Chamber Blog

May 2012
Spring unfolds across the north woods

Mother Nature has delivered enough rain to freshen the landscape. Pink and white blossoms have emerged on wild plum, chokecherry and crab apple trees. Lakes have turned icy blue and reflect the yellow-green of deciduous trees along their shores. The loons are calling.

Fishing opener - May 12 this year - becomes a deadline 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 communities. We are fortunate to have some 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.

Downtown Park Rapids is planning a music series called 2nd Street Stage on Thursdays, starting June 21. Top bands, a beer garden with snacks and more offer a new place to enjoy a summer evening. See the schedule at www.parkrapidsdowntown.com.

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 17-20 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. From beginning birding to the latest bird research, this festival has something for all levels of bird enthusiasts. (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.

Park Rapids Announced as the site of the

2013 Governor’s Fishing Opener!

Explore Minnesota Tourism

State of Minnesota

Contact: Jill Boldenow, 651-757-1862, jill.boldenow@state.mn.us



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 12, 2012

Park Rapids To Host 2013 Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener



Next year’s 66th annual Governor’s Fishing Opener, May 10-11, 2013, will be held in the Park Rapids Lakes Area, a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Located in northwest Minnesota, the Park Rapids area is home to many great fishing lakes, Itasca State Park, the Heartland Trail, Lake Country Scenic Byway, and the Chippewa National Forest.

“The Park Rapids area has a long history as a family vacation destination. Holding the Governor’s Fishing Opener here is a great way to focus on this area’s lakes, family resorts, parks and trails, and excellent fishing. Park Rapids reflects what’s great about fishing and travel throughout Minnesota, and that is what the Governor’s Fishing Opener is all about,” said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism.

The 2013 Governor’s Fishing Opener will be hosted locally by the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, along with many sponsors and local volunteers. Dennis Mackedanz will chair the committee of volunteers to plan the event.

“The Park Rapids Lakes Area is a great destination to host the Opener,” said Mackedanz and Katie Magozzi, executive director of the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, in a recent statement. “Our community’s slogan, ‘Now This is Minnesota,’ reflects our focus on outdoor recreation and the natural assets that make Minnesota a great vacation state. Our excellent local fishing, recreational activities, attractions and points of interest are a perfect fit for the 2013 Governor’s Fishing Opener.”

The Governor’s Fishing Opener has been a tradition in Minnesota since 1948. The event was designed to promote the development of Minnesota’s recreation industry, and in recent years, it has served as a kick-off celebration for the summer tourism season. Travel and tourism generate $11.3 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota annually.

The Opener provides the host community with an opportunity to highlight local fishing and other recreational activities, attractions and other points of interest. Media from throughout the region attend the event, resulting in significant publicity for the host community and Minnesota.

More information is available at: www.mngovernorsopener.com

http://www.mngovernorsopener.com/

April 2012 Spring comes early; summer will be here before we know it.

If spring is the first day that sun warms your face, we’ve already enjoyed a few days of the long-awaited season.The snow and lake ice have melted, pussy willows are bursting from their shells and Canada geese are returning.

Loons, Bald eagles and blue herons have arrived too, finding rivers and lakes with open water. Bikers, rollerbladers and hikers began using the Heartland Trail earlier than in most years. Anglers are dropping their lines into open water in hopes of catching a perch, crappie or other panfish. And many of us have already fired up the grill for the first time since fall.

With summer closer now, it’s time to plan your vacation. The Park Rapids lakes area is truly a destination to explore whether you are from out of town or out of state. Natural areas and forests surround pristine lakes. The Mississippi flows from the mighty river’s source in Itasca State Park. The Lake Country Scenic Byway stretches from Itasca to Park Rapids and then 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 invite guests 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 suggestions for day trips, attractions and dozens of ideas for things to see and do.If you don’t want to wait for summer, April can be a quiet time for a leisurely visit to see nature in transition, shop or just relax.

April 17-23 the Red Bridge Film Festival brings six feature films about the future, an Award-winning Iranian documentary, “This is not a film,” shown at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011 and discussions.It is part of life here that we are optimists at the beginning of each new season and its progression of change.

Our accommodations become your personal retreat and our wonderful community is your home away from home.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.

Labels: Red bridge film festival, resort vacation lodging, Spring Happenings in the Park Rapids Lakes Area Vacation Destination, summer fun, Summer resort getaway, Summer vacation plans, wildlife

March 2012 Today’s the day to plan your stay Snow shovels may still be put to good use as winter winds down, but it’s time to think spring and plan for the glorious months of summer. The cover of our new Discovery Guide says it all: Now, this is Minnesota. Visitors can enjoy life at the lake, in the woods or at a local celebration. Pick an activity and go with it: biking, hiking, bird watching, fishing, water skiing, tubing down the river, ATV riding, playing golf, building sand castles, sitting by the campfire, picnicking, high adventure at Evergreen Amusement Park and the Character Challenge Course or just relaxing. Let your imagination be your guide. Area lodging accommodations can be found to suit your style whether it’s camping under the stars, sleeping within walking distance of a golf course or staying at a cabin on a sand beach. Start here for information on campgrounds, motels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns, vacation homes and a hostel. Most accommodations have Websites so you can peak inside a cabin or read what other guests have to say about their stay. Or, if you prefer, ask for a copy of the 2012 Discovery Guide and page through the information you’ll find inside. You may want to schedule a visit when one of the area’s special events is taking place and now is the time to make sure you are not disappointed. Park Rapids’ Legends & Logging Days moved to the Antique Tractor Club Grounds last year and visitors will find there’s plenty of space for parking and viewing World Class Logging events and other fun activities Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10-11. The Chamber event calendar is a great resource for scheduling your stay this year with Legends & Logging Days and dozens of other fun events all summer long. Visit www.parkrapids.com. If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit, need more information about activities or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

