Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site: A Last Look at Prairie Icons
The Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site in Manitoba is home to the last remaining row of standard country grain elevators in Canada. Standing tall beside an abandoned railway line, these five wooden elevators offer a striking visual contrast to the thousands that have been demolished across the Prairies.
Built between 1922 and 1941, during Manitoba’s golden age of grain handling, the elevators were constructed by a mix of companies—from farmer cooperatives to major firms backed by Canadian and American investors. Together, they represent a rare and iconic snapshot of a time when rows of elevators were the heartbeat of every prairie town.
Set in the small town of Inglis, these weathered wooden structures—surrounded by their original outbuildings, rail lines, and golden grain fields—evoke the spirit of Prairie life. Often referred to as the "Prairie cathedrals," they once dominated the rural skyline, symbols of economic growth and community identity.
In 1892, fewer than 100 standard grain elevators stood across the Prairies. By the 1920s, when the first four Inglis elevators were built, that number had soared to nearly 4,000. At their peak in the 1940s, more than 5,500 elevators dotted the landscape. Today, very few remain—and only in Inglis does an entire historic row still stand.
Preserving this site is no small feat. The restoration of the Inglis elevators has been made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Inglis Area Heritage Committee, along with support from the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba.
The site is open from the May long weekend to the September long weekend, with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours are available year-round by reservation. Admission is charged, and every visit supports the ongoing effort to preserve these monumental reminders of Prairie heritage.
