We’re home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi at Itasca State Park. Since our lakes and woods never close, there are plenty of year-round activities, from silent sports such as hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing to motorsports enjoying water recreation, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Savor the flavors of Dorset, the “Restaurant Capital of the World,” or stroll through the shops on Main in scenic Downtown Park Rapids. Immerse yourself in the arts and history. Our business directory lists the very best we have to offer. Whether you choose to vacation, work, or move to the area, you will be happy you did. Take pleasure in hundreds of pristine lakes, miles of trails, and unique shopping in the Park Rapids Lakes Area. Find out more here, or call 218-732-4111, and we’ll be happy to help you.
Our 2024 Heart of the Holidays poster is here! If you would like a copy to display in your business and have not received one, please contact marketing@parkrapids.com.
Click here to see the full-size document in PDF format!
Making those last-minute shopping gifts even easier to get to! Extended Shopping Hours in December are happening again this year! On the Wednesdays leading up to Christmas, many downtown businesses will stay open until 7 PM to help accommodate extra time for Christmas shopping.
Park Rapids is set to host the 2025 Heartland 200 by Cor PowerSports on January 25-26. The Heartland
200 snowmobile event is part of a multi-event snowmobile racing series with national coverage. Backed
by major manufacturers and snowmobile enthusiasts, the Heartland 200 draws visitors and spectators
from Canada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas.
The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating this event with the series owner, Todd
Myers, and a local organizing committee. The Heartland 200 is a highlight of the race series for
participants having been voted “Best Race” in 2017 and 2023.
The Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP) is an initiative of First Children’s Finance to address the challenges of rural child care in the Greater Minnesota area.
The Park Rapids area has been awarded a grant that can help ensure childcare needs are met, strengthening the livability and sustainability of the Heartland Lakes Area.
We need your help to collect data that directly drives the outcomes or immediate needs this grant will address.
Please click on one of the surveys below to provide feedback and share the link with fellow employees/parents.
The deadline for these surveys is 12/19. Thank you!
Click here for the Parent/Employee survey.
Click here for the Employer survey.
Please also join us for the RCCIP Heartland Lakes Town Hall on Wednesday, January 8th, at 6:00 PM. Dinner is provided, and the event is free (register by 12/19).
Learn more about the current data collected from the surveys above and innovative solutions to the childcare shortage in the Heartland Lakes area.
Find more info and register for the event by clicking here.