June 2023
Pick an adventure or two or three
Another late spring sent us all scrambling to finish putting out docks, clean up winter
debris and plant fields and gardens during the last part of May. Then three beautiful
weather days over Memorial Day weekend saw anglers heading for the lakes, lilacs
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, river rafting and, of course, fishing. Or go birdwatching or star
gazing, read a good book at the end of a dock.
Learn about the birds and bees at Itasca State Park naturalist programs. Staff also
organize trail hikes and music under the pines. The Park Rapids Area Community Band
will give a concert outside Douglas Lodge Sunday, June 25. 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 Heartland Lakes Area
community festivals. This year’s celebration built around the legendary figure will be
June 23-25.
The free summer concert series, 2nd Street Stage, will open its 11th season in
downtown Park Rapids Thursdays, June 15 through Aug. 17 with 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 1. 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. every Thursday 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 45th Annual Headwaters Pro
Rodeo 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.