On the shores of Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park the town site of Wasagaming welcomes visitors. Here they find the park’s visitor center, marina, accommodations, campgrounds, dining, shopping and tourism services.

The picturesque visitor center was build during the 1930s depression and serves as a good introduction to the area and recreational opportunities found in the park – a good first stop.

Most permanent residents are park employees but during summer when the hundreds of cabins, cottages and campsites fill the population can swell to nearly 40,000.

In summer the sandy beach attracts families and swimmers. For those wanting to get out on the water Clear Lake Marina offers a wide range of rentals: stand up paddleboards, pedal boats, kayaks, bow riders, large and small pontoons, and aluminum fishing boats. Or, join an afternoon, dinner or sunset cruise on the Martese.

When we visited in mid-September we found the charming village, alive and open for business yet a sense of serenity. Wish we could have stayed for several days – especially after trying the caramel cinnamon rolls from the White House Bakery and Cafe. The Lakeshore Trail gave us the opportunity to burn a few of those calories with an early morning walk. I’d put Wasagaming on the return visit list.