Spring is suffering a setback as May begins, but the loons are back, trees are budding and lakes are open.
Some have take advantage of a few warm days to clean up after a very long winter and started spring rituals like raking and ditch clean up.
In Downtown Park Rapids Spring 19 stores and other locations are participating in Spring Refresh, giving shoppers a chance to renew, redecorate, rethink and have fun. Pick up your passport, make your way around town and answer a historical question to get your passport signed (keep your eyes open, the clues are everywhere). You’ve got until noon May 13 for your passport to be 80 percent completed and turned in for a chance to win a drawing for 250 Downtown Dollars!
The Hubbard County Historical Museum and Nemeth Art Center will open the first week in May and the Park Rapids Classic Chorale and Park Rapids Area Community Band will welcome spring with concerts May 3, 4 and 5. The concerts are a prelude to an eventful season of arts and cultural activities.
Local anglers are already checking their boats and gear to be ready for the-Fishing Opener Saturday, May 11. The tradition of the fishing opener in Minnesota centers around roughly half a million anglers going fishing the day the season opens for walleye, sauger, northern pike and trout in lakes. Our lakes and rivers are open and ready for the big day, an unofficial but traditional local “holiday” along with the opening of the firearms deer season.
The Minnesota Bike Opener will celebrate the start of biking season with a ride on the Heartland Trail. The Chamber and partners will host the event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Pavilion #2 in Heartland Park. Planning is still under way, but hot dogs will be served.
Otto Hendrickson Post 212 puts together an inspiring Memorial Day Service. This year it will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the Park Rapids Area High School. Ceremonies move to the All Veterans Memorial adjacent to the Chamber Visitor Center and it’s a good day to visit the All Veterans Memorial Museum, too.
It’s not too late to plan your summer vacation. If you haven’t visited here for awhile, we welcome you to come back and see why anglers and families, fun seekers and adventurers have come to catch memories of our natural areas, forests and pristine lakes for decades.
Resorts and other lodging accommodations in the Park Rapids area provide guests a place to stay 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 assist with your trip planning.
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.
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