After two years of spring arriving late in our part of the world, the ice is out and the docks are in. Tiny buds promise leaves and lilacs soon.
Friends gather for spring rituals like ditch clean up, and residents and resort owners are glad for nice weather to rake and spruce up their lawns and grounds. After work and on weekends, golfers and ATV enthusiasts are hitting the links and trails. Pretty much everyone is happy to tell winter good-bye as are anglers already catching some early mornings at the end of a dock and buying their licenses for this year’s opener.
The Saturday after the Fishing Opener, the Chamber and local bicycle clubs will host the Minnesota Bike Opener. This new event May 16 will celebrate all things BIKE in conjunction with dedication ceremonies for the new Heartland Trail bridge across Fish Hook River and all the work done to beautify Red Bridge Park. In celebration of National Bike Month, festivities will include family-friendly, non-competitive costumed a 2-, 12- or 22-mile bike ride on the Heartland Trail, a bike swap, demonstrations, a bike rodeo and tricycle races. Everyone who participates will receive a complimentary helmet and be entered into a drawing for prizes.
The Festival of Birds May 14-17 with registration at Detroit Mountain Recreation Area this year draws visitors from throughout the country to the field where more than 250 species of birds have been recorded. From beginning birding to the latest bird research, this festival has something for all levels of bird enthusiasts. (Go to https://www.visitdetroitlakes.com/events/festival-of-birds for more.) Birders also head to Itasca State Park this time of year.
It’s not too late to plan your summer vacation. If you haven’t visited here for awhile, we welcome you to come back again and see why fishermen and families, fun seekers and adventurers have come to explore our natural areas, forests and pristine lakes for decades.
Resorts and other lodging accommodations in the Park Rapids area provide guests a place to stay and will help visitors realize their dream vacation, whether it’s lying on the beach with a good book, venturing out to learn more about the local flora and fauna or timing a stay to take in local festivals or cultural events. The Chamber website can assist with your trip planning.
Whether you’re fascinated with fishing or wildflowers, batty about birding or just want to recharge your batteries, the Park Rapids area welcomes you any time of the year.
If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit, need more information about the area or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.