Frigid temps mean bundling up and remembering our strength and resilience as residents (or visitors) of northern Minnesota! Let’s not forget the wonderful recreation and events we can participate in, even when it’s nearing zero degrees.
Warm up after your winter adventures at one of our many area dining and beverage options, or cozy up to some buttery popcorn and catch a movie at Park Theater!
Ice fishing
If ice fishing is your sport, it’s been a great season so far, and more to come! You can catch some fish, such as crappie, sunfish, and perch, anytime. Fish such as walleye, northern pike, and bass – commonly called gamefish – can only be caught during certain times of the season. Use the DNR LakeFinder to find specific regulations for a particular lake.
Want a more personalized experience? Check with our area fishing guides, some of which you can find by clicking here. Always check with a local bait dealer to be safe before you head out.
Ice safety is key. Prepare for your adventure by following the DNR’s Ice Safety tips and ensuring the lake of your choice has adequate ice depth for your transportation.
CorPower Sports Heartland 200 Snowmobile Race
The 2025 Heartland 200 snowmobile race is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25-26. Jointly organized by COR PowerSports, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, and a local organizing committee, this race brings the top snowmobile racers from Minnesota and the Midwest to Park Rapids.
The Heartland 200, awarded Venue of the Year in 2023, offers the premier terrain course on the COR PowerSports circuit. Racers of all ages and skill levels will compete in classes ranging from Juniors to Pro Stock to Vintage.
Snow Sculpture Contest
Celebrate the magic of winter at a Snow Sculpture Event Saturday, Feb. 15, and
Sunday, Feb. 16, in Depot Park, Park Rapids.
Hosted by the City of Park Rapids and Park Rapids Arts and Culture Advisory Commission, this event invites six teams to each transform a single large block of snow into a unique, creative sculpture of their choice.
Whether experienced or just looking for a fun winter challenge, this is your chance to showcase your creativity! The first six registered teams will be selected, with two alternates as backups. So, don’t wait to sign up!
Entry forms are available by clicking here or you can grab yours at City Hall. The deadline to enter is Friday, Feb. 7.
Ice Skating
The Ted O. Johnson Ice Arena in Park Rapids maintains an outdoor skating rink, and open skate times inside are also available. You can even rent the rink to make a family memory! The arena website can be accessed by clicking here.
The City of Nevis also maintains a skating rink on the east side of Paul Bunyan Drive.
Stay in the Know
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates snow and trail conditions in weekly reports posted every Thursday at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html.
Add your email to our weekly newsletter list by adding your info here. We share area job postings, hot deals, current events, and more each week!
Look Forward to the New Year and Look Up to the Skies
We can’t promise a horizon filled with Northern Lights, but star gazing is stellar on most nights. It’s easy to get away from city lights. You can find Orion and other constellations and even see some planets without binoculars. You can go to Itasca State Park, one of our county parks, or public lands, where you can build a campfire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows or do some bird watching. Click below for more information.
(https://www.co.hubbard.mn.us/departments/public_works/parks_recreation/index.php)
On a short drive in any direction, you can usually see bald eagles fishing or catch some trumpeter swans gliding across open water.
