Why do people visit the interior plains?

Beyond the Wheat Fields: Why the Interior Plains Might Just Surprise You

Okay, so the Interior Plains of North America. When you picture them, what comes to mind? Endless fields of wheat swaying in the breeze? Probably. And yeah, that’s definitely part of it. But trust me, there’s way more to this massive region than meets the eye. It’s not just some fly-over zone; it’s a place with a pulse, a story, and a surprising number of reasons to actually visit.

First off, let’s talk about food. I mean, who doesn’t love food? The Interior Plains are basically the engine that keeps North America fed. Seriously, we’re talking about a lot of farmland. Think fields upon fields of wheat, corn, canola – you name it, they probably grow it. It’s mind-boggling to see it in person, and it really gives you a sense of where your food comes from. It’s not just magically appearing on supermarket shelves, you know?

But it’s not all about agriculture, either. These plains are sitting on a treasure trove of natural resources. Oil, natural gas, coal, you name it, it’s here. I remember driving through parts of Alberta and being blown away by the sheer scale of the oil sands operations. It’s a whole different world, and it definitely makes you think about where our energy comes from and the impact it has.

Now, let’s bust another myth: that the Interior Plains are culturally boring. Not even close! This is a land with deep roots, both indigenous and pioneer. The First Nations, like the Blackfoot, Cree, and Dene, have been here for thousands of years, and their stories are everywhere. You can visit historical sites, check out cultural events, and really get a feel for their rich heritage. It’s humbling, to say the least.

And then there’s the pioneer history. Think rodeos, stampedes, and good old-fashioned agricultural fairs. The Calgary Stampede? That’s a bucket-list item right there. It’s a wild, crazy celebration of ranching and farming traditions, and it draws people from all over the world. Plus, the museums and historical sites are packed with stories of the early settlers and the tough lives they led. It really makes you appreciate how far things have come.

Okay, so maybe “stunning natural beauty” isn’t the first thing that pops into your head when you think of plains. But hear me out! There’s a subtle beauty to the wide-open spaces, especially when the sun’s setting. And there are some real gems hidden in there, like river valleys, rolling hills, and some seriously cool geological formations.

And national parks? Oh yeah, they’ve got those too. Banff National Park in Alberta is probably the most famous, and for good reason. I mean, turquoise glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and wildlife galore? It’s postcard-perfect. But there are other great parks too, like Jasper, Elk Island, and Prince Albert. Hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching – you can do it all.

But wait, there’s more! The Interior Plains are full of quirky, unique attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. Ever heard of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller? It’s got one of the best dinosaur fossil collections in the world. And then there’s the West Edmonton Mall, which is basically a city within a city. Indoor waterpark? Check. Ice palace? Check. It’s over-the-top in the best way possible. Oh, and if you’re into geography, check out Lakes Winnipeg and Winnipegosis – remnants of the massive Glacial Lake Agassiz!

Getting around is easy, too. The Interior Plains are well-connected by roads, trains, and planes. Major cities like Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, and Edmonton have plenty of hotels, restaurants, and things to do. So, no excuses!

Bottom line? Don’t write off the Interior Plains. It’s a region that’s full of surprises, and it’s definitely worth exploring. Whether you’re into food, history, culture, or nature, you’ll find something to love. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the heart and soul of North America. You might just be surprised at what you find.