Embrace winter now and plan a summer stay
A beautiful fresh snowfall has blanketed the landscape and will likely be with us for a
while. The temperatures and longer daylight invite anglers, snowmobilers and cross
country skiers to do the Minnesota thing and embrace winter.
Walleye, pike and bass fishing season has ended in this part of the state, but avid
anglers can still enjoy excellent pan fishing. Ice conditions can be unsafe so contact
local bait dealers to find a place to set up and use caution around lake edges and river
channels.
March usually brings more measurable snow and snowmobile and cross country ski
trails will still be groomed. Or try out a pair of snowshoes for a new way to explore
winter’s silence and beauty. A snowshoe hike is planned at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11
at Itasca State Park. Join an Itasca State Park naturalist to see what is going on in the
woods as we start transitioning from winter to spring. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower
Visitor Center and then go to the Douglas Lodge area to start the hike. If there is
enough snow, visitors will wear snowshoes and, if not, they will hike in their boots.
Dress warmly and include snow boots. Call ahead at 218-699-7252 to reserve a pair of
snowshoes or bring your own. The number of snowshoes available is limited.
Or enjoy a visit to the headwaters of the Mississippi River where there’s open water
year round. Check it out any time on the headwaters webcam at
https://parkrapids.com/webcams .
Celebrate the Finnish Saint who led the grasshoppers out of Finland March 10-11 in
Menahga. A medallion hunt is already under way with clues at
https://menahga.com/blog/st-urho-medallion-clues-2023. A St. Urho Days King and
Queen will be crowned at the Menahga School gym Friday evening. On Saturday, wear
purple and green and participate in the changing of the guard at the statue of St. Urho
and a parade at noon. This year’s events include a Community Craft and Garage Sale
from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Menahga High School Commons.
On March 17, local beverage and dining establishments are already planning a taste of
another culture’s traditions where wearin’ the green will keep the Leprechauns at bay.
Support the Park Rapids Fire Department with a night of dancing, drinks and music
Saturday, March 18 at the Fire Hall. The event will start at 6 p.m. with the band, In
Stereo, playing until 8:30 p.m. and 2 Weeks Notice playing from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Northwoods Bank sponsors the annual Fireman’s Ball and tickets are available there or
from any Fire Department volunteers. Pre-sale price is $12; $15 at the door. Alcohol will
be served thanks to 71 Bottles of Beer and Liquor with popcorn and Giovanni’s Pizza
available for purchase. All proceeds go to the Park Rapids Fire Department Relief
Association.
Two special events are planned at the Armory Arts and Events Center in March.
Another
Open Mic Night is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 16. Come to appreciate
the talents of the community or take the stage. Admission is free. Call 218-237-3722 or
email wolson@parkrapidsarmory.org to sign up for a time slot. Revel Brewing and Wine
Not? will serve at a cash beer and wine bar. Corey Medina & Brothers will bring a night
of great music and great times at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23. This local Blues-Rock
band has performed many times in the area, and in 2022 released their studio album
SOAK. For those of you who love to come together over live music, this will be the
event for you. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Armory website at
parkrapidsarmory.org for $15, or can be purchased at the door for $20.
We’re counting down to the first day of spring March 20, so it’s time to plan for the
glorious months of summer. Our new Discovery Guide counts the ways to Catch a
Memory at the source, the lake, the woods or a local celebration. Let your imagination
be your guide.
Area lodging accommodations can be found to suit your style whether it’s camping
under the stars, sleeping within walking distance of a golf course or staying at a cabin
on a sand beach. Start here for information on campgrounds, motels, resorts, bed and
breakfast inns or a vacation home. Most accommodations have websites so you can
peek inside a cabin or read what other guests have to say about their stay.
If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit, need more information
about activities or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 218-732-4111 to learn
more.