We are experiencing a near perfect fall leaf season and with no killing frost yet, wildflowers and garden flowers are still in bloom. Geese and ducks are migrating and often pristine white trumpeter swans can be seen in pairs on lakes and rivers.
The harvest is underway in fields of corn, beans, sunflowers and potatoes. Some mornings fog veils the picturesque landscape of stacked bales of hay and wetlands.
Some hunters have headed to the woods and water, paddlers relish one more morning cruise around the lake and anglers take to the water catching fish and the mirror image of fall colors.
For others, it’s time to hike, bike or ride miles of ATV trails to view the landscape and take in the comforting scent of crisp fall air then enjoy a bonfire, hot apple cider and spectacular sunsets at the end of the day.
The Park Rapids Lakes Area remains a beautiful, peaceful place to head outdoors, relax or enjoy some local culture. There’s always lots to see and do.
Fall fun continues with Fall Festival and Pumpkin Parties at Carter’s Red Wagon Farm Saturdays through Oct. 28 as well as Thursday and Friday, Oct. 19 & 20 (Teacher Association weekend). The activities offer everything to love about fall and will include themed wagon rides, two corn mazes, hay and straw bale mazes, a hay bale castle, giant pumpkin boats, duck races, cow milking, games and many more activities as well as food.
The Nemeth Art Center will host another Wild Rice Festival in Park Rapids Saturday, October 21. This year’s event will be held on 3rd street just east of Highway 71 between Hugo’s and Park Avenue Apartments (the old middle school). The event will be free to the public and will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with an open mic stage throughout the day. There will be numerous kids activities, including painting and hula hooping, along with wild rice, arts, crafts and food vendors. This event is made possible by the Nemeth Art Center, Park Rapids Downtown Business Association, Essentia Health, Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Bemidji Brewing and the Recycling Association of Minnesota.
Downtown Park Rapids businesses will hand out treats to trick or treaters from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31. Watching the stream of hundreds of colorful, costumed characters is part of the fun.
Many other activities and events to celebrate fall are on the October calendar. The Chamber Website has all the information you need to put together a memorable stay. If you want help or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.