Summer will be here before we know it!
Spring flirts with the north woods but refuses to take hold. Ice left the lakes the last week in April, tulips and other spring flowers are slowly emerging and grass is turning green in patches. Over time, the visible transition of seasons isn’t so unusual, but compared to 2010, Mother Nature is taking her sweet time changing the landscape this year.
Fishing opener – May 14 this year – becomes a deadline for new businesses to open their doors, for a fresh coat of paint, a new sign, for sweeping the streets and cleaning the ditches along our roadways, all in preparation to welcome anglers and other visitors to our community. We are fortunate to have several new businesses opening their doors this spring and invite you to visit them when you arrive.
There’s still time to plan your vacation. For decades, the Park Rapids lakes area has welcomed fishermen and families, fun seekers and adventurers to explore our natural areas, forests and pristine lakes. The Mississippi headwaters flow from the mighty river’s source in Itasca State Park, 20 miles north of Park Rapids. The Lake Country Scenic Byway stretches from Itasca to Park Rapids, west past the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge to Detroit Lakes and east through the Chippewa National Forest to Walker.
Resorts and other lodging accommodations in the Park Rapids area provide guests a place to stay at the center of this extraordinary region and will help visitors realize their dream vacation whether it’s lying on the beach with a good book, venturing out to learn more about the local flora and fauna or timing a stay to take in local festivals or cultural events.
The Chamber website can also assist with your trip planning with itineraries for day trips, attractions and dozens of ideas for things to see and do. The Festival of Birds May 19-22 at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge draws visitors from throughout the country to the field where 90 percent of the state’s regular bird species have been seen. (Go to
www.tamaracfriends.org for more.) Itasca State Park also becomes a Mecca for birders this time of year.
Whether you’re fascinated with fishing or wildflowers, batty about birding or just want to recharge your batteries, the Park Rapids area welcomes you any time of the year.
If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit, need more information about the area or have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.