New Iceland Heritage Museum
94 1 Ave, Gimli, MB R0C 1B0, Canada
Discover the Story of Icelandic Pioneers in Manitoba’s Heartland
Located in the picturesque lakeside town of Gimli, the New Iceland Heritage Museum tells the fascinating story of Icelandic immigrants who settled along the western shore of Lake Winnipeg in the late 19th century. It is one of Manitoba’s most significant cultural museums, dedicated to preserving the unique history, language, and traditions of the community known as “New Iceland.”
Housed within the Lake Winnipeg Visitor Centre, this engaging museum offers a blend of historical exhibits, multimedia displays, and artifacts that bring the story of Manitoba’s Icelandic settlers to life.
Between 1875 and 1880, hundreds of Icelandic settlers arrived in Manitoba seeking new opportunities after volcanic eruptions devastated their homeland. They established a self-governing colony called New Iceland on the shores of Lake Winnipeg — a settlement that became the foundation of today’s Gimli and surrounding areas.
The New Iceland Heritage Museum chronicles this journey — from the challenges of settlement to the building of a vibrant community that continues to celebrate its Icelandic identity over a century later.
Hours: Seasonal hours vary; typically open from spring through autumn.
