Chamber Blog

March 2010
Vacation plans start here

Winter’s winding down, but usually Mother Nature doesn’t get the memo and delivers snow, snow and more snow and with it the opportunity to ride or ski groomed trails through the frozen forest. At least during the first part of March and maybe longer, the ice is still safe for some late season angling and a catch of crappies.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates snow and trail conditions in weekly reports updated after 2 p.m. every Thursday at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html. And our Chamber Website provides information about trail riding and cross country skiing possibilities as well as available lodging, dining and other things to see and do while you’re here.

Meanwhile, it’s time to plan for the glorious months of summer and ways to explore all the Park Rapids lakes area offers. Pick an activity and go with it: biking, hiking, bird watching, fishing, water skiing, tubing down the river, ATV riding, playing golf, building sand castles, sitting by the campfire, picnicking or just relaxing. Let your imagination be your guide.

Area lodging accommodations can be found to suit your style whether it’s camping under the stars, sleeping within walking distance of a golf course or staying at a cabin on a sand beach. Start here for information on 85 properties - campgrounds, motels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns, vacation homes and a hostel. Most accommodations have Websites so you can peak inside a cabin or read what other guests have to say about their stay. Or, if you prefer, ask for a copy of the 2010 Discovery Guide and page through the information you’ll find inside.

You may want to schedule a visit when one of the area’s special events is taking place and now is the time to make sure you are not disappointed. Park Rapids will be rolling out the black and orange carpet for an All-School Reunion Aug. 6-8 so alumni will want to make their plans now. Be sure to schedule a visit during Legends and Logging Days, Friday and Saturday, August 13 & 14, 2010. Thrill as World Recording Holding Lumberjack and Jills compete and Master Chain saw carvers create masterpieces before your eyes… plus, Fabulous food, Marketplace, Chili Cook Off and Family events & activities. Lets the chips fly!

Facilities are available for small meetings, family reunions and anniversary parties any time of the year.

If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit, need more information about these and other winter activities or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: cross country skiing, festivals, ice fishing, Minnesota resorts, Park Rapids Vacation destination, snowmobiling, special events

February 2010
This snow’s for you


February is for snow lovers. The days are getting longer, the average temps are rising and more than 500 miles of snowmobile trails are groomed and ready to ride.

Our forest and lake trails connect directly to restaurants, gas stations and lodging where you can put your feet up by the fire or warm up in the pool, hot tub or sauna at the end of the day. And you will find fine dining, fun shops and more to do, too.
Groomed cross-country ski trails also invite exploring. Skiers at Soaring Eagle will find a warming house and at Itasca State Park the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center is open.

Our lakes have a thick layer of ice so pull up a shelter and stay awhile.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates snow and trail conditions in weekly reports updated after 2 p.m. every Thursday at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html. And our Chamber Website provides information about trail riding and cross country skiing possibilities as well as available lodging, dining and other things to see and do while you’re here.

You can also link to our local snowmobile and cross country ski associations for the latest news on trail conditions and grooming.

Forest Riders Snowmobile Trails, approximately 300 miles of trails. The Forest Riders Snowmobile Club was formed approximately 30 years ago and started grooming trails mainly in the Two Inlets State Forest. Over the years, trails have been added and now the trail system connects to Park Rapids, Smoky Hills, Paul Bunyan State Forest, Lake George and all through Itasca State Park.

The trails which would not be possible if not for private property owners. Please respect all signs. For more information see: http://www.forestriderstrailclub.com/winter/about_the_club/ and http://www.forestriderstrailclub.com/winter/maps/

Itasca State Park, 31 miles of snowmobile trails circle the park's perimeter and connect with other trails that lead to Park Rapids, Walker, Bemidji, Bagley, Mahnomen and Detroit Lakes.

For more information see: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/trails.html

Heartland State Trail, a 49-mile multiple use, paved trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. The Nevis Trailblazers Snowmobile Club grooms the east-west alternate portion of the Heartland Trail to Sno-Way 1, 5 miles west of Walker. The entire Heartland Trail is groomed for snowmobiling, however studded tracks are prohibited on the asphalt. Altogether the Trailblazers Club grooms approximately 245 miles of trails in the Paul Bunyan State Forest and Wilder Trails.
For more information see: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/heartland/index.html or http://www.nevismn.com/trailblazers/trailmaps.htm.

Grant-in-Aid Trail System
Paul Bunyan State Trail, Snowmobiling is the primary winter use along both the paved and undeveloped sections of the 110-mile trail; however studded tracks are prohibited on the paved surface. The trail provides connections to many miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the county Grants-in-Aid trail system. The Heartland Trail and Paul Bunyan Trail connect 3 miles east of Akeley at the Hubbard/Cass line on Highway 34.

