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| Geography |  The RM of Manitou Lake extends west to the Alberta-Saskatchewan border and north to Battle River. The eastern boundary is approximately 16 miles from the provincial border. The Village of Marsden is situated in the RM.
| | History | In 1905, the first settlers came from Canadian regions, the British Isles and the United States. The area was known as the Manitou Lake District. In 1907-08 a post office was established in the home of Mr. Alex Wright, approximately one mile northeast of the present Marsden town site. The post office served the surrounding rural area. The Wrights named the post office 'Marsden'. One story recounts the name as originating from the birthplace of Mrs. Wright in Yorkshire, England; another reports it was named after the famous Marsden Rock near Newcastle, England. The adjacent area became known as the Marsden Rural Post Office District. Between 1919 and 1922, the post office was relocated one mile south to the RM office of Manitou Lake No. 442.
In 1905, the vast prairie land was covered with long grass referred to as 'prairie wool'. There were few trees or bluffs. The fertile black soil attracted many first settlers to the area and soon farms developed with sod and log homes. Farmers turned sod with horse and ox teams, sometime using a walking plow (sulky) to prepare the ground for grain sowing. Grain was cut with binders, stooked, and threshed. Farmers hauled grain by wagon or horse-drawn sleigh to Zumbro and Artland. In the winter months, grain was hauled across the ice of Manitou Lake. Early settlers purchased groceries and supplies at Lashburn, Artland, or Chauvin, Alberta. A popular shopping method of the time was the Eaton's catalogue.
The settler's children first attended school in Learig, and in 1925 a four-room schoolhouse was built in the hamlet of Marsden.
| | Economic Information | Agriculture, cattle and oil are primary industries for the population of 604 residents of the RM of Manitou Lake. Wheat, canola, barley, oats, peas and flax are typical crops in the area. The region is famous for its prize-winning purebred cattle that include Hereford, Charolais, Simmental, and Angus. Agriculture diversification is noticeable with specialty livestock production such as elk and bison.
The oil industry plays a significant role in the local economy. Oil wells and batteries in the countryside evidence heavy crude oil excavation in the region.
| | Attractions | Manitou Lake, in the Suffern Lake Regional Park, is located 4 miles south and east of Marsden. The Park facilities include campsites, showers, cookhouse, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, ball diamonds and a soccer field. The Manitou Lake Golf Course is also located in the Park. It is a 9-hole, par 35 with sand greens.
The Manitou Lake Bible Camp is a popular destination for many. It opens the end of June and runs through July and August. Special camps are offered for: seniors aged 50+; families; teens and children. A wide range of programs are offered at the camp including: archery, horsemanship, water skiing, canoeing, swimming, windsurfing, rifle marksmanship, crafts, hiking, and bible study. Facilities include a dorm, chapel/gym, and a trailer park.
Manito Outfitters, specializing in eco-tourism, provides camping packages with guided trail rides through the Great Manito Sand hills, one of Western Canada's most unique landscapes. Packages include meals, horse and tack, and overnight stays in covered wagons and tents. The camp operates May 15 to October 15. Pre-booking is required.
| | Other Info | The RM of Manitou Lake is a member of the West Yellow Head Waste Resource Authority (WYWRA), which provides garbage disposal and recycling services. The facility opened in October 2002 and provides residents of the Village and surrounding communities with a disposal site for appliances, tires, metal, etc. and recycling containers for products such as paper and plastics.
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