It’s all here: snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, cultural experiences, you name it. Connect with nature and your family for a memorable holiday season. A week or a weekend in Park Rapids and Itasca State Park will not disappoint and make memories for years to come.
Some snow blankets the ground and woods; not enough yet for snowmobiling and cross country skiing, but it will be here soon. Ice on small lakes has begun to thicken, but please be cautious about when and where to set up. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources guidelines on ice thickness are at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.
This holiday season take part in the annual winter bird count at Itasca State Park Monday, Dec. 16. Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center lobby between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for assignment of count areas. Stay a few hours or spend the day. For more information on this and other winter events at Itasca, call 218-699-7259.
Seasonal cultural festivities continue. The Park Rapids Classic Chorale will present its annual Christmas Concert, “Oh How Beautiful the Sky,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at St. Johns Lutheran Church. Or visit the Sweets, Treats & Treasures event Saturday, Dec. 7 at Calvary Lutheran Church and enjoy the holiday cookie walk, handcrafted items and gently used holiday decor, sponsored by CHI St. Joseph’s Health Auxiliary. Medora’s past and present stars will bring family friendly entertainment for A Magical Medora Christmas at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec.19 at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. Tickets are available at the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber. Long Lake Theater in Hubbard will host “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 21 and 22.
Downtown Park Rapids invites you to Love Local and find great service and friendly smiles at local stores as you fulfill those Christmas wish lists. On Saturdays, kids will find Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bella Caffé and free children’s Christmas matinees starting at 1 p.m. at Park Theater.
All season, Park Rapids’ giant tree brightens Main Street on winter nights and stands as a symbol of small town cheer and good will, lighting the way to a New Year.
Take time in December to immerse yourself in the season’s small town charm or celebrate the arrival of a New Year. If you need help planning a memorable time or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.
-LuAnn Hurd-Lof
Fall’s First Snow Photo Credit: Barbra Wicks