For more information see: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/paul_bunyan/index.html and http://www.nevismn.com/trailblazers/trailmaps.htm

Huntersville State Forest and trails south of Park Rapids are maintained by the Menahga Trail Breakers.
For more information see: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/snowmobiling/map16.pdf

Chippewa National Forest Snowmobile Trails. Over 330 miles of snowmobile trails provide snowmobilers access to 1,300 lakes, scenic woodlands and frozen wetlands. Trails connected to nearly 200 miles of routes surrounding the forest. The Soo Line Trail, an old railroad grade extending from Cass Lake to Moose Lake, is the longest motorized recreation trail in Minnesota. Snowmobilers may also travel on unplowed National Forest roads unless posted closed to recreational motor vehicle use. Cross-country travel off forest roads is prohibited.

Happy Trails to you!

Everyone who heads outdoors will find breathtaking scenery the perfect backdrop to whatever activity they choose. With Valentine’s Day on February’s calendar, a winter getaway “up north” may be the way to win your Valentine’s heart.

If you time your stay, you can sample one of the following fun winter activities:

It’s not too late to buy a ticket for the 12th Annual Community Fishing Contest on Fish Hook Lake from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 featuring $110,000 in prizes! The grand prize in this year's raffle is a 2010 XLT Ford Truck. Sixty other raffle prizes will be awarded. Fishing prizes - for the 10th largest fish caught in any category - are an Ice Castle Fish House. Tickets for the fishing contest at $40 each are available at the American Legion or call 218-732-3360. For more information, go to www.parkrapidsfishingderby.com.

The Trailbreakers Snowmobile Club will sponsor a radar run on Spirit Lake in Menahga Sunday, Feb. 7. You’ll have plenty of time to participate or watch and still make it back in time to watch the big game.

Two fun events are planned Saturday, Feb. 13. Akeley will host Audrey’s Purple Dream Fishing Tournament on 11th Crow Wing Lake. Or step back in time and watch an old-time ice harvest on Lake Itasca. Parking will be at the Lake Itasca boat landing in Itasca State Park.

Wolf Lake’s Winter Fest Saturday, Feb. 20 provides fun for the family, including sledding and contests for all ages.

And in the evening, head to Itasca State Park for a Lantern Lit Ski and Snowshoe Hike by the light of the moon. Marshmallows will be available for roasting around the fire!

If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit, need more information about these and other winter activities or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Community Ice fishing contest, cross country skiing, sanowmobile trails, winter fun

January 2010
Celebrate winter

We have 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails through the woods. Snow conditions are excellent with a 12 to 14" base.

Cross country skiing is great at Soaring Eagle Ski Trail and Itasca State Park. Both have warming facilities.

Ice on our lakes is 12 to 14" thick so ice fishing is great. Do use caution, however, on lake areas where there is standing water or flowage.

So...If your New Year’s resolution is to come out of hibernation and celebrate winter, you’ve come to the right place.

A foot of snow whitens the landscape, making a picture perfect scene anywhere you look. But it’s not just pretty to look at. Hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile and cross country ski trails take visitors to scenic vistas and hidden parts of the forest. Or if ice fishing is more to your liking for winter fun, our lakes have enough ice to plant a fish house and drop a line in pursuit of a fresh catch.

Winter lodging facilities offer a cozy place to warm up by the fire or in the pool, hot tub or sauna at day’s end. And you will find fine dining, fun shops and more to do, too.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates snow and trail conditions in weekly reports updated after 2 p.m. every Thursday at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html. And our Chamber Website provides information about trail riding and cross country skiing possibilities as well as available lodging, dining and other things to see and do while you’re here. If you time your stay, you can sample one of the following fun winter activities:

Soaring Eagle Fun Day is planned from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9 at Soaring Eagle Ski Trails. Fun Day will be a low key family friendly event for both new and experienced cross country skiers. Organizers plan to have games for kids, door prizes, a campfire, cookies and hot chocolate in the warming house. Bring your own skis or check-out the new ski equipment. For more information please call Janine at 218-732-4589 or visit www.itascatur.org. In case of extremely cold weather, Fun Day will be rescheduled.

The Northern Light Opera Company will present “The Old Maid & The Thief” at Long Lake Theater in Hubbard. Enjoy the production at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 & 16 and at 3 p.m. Jan. 17. Tickets are on sale at Beagle Books in Park Rapids or contact Paul & Pat Dove at 218-732-7096.

Menahga’s Family Fishing Derby on Spirit Lake offers prizes and a day of fishing fun Saturday, Jan. 23. For more information, call Dorothy Ollanketo at 218-564-47545.

In the evening Saturday, Jan. 23, the Forest Riders Snowmobile Club hosts the annual SnoDeo Weekend Dance at the Eagles Club in Park Rapids. For more information, please call Cheryle Wilke at 218-732-5992.

A Lantern Lit Ski and Snowshoe event is planned from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at Itasca State Park. Participants are invited to gather at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center where the park naturalist will guide you to the trail to ski or snowshoe by the light of the moon. This event is dependent on weather and snow. For more information, please call 218-699-7251.

Tickets are now on sale for the 12th annual Community Fishing Contest on Fish Hook Lake Saturday, Feb. 6. The grand prize in this year's raffle is a 2010 XLT Ford Truck. Sixty other raffle prizes will be awarded. Fishing prizes - for the 10th largest fish caught in any category - are an Ice Castle Fish House. In conjunction with the fishing contest, the American Legion also sponsors a Medallion Treasure Hunt, starting Jan. 7. Tickets for the fishing contest at $40 each are available at the American Legion or call 218-732-3360. For more information, go to www.parkrapidsfishingderby.com.

