June 2022
Ready or not, summer is here
A late spring sent us all scrambling to finish putting out docks, clean up winter debris and plant fields and gardens in a few days’ time in May. But on schedule Memorial Day weekend saw anglers heading for the lakes, lilacs and crab apples blooming and fawns curled up in green grass. 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. go birdwatching or star gazing, read a good book at the end of a dock.
Itasca State Park activities have resumed with naturalist programs, trail hikes and music under the pines. The Park Rapids Area Community Band will give a concert outside Douglas Lodge Sunday, June 26. It’s always worth a trip to Itasca State Park 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 24-26. The free summer concert series, 2nd Street Stage, will celebrate its 10th season in downtown Park Rapids Thursdays, June 16 through Aug. 18 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 10 bands.
June brings the opening of our fine summer theaters and other cultural events. The summer Noon Hour Concert series starts Thursday, June 9. 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. 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 44th Annual Park Rapids PRCA ProRodeo and Xtreme Bulls July 1, 2 and 3 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 218-732-4111 to learn more.