Historic Sites in the Municipality of Lorne

A hilltop view of the Centennial Cross, erected in 1983 to commemorate the community’s centennial.

A war memorial, unveiled in 2024.

This cupola was completed in 1913 and stood proudly on top of the newly-built rectory. When it was removed more than a century later, it was installed in front of the Foyer Notre-Dame so the general public could view this piece of history up close.  A brief history of the cupola and rectory can be read on the plaques in front.

In the centennial year, a statue in honour of Dom Paul Benoît, founder of the parish, and the pioneers of Lourdes, was placed in front of the church. This statue made of bronze was created by Réal Bérard. A brochure on the life of Dom Paul Benoît can be found in the foyer of the church.

École Théobald is intended to serve as a museum showcasing local heritage. Although a new foundation was recently added, the structure still requires further work and remains closed. The building is located beside the Centre d'interprétation Saint-Léon Interpretive Centre.

Built in 1990 by Alcide Desrochers, this grotto honours Our Lady of the Assumption and marks the approach of the town’s Centennial in 1991. Alcide was the father of Ubald Desrochers.

During 1946 and 1947, many young Manitobans were affected with polio. Sister Marie-Joseph (Antoinette Bergeron), then principal of the school, promised to set up a grotto in honour of the parish if it was spared from this epidemic. The youth of Lourdes were saved. In 1954, Sister Thérèse-de-l'Enfant Jésus (Alphéda Provencher), then principal of the school, in collaboration with her students, as well as Father Dacquay, started building the grotto. Located on the main street between École régionale Notre-Dame and 55+ Residence in Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes.

Located in front of the École régionale Notre-Dame: Pavilion élémentaire
Address: 65 Notre Dame Ave, Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, MB  R0G 1M0

Maintained by the Notre-Dame Historical Society.

There is no longer an "elevator row" in Swan Lake, Manitoba, as all the historic wooden grain elevators have been demolished or removed over time.

Historically, the community of Swan Lake, located in the Municipality of Lorne, had several wooden grain elevators operated by different companies along the CNR Carman Subdivision railway line.

Key facts about the former Swan Lake elevators:
Paterson Grain Elevator:
· Built in 1924.
· This elevator and its annexes were closed in 2006 and demolished in December 2008.

Federal Grain / Manitoba Pool / United Grain Growers Elevator:
· Built in 1954.
· It changed ownership several times before eventually being removed.

Manitoba Pool Elevator:
· Built in 1928.
· It was destroyed by fire in 1988.

United Grain Growers Elevator:
· Another UGG elevator existed nearby at the Indian Springs siding.

Today, these iconic "prairie sentinels" have disappeared from the Swan Lake landscape due to railway line abandonments and the shift toward large, high-throughput concrete terminals elsewhere. For those interested in seeing a preserved elevator row, the Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site in western Manitoba is open seasonally and offers a glimpse into this part of Canadian history. The elevator monument in Swan Lake was built to commemorate the original elevators that served local farmers. It was constructed by Laurie DeBlonde (now deceased) and Laurent “Scrooge” Goderis.

The Leary Brickworks is a small brick factory, now closed since 1960's. Please go to the Manitoba Historical Society Archives website for more information, click here.

No trespassing is permitted due to unsafe conditions.

This cairn commemorates the rural schools that joined together in 1959 to form Mariapolis School.

The plaque located at the west entrance to town was installed in 2008 by then–Councillor for the RM of Lorne, Gerry DeSmet. It replaced older signage erected in 1987 that recognized the Province of Manitoba, established on July 15, 1890.

At that time, this location marked Manitoba’s furthest western border. The province measured approximately 130 miles east to west and 110 miles north to south, earning it the nickname “the Postage Stamp Province.”

Dedicated to the priests of Saint-Alphonse Catholic Parish.

This monument features the original bell from the former Altamont school, preserved as a reminder of the community’s early educational roots. The beautiful masonry work was crafted by Daniel and Gilbert Labossière, whose skill and dedication helped bring this historic piece back to life.

The School Cairn stands as a tribute to the educational history of the community.

A monument in honour of the centennial of the Chanoinesses Régulières des Cinq Plaies du Sauveur (Sœurs du Sauveur) is erected on Notre Dame Avenue W, north of the church.

Visit the Museum of Pioneers and Chanoinesses for more information!