Green cemetery grounds with monuments and lush grass
Plan Your Visit

Visitor & Family Resources

Everything you need to know about visiting the Zion Cemetery, accessing records, and connecting with your family's heritage.

Cemetery entrance with stone pillars and prairie backdrop

Visiting the Cemetery

Location: Provincial Road 475 (BOX 24), west of Foxwarren, MB R0J 0R0. The cemetery is situated in the Municipality of Prairie View, in the beautiful southwestern Manitoba prairie landscape.

Access: The cemetery grounds are open to visitors year-round during daylight hours. No appointment is necessary for general visits.

Directions: From Foxwarren, travel west on Provincial Road 475. The cemetery is located on the south side of the road, clearly marked with entrance pillars. From Birtle (approx. 25 km east), take PR 475 west. From Russell (approx. 30 km north), travel south on Highway 83 then west on PR 475.

Parking: Visitor parking is available near the cemetery entrance. Please use designated areas and avoid driving on the grass.

Cemetery Guidelines

We kindly ask all visitors to observe the following guidelines to help us maintain the beauty and dignity of the grounds

  • Please treat the cemetery grounds with respect and reverence at all times.
  • Natural flowers and small potted arrangements are welcome at gravesites. Artificial flowers may be removed during grounds maintenance.
  • Please do not place glass containers, metal frames, or items that may become hazardous on or near gravesites.
  • Visitors are welcome to take photographs for personal or genealogical research purposes.
  • Children must be supervised at all times. Please do not climb on monuments or headstones.
  • Dogs and other pets must be kept on a leash. Please clean up after your animals.
  • Vehicles should remain on designated roads and parking areas. Do not drive on the grass or between headstones.
  • The removal or alteration of headstones, monuments, or cemetery property is strictly prohibited.
  • Please report any damage, vandalism, or safety concerns to the Zion Cemetery Fund.
  • The cemetery is open during daylight hours. Please plan your visits accordingly.
Cemetery rows with various granite headstones

Genealogy & Research

The Zion Cemetery is an invaluable resource for genealogical research. Burial records and headstone inscriptions provide important data about families who settled in the Foxwarren region from the early 1900s onward.

Research Resources

How to Request Records

For specific burial record inquiries, you may contact us directly by email or phone. We also recommend consulting the Manitoba Name Index (MANI) database through the Manitoba Genealogical Society, and the MGS publication Carved in Stone: Manitoba Cemeteries and Burial Sites for comprehensive records.

Municipality of Prairie View

The Zion Cemetery is located within the Municipality of Prairie View, formed in 2015 through the amalgamation of the RM of Birtle, RM of Miniota, and the Town of Birtle. The municipal offices in Birtle and Miniota can assist with official cemetery-related inquiries including plot availability and municipal records.

For municipal cemetery inquiries, please visit myprairieview.ca or contact the municipal offices directly.

Local Heritage Resources

The Fox's Tale (1989)

The local history of Foxwarren and surrounding area is documented in The Fox's Tale: The History of Foxwarren and the Consolidated School District #525, edited by Ruth McNarry Meldrum and published in 1989. This volume contains valuable historical accounts, family stories, and photographs from the region's early settlement period, and is a recommended resource for anyone researching family connections to the area.

Foxwarren Museum

Visitors interested in the broader history of the Foxwarren community may also visit the Foxwarren Museum, which houses the former St. George's Anglican Church (built 1906, relocated to the museum site in 2009) and other artifacts of local significance, including information about the Foxwarren War Memorial.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I visit the Zion Cemetery?
The cemetery grounds are open to visitors year-round during daylight hours. No appointment is necessary for general visits. However, if you require assistance or would like a guided orientation, please contact us in advance to arrange a meeting time.
How do I find a specific burial or gravesite?
You can contact us directly by phone at 204-633-2491 or email at ZionCemeteryFund@hotmail.com with the name and approximate dates of the individual. We also recommend searching the Manitoba Name Index (MANI) through the Manitoba Genealogical Society for comprehensive burial records.
Can I place flowers or decorations on a gravesite?
Yes, natural flowers and small potted arrangements are welcome. Please avoid glass containers, metal frames, or items that may become hazardous. Note that artificial flowers and seasonal decorations may be removed during regular grounds maintenance operations.
Who do I contact about cemetery plot availability?
For inquiries about cemetery plot availability, pricing, and official records, we recommend contacting the Municipality of Prairie View offices in Birtle or Miniota. You may also reach us directly for general information.
Is the cemetery accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?
The main pathways and entrance area are accessible. However, as a historic rural cemetery, some areas may have uneven ground. We recommend sturdy footwear for all visitors. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.
How can I report damage or a concern about the cemetery?
Please contact us immediately if you notice any damage, vandalism, or safety hazards. You can reach us by phone at 204-633-2491 or email at ZionCemeteryFund@hotmail.com. Your vigilance helps us protect this heritage site.

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