling and crumb or streusel topping.
After lunch, continue to make your way around the grounds. Stop by the Barn and Animal Pens for cute visits with furry friends, a must for families, and if you have a teacher in the family check out the Barkfield Public School and for the creative guests a visit to the Summer Kitchen to view the decorative floor pattern is a must.
It's not every day that you get to go inside of a traditional, operating windmill, but at the Mennonite Heritage Village, it is! This functioning wooden structure operates regularly to produce flour from wheat. On certain days, the windmill will open its doors to the public where guests have the opportunity to go inside and climb to the second floor for scenic, panoramic views of the grounds. It's quite spectacular to see this natural machine in motion and to hear the whooshing sound of the windmill's blades.
Further information can be found at www.steinbach.ca, www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com and www.travelmanitoba.com.
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