Sights to See – Things to Do
Tied to the lakes and woods of northern Minnesota is a rich history that continues to unfold. Many talented artists, writers, musicians, craftsmen, and performers call this area home. There is much to see and do.
Visit Itasca State Park
Here the Mississippi River begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1891, Itasca State Park is our #1 area tourist attraction. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. The park is a scenic area that has remained relatively unchanged over time. Itasca was the first park established in Minnesota.
Explore the Lake Country Scenic Byway
It is a road trip with a history lesson. The Lake Country Scenic Byway is an 88 mile corridor along Highway #34 between Walker and Detroit Lakes with a spur north on Highway #71 to Itasca State Park. Maps are available indicating points of interest along the way. With many small towns along the byway there is always something to do. This is a beautiful drive in the fall when the colors are spectacular. www.lakecountryscenicbyway.com
Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture
All of the small communities in the surrounding area sponsor events throughout the summer ranging from Crazy Days to Chain Saw Carving Events to Pig Races. There are Craft Fairs and Music Festivals. We have a County Fair, Bull Ride, Tractor Club Field Days, Art Leap, and Antique Car Club Run to the Rapids. Visit the chamber website at www.parkrapids.com for a complete calendar of events.
Travel Back in Time
Visit local museums to learn more about the pioneer families that settled here and why they came. There are many historic buildings and other landmarks throughout the area. The fur trade and the logging industry played a major role in the development of northern Minnesota. Many folks in the area still make their living in the logging or lumber industry
Discover Extraordinary Entertainment
Our comfortable lifestyle and natural setting inspire creativity and tempt people to move up north to fulfill their dreams. We hope you enjoy our Up North entertainment. It has a refreshing style all its own. We suggest you check out the Woodtick Theater in Akeley, Jasper Jubilee east of Park Rapids, and the Long Lake Theater in Hubbard. One can enjoy live music on Thursday evenings throughout the summer in downtown Park Rapids. The 2nd Street Stage performances are free. Bring your own lawn chair.
Meet Talented Artists and Craftsmen
The Festival of Authors and Artists is a popular book signing event in the spring that features local authors. Many artists display their work and have pieces available for sale at this event. The Art Fair at the Winery near Laporte is held in the fall. While artists and artisans display their work for sale; visitors are encouraged to enjoy the food and wine available. Art Leap is a two-day event each fall that showcases area artists at their studios. Highlights include outdoor music, hors d’oeuvres, and seeing fall colors at their peak while driving from studio to studio.
Experience Shopping at Its Best
You can spend hours in downtown Park Rapids or Walker there are so many unique shops. From fashionable clothing and accessories to handmade gifts from around the world, to kitchen gadgets and beautiful furnishings, to precious antiques and other treasures you will find it all in the surrounding communities.
Farm Tours
If you live in the city, life on the farm may be intriguing. Organic gardening is gaining in popularity and health conscious families enjoy shopping at the farmer’s market. There are also a variety of pick your own berry farms in the area. Several places will permit you to tour their facilities if you call in advance. Or learning to forage for blueberries, mushrooms, or dandelion greens can be fun.
Eat, Eat, Eat
We offer everything from pizza, to fast food chains with burgers and fries, to unique sandwich shops with shakes or smoothies, to down home restaurants serving home cooked specials daily. An all you can eat fish fry is a popular Friday night special. Fine dining is also available. The cuisines range from German at the Brauhaus near Akeley, to Mexican at Companeros in Dorset to Italian at Necce’s in Park Rapids.
Visit Itasca State Park
Here the Mississippi River begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1891, Itasca State Park is our #1 area tourist attraction. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. The park is a scenic area that has remained relatively unchanged over time. Itasca was the first park established in Minnesota.
Explore the Lake Country Scenic Byway
It is a road trip with a history lesson. The Lake Country Scenic Byway is an 88 mile corridor along Highway #34 between Walker and Detroit Lakes with a spur north on Highway #71 to Itasca State Park. Maps are available indicating points of interest along the way. With many small towns along the byway there is always something to do. This is a beautiful drive in the fall when the colors are spectacular. www.lakecountryscenicbyway.com
Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture
All of the small communities in the surrounding area sponsor events throughout the summer ranging from Crazy Days to Chain Saw Carving Events to Pig Races. There are Craft Fairs and Music Festivals. We have a County Fair, Bull Ride, Tractor Club Field Days, Art Leap, and Antique Car Club Run to the Rapids. Visit the chamber website at www.parkrapids.com for a complete calendar of events.
Travel Back in Time
Visit local museums to learn more about the pioneer families that settled here and why they came. There are many historic buildings and other landmarks throughout the area. The fur trade and the logging industry played a major role in the development of northern Minnesota. Many folks in the area still make their living in the logging or lumber industry
Discover Extraordinary Entertainment
Our comfortable lifestyle and natural setting inspire creativity and tempt people to move up north to fulfill their dreams. We hope you enjoy our Up North entertainment. It has a refreshing style all its own. We suggest you check out the Woodtick Theater in Akeley, Jasper Jubilee east of Park Rapids, and the Long Lake Theater in Hubbard. One can enjoy live music on Thursday evenings throughout the summer in downtown Park Rapids. The 2nd Street Stage performances are free. Bring your own lawn chair.
Meet Talented Artists and Craftsmen
The Festival of Authors and Artists is a popular book signing event in the spring that features local authors. Many artists display their work and have pieces available for sale at this event. The Art Fair at the Winery near Laporte is held in the fall. While artists and artisans display their work for sale; visitors are encouraged to enjoy the food and wine available. Art Leap is a two-day event each fall that showcases area artists at their studios. Highlights include outdoor music, hors d’oeuvres, and seeing fall colors at their peak while driving from studio to studio.
Experience Shopping at Its Best
You can spend hours in downtown Park Rapids or Walker there are so many unique shops. From fashionable clothing and accessories to handmade gifts from around the world, to kitchen gadgets and beautiful furnishings, to precious antiques and other treasures you will find it all in the surrounding communities.
Farm Tours
If you live in the city, life on the farm may be intriguing. Organic gardening is gaining in popularity and health conscious families enjoy shopping at the farmer’s market. There are also a variety of pick your own berry farms in the area. Several places will permit you to tour their facilities if you call in advance. Or learning to forage for blueberries, mushrooms, or dandelion greens can be fun.
Eat, Eat, Eat
We offer everything from pizza, to fast food chains with burgers and fries, to unique sandwich shops with shakes or smoothies, to down home restaurants serving home cooked specials daily. An all you can eat fish fry is a popular Friday night special. Fine dining is also available. The cuisines range from German at the Brauhaus near Akeley, to Mexican at Companeros in Dorset to Italian at Necce’s in Park Rapids.
