Grunthal, Manitoba, a local urban district nestled in the Rural Municipality of Hanover, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located 24 kilometers southwest of Steinbach and approximately 50 minutes south of Winnipeg, Grunthal is a community rich in history and culture. With a population of 1,680 in 2016, this quaint town offers a variety of attractions for both residents and tourists alike.
Grunthal is known for its Annual Fairdays, a popular event held on the third weekend in August. The fair features a parade, a rodeo, and a variety of other activities, making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of local culture.
For motocross enthusiasts, Grunthal hosts one of the best motocross tracks in Manitoba. In past years, the track has hosted numerous Canadian Motocross National events, attracting the country's top riders.
Sports fans will also appreciate the Grunthal Red Wings, a range of hockey teams from squirts to senior level.
Grunthal is home to the South Oaks School, catering to students from kindergarten to Grade 4, and the Green Valley School, serving Grades 5 to 12. Both schools are part of the Hanover School Division, providing quality education to the community's youth.
The area now known as Grunthal was originally inhabited by the nomadic Ojibway-speaking Anishinabe people. After signing Treaty 1 on August 3, 1871, the Anishinabe people moved onto reserves such as the Brokenhead Indian Reserve and Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation Reserve.
In 1876, Plautdietsch-speaking Mennonites immigrants from the Bergthal Colony in Imperial Russia settled in Grunthal. The community was part of the East Reserve, an area set aside by the Government of Canada for Mennonite settlement. Today, Grunthal is populated with their descendants, as well as people of Ukrainian and German descent and other ethnicities.
The name Grünthal, meaning 'Green Valley' in German, is also referred to as Grientol in Plautdietsch, carrying the same meaning.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Grunthal had a population of 1,782 living in 618 of its 636 total private dwellings. This represents a change of 6.1% from its 2016 population of 1,680. With a land area of 2.69 km2 (1.04 sq mi), Grunthal had a population density of 662.5/km2 (1,715.7/sq mi) in 2021.
Grunthal, Manitoba, with its rich history, vibrant community, and variety of attractions, is a destination worth exploring. Whether you're a history buff, a sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a charming rural getaway, Grunthal has something to offer everyone.
