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

September 2009
September is a gift

September is a gift which Mother Nature slowly unwraps for us. First, the sumac leaves turn red as garnets and maples offer showy orange and red. Later, birches and poplars display golden leaves, all the more beautiful in contrast to the rolling green of Norways, white pines and spruce and mirrored on the water of our crystal clear lakes.

If you listen, you can hear acorns and pine cones plopping to the ground. The loons, Canada geese and other waterfowl begin gathering to fly south, noisily announcing their departure. In the morning, a mist rises from the lakes and fog obscures the sunrise, but we hear the parting calls nonetheless.

As the quiet sets in on our lakes and forests, the countryside becomes alive with activity as we finish digging vegetables from our gardens and begin harvesting our fields: potatoes, sunflowers, beans, corn and hay.
Cider replaces lemonade, sweatshirts cover tank tops and we light the fireplace against the chill. But fall is no time to stay inside. Pick your mode of transportation - walking, hiking, bicycling, motorcycling, ATVing, driving a car. It’s time to enjoy the gift.
When fall’s colors paint the landscape, beauty is inescapable. Fewer people and mosquitoes will invade your space as you explore the area’s parks, trails, byways and waterways. Suddenly, you notice the trees arching overhead and every shrub by the wayside attracting attention. Itasca State Park is never more glorious than when the colors reach their peak. Remember to bring your camera.
If you are looking for things to do in fall, head to Akeley for Hay Days Sept. 18-19. Pick up a map and visit artists’ studios and other cultural destinations in Art Leap 2009 Sept. 26-27. Sign up for the Headwaters Hundred bike ride Sept. 26. Or take part in a fall fishing tournament. The Chamber Website offers information about these and other fall events. You also can find suggestions for day trips and fall color tours.
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: art leap, color tours, fall, festivals, vacation