With Valentine’s Day, President’s Day weekend, and a chill month ahead, you may be looking for things to do and places to go with family and friends. Look no further than our own backyard – outdoors and inside.
New Special Events
Watch hardy Northlanders create snow sculptures on Saturday, Feb. 15, and the morning of Feb. 16 at Depot Park in Park Rapids (210 3rd St., east of Hugo’s). There will be fire pits, marshmallows for roasting, and hot cocoa. Awards, like “Best in Snow,” will be presented at noon on Sunday. This free event is sponsored by the Park Rapids Arts & Culture Advisory Commission.
Saturday evening, enjoy a concert by Lydia Rose Band from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Armory Arts and Events Center. Tickets are $10 per person.
Head to Camp Wilderness on Sunday, Feb. 16, for Cosmic Sledding from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The Cost is $10 per person, including a hotdog, chips, juice, hot chocolate, and sledding. Some tubes and sleds are available, but you are encouraged to bring your own. Camp Wilderness is located at 29984 Journey Trail.
Itasca State Park
The Mississippi River flows from Lake Itasca year-round and is accessible in the winter. It’s a fun place to take photos, look for critters’ tracks in the snow, possibly see a bald eagle soaring overhead, and wave to friends watching on the webcam. Itasca offers classes, organized hikes, and many other activities. To find out what’s happening, go to
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/events.html?location=spk00181.
Another way to embrace the beauty of winter at Itasca State Park is to partake in one of their Lantern Light Events. Walk along a gentle path beautifully lit by lanterns, linger by the campfire and listen to the water flowing, enjoy live music and food at the Mary Gibbs Cafe, and more. Their next event is on 2/15/2025.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
A little farther from Park Rapids, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is another great location to listen to the quiet, take photos, and see wildlife. The Visitor Center is open from noon to 4 p.m. and offers free snowshoe rental. The refuge is located at 35804 County Hwy. 26, Rochert, about 45 minutes west of Park Rapids.
Music, Music, Music
If staying indoors is more to your liking, the northland is blessed with musical talent and on many nights, you can enjoy hearing them play as a side to dinner out, pizza, or beverage at one of our dozens of establishments. Among the places hosting musicians on the regular are Revel Brewing, Clancy’s Restaurant and Bar, 218 Venture Bar and Eatery in Dorset, Park Rapidz Zorbaz on the Lake, Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Nevis, and others. Or try karaoke night on Fridays at the American Legion.
The Armory Arts and Events Center hosts free Open Mic Nights on the third Thursday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. through May. Does your family have someone who wants to perform—sing a show tune, play the guitar, or read one of Mary Oliver’s poems? Call 218-237-3722 for a time slot.
Trivia Nights
Do you know the capital of Louisiana, who won the Super Bowl in 2015 and who replaced Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune? Zorbaz and the Two Inlets Country Store host Trivia Nights every Thursday.
Check the Chamber calendar of events for more fun things to see and do.