What to Do
Seek serenity lakeside with the loons calling from the morning mist. Explore your wild side biking or hiking through the jack pine Northwoods. Tiptoe across the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Stroll the delightful shops on Main in Park Rapids. Discover Dorset the “Restaurant Capital of the World.” Fish on over 400 area lakes. Play golf at an area golf course. Bring your ATV or snowmobile and ride hundreds of miles of trails. Ride your motorcycle along the Lakes Country Scenic Byway, through Itasca State Park and down Route 113.
Request Discovery Guide
Come to the Park Rapids Lakes Area prepared for fun, relaxation, and adventure. Park Rapids is surrounded by wilderness, outdoor fun, shopping, lakes, art, entertainment, and many more activities. Get the info before you go…what to do, what to see, where to eat and where to stay! We have all the info you could ever need in our guide. Download a copy of the Park Rapids Discovery Guide or we’ll mail you one for free today!
Shopping
Browse our shops to catch the memory of your stay. Explore one of Minnesota’s best, the delightful shops of Park Rapids Downtown. Stores stock a wide inventory from sporting goods, clothing and souvenirs to furniture, kitchen accessories, and books. Explore great options for “Up North” shopping. Watch delectable fudge being made right before your eyes. Find a treasure in one of our antique or thrift stores. Explore unique shopping activities and opportunities now!
Dining
Savor distinct local flavors and down-home old fashioned comfort food in Park Rapids. You can enjoy a lumberjack breakfast, sample delectable locally sourced ingredients and take your taste buds on an epicurean adventure in the north woods – we have authentic Italian, German and Scandinavian cuisines. The perfect way to reward your body after a day of fun and exploration!
Itasca State Park
There is only one place in the entire world where you can tiptoe across the bubbling beginnings of the mighty Mississippi River. Itasca State Park, located just 22 miles north of Park Rapids, is 33,000 acres waiting for you to discover. This is where the Mississippi River begins its 2,552-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Designated as Minnesota’s first state park in 1891, Itasca State Park is regarded as the crown jewel of our state parks and the premier highlight of the Lake Country Scenic Byway.
Attractions & Recreation
The diversity of the Park Rapids Lakes Area welcomes the adventurist and the solace seeker alike. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound; cross country skiing, snowmobiling, zip lines, boating, fishing, hiking, biking and more. To capture serenity; the peace of area lakes, glorious sunsets and the haunting call of the loons fulfill your desire. Find the perfect things to do in Park Rapids now!
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Seeking a Branson-like experience, summer stock performances or opera – really – you won’t be disappointed. Check out the impressive performing arts organizations and venues – our events calendar has many entertainment options listed as well. There’s a lot of history to explore and more artists in the jack pine woods than mosquitoes, well almost!
Events
Outdoor and indoor fun, Park Rapids has it all. Check out our events calendar for most things to do in the Park Rapids Lakes Area.