All the more reason to head north as events resume
Hang onto that new appreciation for outdoor activities and celebrate the return of summer events in the Heartland Lakes area. You’re invited to share nature and community with us in the days ahead.
Choose a classic northern Minnesota resort, a campground, bed and breakfast or lodging in town. Your options are open and so are the experiences to try: biking, hiking, trail riding, kayaking and fishing. Head to the Mississippi headwaters at Itasca State Park, go birdwatching or star gazing, read a good book at the end of a dock.
Itasca State Park facilities are open for the season with naturalist programs, trail hikes and other activities starting in June. Numbers of participants are limited for now, but it’s always worth a trip to see where the mighty Mississippi River begins and feel the exhilaration of walking across the headwaters.
Akeley’s Paul Bunyan Days are always first on the calendar of community festivals. This year’s celebration built around the legendary figure will be June 25-27.
The free summer concert series, 2nd Street Stage, invites you to downtown Park Rapids Thursdays, June 24 through Aug. 19 for live bands, a beer garden and family friendly activities. Everyone’s welcome at this great community get together. The beer garden opens at 5 and the concerts start at 6. Go to www.parkrapidsdowntown.com to learn more about all nine bands. Covid-19 guidelines still in place will need to be followed.
June brings the opening of our fine summer theaters and other cultural events. The summer Noon Hour Concert series starts Thursday, June 17. Visitors, seasonal and local residents are invited to enjoy live music being performed in local churches. The free concerts are from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on most Thursdays in June, July and August. There will be no social hour this season and Covid guidelines will be observed.
The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber calendar guides you to dates of these cultural and other local festivities as well as unique shopping and great places to eat morning, noon and night.
If you have never visited us for the 4th of July, a slice of Americana awaits with an old-fashioned parade and spectacular Rotary fireworks. The 43rd Annual Park Rapids ProRodeo and Xtreme Bulls July 2 3 and 4 add to the fun wrapped around Independence Day.
The Park Rapids area welcomes you any time. 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.