A new year brings new beginnings. If you’ve resolved to come out of hibernation and need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: cross country skiing, ice fishing, snow conditions, snowmobile

December 2009
Find the season’s magic here

The winter solstice soon marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and gives Santa more time to hop from rooftop to rooftop on his magical rounds. It can’t be a coincidence. We treasure silent nights and star-covered skies.

The countryside prepares for winter recreation with the same measured steps we take to decorate for the holidays. A fringe of ice is circling our lakes. Woods trails will open for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as soon as Mother Nature endows us with more snow. The leaves have dropped, clearing the way for a distant view of green pines and white skeletons of birches and poplars and seeing birds.

’Tis the season of wreaths, music, food, festivities and good cheer. Some of us are caught up in traditions like sending cards, baking, planning get-togethers and shopping.

For those who shop here, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Jingle Bells promotion tantalizes with a sweepstakes that offers five $1,000 prizes and one $5,000 prize. Participating businesses are giving customers a ticket for each $10 spent in their stores. The lucky winners will be announced at a celebration Dec. 17 at Century School. Hundreds of people gather at this annual community evening of food, music, fun and door prizes for many who attend.

A weekend or a week here to embrace the joys of the season, experience nature and take life at a different pace may be the best gift to you and yours for the holidays. Some may want to head outdoors. Others may want to enjoy a concert, go to a play or find church ladies selling homemade lefse. Visitors are always welcome to share the culture of those who live here and appreciate the area’s natural wonders.

All season, Park Rapids’ giant tree brightens Main Street on winter nights and stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.

December and its magical pleasures await. If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Christmas, Jingle Bells Sweepatakes, Shopping, winter fun

November 2009
Life’s simple pleasures await

Our majestic pines are showing just enough snow to remind us the landscape is changing from one of fall chores and outdoor activities to quieter pursuits with one great exception.

Firearms deer season opens Nov. 7, signaling a time of year in many households when traditions trump all else. Many young men and women are introduced to the deer stand or hunting camp for the first time as their parents (dads mostly) hope to help them succeed. Men (mostly) dress in blaze orange from head to toe, pack a lunch and head to the woods and women (mostly) either stay home to prepare hunters stew or take on the role of “hunters’ widows” and begin their Christmas shopping.

With shoppers in mind, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce launches its Jingle Bells promotion. Beginning Nov. 1, participating businesses give customers a ticket for each dollar spent in their stores. This sweepstakes offers five $1,000 prizes and one $5,000 prize in a drawing and celebration Dec. 17.

The November calendar offers much to see and do before that busy time, however. Unlike the bears, residents don’t go into hibernation. It’s still warm enough to hunt, hike and even fish and bike. Bald eagles still soar and the fish are still biting.

A weekend or a week here to celebrate the change of seasons reminds us that even in a time of adversity, our values and beliefs endure. In fact, as Thanksgiving approaches, we contemplate how much we value family and friends and pleasures as simple as gathering pine cones or the warmth of a fireplace.

The best Thanksgiving for our extended family was one when we headed to a small pond covered with ice and all six kids went ice skating after our big dinner. Some years, there isn’t enough ice or the snow is too deep, but that year the ice was perfect. And, after a few bumps and stumbles, the kids found their legs and made us smile.

Another activity sure to bring smiles is Park Rapids’ annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street the Friday after Thanksgiving. This tradition comes with with caroling, a Santa visit and merchants offering hot cider and other goodies in their stores as part of a Yuletide Sampler. After the lighting ceremony, the giant tree stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.

November and its simple pleasures await. If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Christmas Tree Lighting, Hunting, Jingle Bells, November, Shopping

October 2009
Fall’s grand entry

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." - Elizabeth Lawrence
It may be time to grab a jacket before you head outdoors, but you can leave the mosquito spray at home. Fall has made a grand entry in the north woods.

Aspen, birch, maples and sumac still display a cascade of color even as tall grasses carpet the landscape in a thousand shades of earthen tones. Lakes have become sparkling centerpieces for the show even as the geese begin to abandon water and gather in golden fields to stuff themselves on their journey south.

October offers one more chance to go hiking, biking, picnicking or camping. A campfire feels just right at day’s end, and soon the harvest moon will grace the sky at sunset. Hunters walk the woods hoping to flush a grouse and set out decoys at dawn waiting for ducks to settle in. Fishing also can be productive as anglers become scarcer.

For the young and young at heart, Carter’s Red Wagon Farm in Park Rapids celebrates fall with Pumpkin Parties every weekend. September’s warm days gave growers a second chance. Carter’s and other local vendors are still offering fresh produce, including Minnesota orchard apples. It’s also the time to stock up on wild rice from this year’s harvest. There’s nothing like a bowl of steaming wild rice soup to wipe out the chill.

The October calendar is filled with possibilities and activities. If you need help putting together plans for a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: fall happenings