The business sector of the community has shrunk; but still has a general store, restaurant, gas and diesel, construction company and a number of outfitters in the area. The area also has a strong farming, ranching, and logging sector. Other points of interest are well-groomed snowmobile trails, scenic trails, and school museum. The Village of Cowan is well worth a visit when you are passing through the Swan River Valley.

Cowan School Districts #1132, #2305, #1808 Museum

The Cowan one room schoolhouse museum is located next to Kolisnyk’s General Store on Highway #10.

The Kolisnyk family have been setting out their collectables in the store for a number of years for everyone to enjoy; and thought of preserving history by setting up a school museum. Sylvester and Rosann Wowchuk heard of the idea and donated the West School # 1132. It got moved into town next to the store in 2003.

For a number of years this school was used for a grianery. So there was a lot of work to replace the floor joists, clean, patch, paint, replace windows and find items such as blackboards, desks, books, maps, lights, ink bottles, bell, strap, stove, boiler, etc and build book cases.

While restoring the treasure to be as original as possible, the roof got new cedar shingles, the hardwood floor got oiled and new siding made by Bill Boychuk (a 1940’s pupil) was installed.

So when passing through Cowan please make a point of stopping at the School and taking a step back in time. If you went to a one- room school it will bring back a lot of memories; but if you didn’t you will be able to see what schools were like back then.

For more information on Cowan contact the RM of Mountain office at 1-204-236-4222