Where Beauty & Nature intersect

July 2010 Fantastic fireworks, festivals, the county fair, theater and more fill the July calendar. You could say July begins and ends with a dazzling array of fun events. The PBR Challenger Tour Bull Ride kicks off the 4th of July weekend in Park Rapids. July 1, 2 and 3 arena action abounds, followed by […]

June Northern nights promise a cool escape If you live in southern Minnesota or other Midwestern states and endure the heat of the day that blankets the night air and hangs on until a storm passes, an escape to the north woods and naturally air-conditioned nights bring welcome relief. Northern nights offer possibilities for a […]

May brings fishing opener and so much more Heading west into Park Rapids, a patch of golden flowers – marsh marigolds, also known as cowslips – thrives on the side of a hill sloping down to Mud Lake. Every spring, as the snow melts, anyone driving on State Highway 34 can watch the slope turn […]

Spring comes early The ice has pulled away from the shore, pussy willows are ready to burst from their shells, daffodils are sprouting, geese are returning and eagles soar. Signs of spring inhabit the north woods, but require patience. There’s still ice in the bird bath each morning and it’s too soon to take the […]

March 2010 Vacation plans start here Winter’s winding down, but usually Mother Nature doesn’t get the memo and delivers snow, snow and more snow and with it the opportunity to ride or ski groomed trails through the frozen forest. At least during the first part of March and maybe longer, the ice is still safe […]

This snow’s for you February is for snow lovers. The days are getting longer, the average temps are rising and more than 500 miles of snowmobile trails are groomed and ready to ride. Our forest and lake trails connect directly to restaurants, gas stations and lodging where you can put your feet up by the […]

January 2010 Celebrate winter We have 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails through the woods. Snow conditions are excellent with a 12 to 14″ base. Cross country skiing is great at Soaring Eagle Ski Trail and Itasca State Park. Both have warming facilities. Ice on our lakes is 12 to 14″ thick so ice fishing […]

December 2009 Find the season’s magic here The winter solstice soon marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and gives Santa more time to hop from rooftop to rooftop on his magical rounds. It can’t be a coincidence. We treasure silent nights and star-covered skies. The countryside prepares for winter recreation with […]

November 2009 Life’s simple pleasures await Our majestic pines are showing just enough snow to remind us the landscape is changing from one of fall chores and outdoor activities to quieter pursuits with one great exception. Firearms deer season opens Nov. 7, signaling a time of year in many households when traditions trump all else. […]

October 2009Fall’s grand entry “Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.” – Elizabeth LawrenceIt may be time to grab a jacket before you head outdoors, but you can leave the mosquito spray at home. Fall has made a grand entry in the north woods. […]