We’re enjoying spectacular fall colors. Be sure to look down to see the treasures of the forest floor as well as up to see the geese and ducks migrating south.
The harvest is well 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.
Fall colors have not yet peaked at Itasca State Park and the area. If you’ve never traveled the Lake Country Scenic Byway between Walker and Detroit Lakes and the spur between Park Rapids and Itasca, it’s time to make the drive. A forester once wrote it’s the most beautiful in the state with the transition from the pines of the Chippewa National Forest to the Smoky Hills State Forest and hardwoods and golden tamaracks there. To check out how colors progress this month, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html.
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. Eighteen Park Rapids Downtown businesses will participate in Shoptoberfest Oct. 1-31. Each participating store will create their own October festive fun from sale items to treats and games. Shoppers will be able to pick up a free Shoptoberfest Passport to be stamped and entered into drawings for gift certificates. Completed Passports will be drawn for five $100 gift certificates and placed in a second chance drawing. The second chance drawing of completed and 50 percent completed Passports will award 20 $25 gift certificates. Participating businesses are listed in the Passports and will have posters on their doors.
Fall Fungi in Itasca State Park
Fall fun continues at the Fall Festival and Pumpkin Party at Carter’s Red Wagon Farm Saturdays through Oct. 27 as well as Thursday and Friday, Oct. 18 and 19 (Teacher Association weekend). The festival offers everything to love about fall and includes wagon rides, corn mazes, crow shooting, Nerf Wars, giant pumpkin boats, a new barn-silo-tree house with a curly slide, a hay bale castle, games and many more activities as well as great food. Stock up on pumpkins for fall decorating, too.
Downtown Park Rapids businesses will hand out treats to trick or treaters from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. Watching the parade 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. – Luann Hurdlof
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