Lakes, Conservation and Rural Life
The Great Krutinsky Lakes are a complex of lakes connected by waterways—Saltaim, Ik, and Tenis—in Krutinsky District, Omsk Oblast. The three names therefore refer to interconnected bodies of water, not separate lakes. When planning a trip, you can consider this natural area a distinctive highlight alongside the district’s cultural attractions.
The Historical and Local History Museum in Krutinka offers another perspective on the region. Its permanent exhibition includes a section on the lives and everyday routines of Siberian peasants. This focus takes you from the landscape to everyday history: rather than viewing the region only through its natural surroundings, you can learn about the lives of its rural population here.
The nature experiences also offer a range of different highlights. A walk through the Irovsky Pine Forest is recommended near the village of Panovo. The district is also home to the regional state nature reserve “Pelikani ostrova.” It protects and helps restore the Dalmatian pelican, which is listed in the Red Book of Omsk Oblast. Access restrictions may apply to the reserve; take this into account when planning your visit.
More places to discover in Omsk Oblast
For another glimpse into the history of Omsk Oblast, consider Tyukalinsk. The city was founded in 1759 as a post station on the Siberian Tract and is considered an open-air museum. It has 37 historical monuments, 29 of which are regional heritage sites. The museum buildings also have their own distinctive character: the “Ujesdny gorod” Local History Museum is housed in a former two-class municipal school building. The “Voennye stranitsy istorii Tjukalinska” Museum is located in a former barracks of the guard unit at the transit prison.
The one-day weekend route “Ujesdny gorod on the Siberian Tract” includes a city tour and interactive insights into the activities of Tyukalinsk’s residents in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It also includes the merchant-style tea event “Tschajepitie po-kupecheski.” Another route, “Tyukalinsk — Merchant City,” includes a visit to the Military History Museum. It also features a screening, in an improvised cinema, of a feature film in the style of silent black-and-white cinema, with tourists taking part. If you plan to take one of these routes, confirm in advance that it can be booked and is available.
In Bolsherechye, the “Starina Sibirskaja” museum-reserve brings together a historical and architectural complex, a local history museum, an art gallery, and the “Batakowo” national archaeological and nature park. The open-air museum comprises 15 historical and architectural monuments and notable sites. Experiences on offer include guided tours, games and entertainment programs, and the opportunity to take part in reconstructed traditional customs and folklore and ethnographic festivals associated with the folk calendar. The visitor center in Bolsherechye provides tourist information, brochures, and maps; it also accepts bookings for tours and performances at “Starina Sibirskaja.” Check current opening details and program dates before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Omskiy rayon, Tyukalinsky District, Isilkulskiy rayon, Tarskiy rayon, Omsk, Tyukalinskiy rayon, Kalachinskiy rayon, Omsky Rajon.
Return to the main travel overview: Omsk Oblast.