February 2012 Take heart - winter’s not over It’s February. Winter’s going to be around awhile. What’s not to love! We are still short on snow, but some say the lake ice is the best it’s ever been - thick and not slushy or snow packed. Whether you want to fish or go for a quiet walk, you may see bald eagles cleaning up after anglers, trumpeter swans flying gracefully overhead or other winged winter birds. Did you know trumpeter swans are the largest member of the waterfowl group and the largest swans in the world? There’s always a lot to learn about the flora and fauna of our lakes and pine forests. With Valentine’s Day on February’s calendar, a winter getaway “up north” may be the way to win your Valentine’s heart for the first time or all over again. When and if it does snow, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates snow and trail conditions in weekly reports updated after 2 p.m. every Thursday at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html. And our Chamber Website provides information about trail riding and cross country skiing possibilities as well as available lodging, dining and other things to see and do while you’re here. If you time your stay, you can sample one of the following fun winter activities: Two fun events are planned Saturday, Feb. 11. Discover the good old days of harvesting lake ice at an old-time ice harvest at Itasca State Park. Dress warmly as you come out on Lake Itasca to see ice harvesters use tools of the ice cutting trade. Watch them create an opening in the ice with a single-handled handsaw, then breathlessly wait as they bounce the ice blocks out of the water onto the slippery edge. Watch for signs and park at the Lake Itasca boat landing. Registration for Audrey’s Purple Dream Fishing Tournament, “Our Answer to Cancer,” is from 10 a.m. to noon in Akeley on 11th Crow wing Lake. Hot food and beverages will be available on the ice and following the tournament at the VFW. Live music by MESH will be provided by the Akeley VFW from 8 p.m. to midnight. For more information, call 218-368-3393. Arts Downtown PR (3rd Thursdays) continue in downtown Park Rapids. The Park Rapids Lakes Area Council brings painters, sculptors, musicians, writers, dancers and other artists the third Thursday of the month. The evening events are free and open to the public. The schedule will be posted at www.prlaac.org. Experience a classic winter day in the country when the Legendary Sleigh Festival returns to Hubbard Sunday, Feb. 26. The festival honors the community’s prairie heritage. A parade of sleighs will wind through the village beginning at 1 p.m. Up to 20 rigs are expected to participate, ranging in size from traditional small “Currier and Ives” cutters to large logging-size sleigh buses. Gov. and Mrs. Lucius Hubbard (1882-1887) will lead the parade as Grand Marshals. A snow sculpture contest, dog sledding demonstration, food, hot chocolate, kids medallion hunt and short address by Governor Hubbard, music and more are in store. For more information, call 218-237-5203. If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit, need more information about these and other winter activities or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Community Ice fishing contest, winter activities, winter fun, Winter scenery, winter sports, Wolf Lake Winterfest

January 2012
Cabin fever reliever

Snow is falling as 2012 begins and we’re hoping for enough to welcome winter recreation enthusiasts to hit the trails as we glide into a new year. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updates snow and trail conditions in weekly reports posted after 2 p.m. every Thursday at www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html.

The ice on area lakes is thickening. Fish houses dot the ice near shore and will spread farther out as temperatures fall to more normal winter digits.

Our winter lodging facilities are open as a cabin fever remedy no matter what Mother Nature brings. Warm up by the fire or in the pool, hot tub or sauna and enjoy the area’s fine dining, fun shops and more to do.

If you time your stay, you can sample one of the following fun winter activities:

Lantern lit skiing/snowshoeing events and naturalist programs are on the January calendar at Itasca State Park. For details about winter activities in the park, call 218-699-7251 or go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html.

Open houses are planned Sundays, Jan. 8 and 22 and Feb. 5 and 19 at Soaring Eagle Ski Trails north of Park Rapids. Bring your own skis or check out the club’s ski equipment. The Park Rapids Area Library and Itascatur Ski, Bike & Run Club are working together on a free Legacy program at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 at Soaring Eagle Ski Trails. Charlotte Wolf, musher and veterinary technician, will do a brief presentation on the history of Minnesota dog sledding and offer dog sled rides. Depending on the size of the group, part of the program may take place in the warming house. For more information about Soaring Eagle Ski Trails, visit itascatur.org.

Menahga’s Family Fishing Derby on Spirit Lake offers prizes, including $500 cash for the third largest fish caught, and a day of fishing fun from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Boy Scouts will serve food on site and the Menahga VFW will host a fish fry in the evening.

In the evening Saturday, Jan. 28, the Forest Riders Snowmobile Club hosts the annual SnoDeo Weekend Dance at the Eagles Club in Park Rapids.

And remember to buy tickets for the 14th Annual Park Rapids American Legion Community Fishing Contest on Fish Hook Lake Saturday, Feb. 4. The contest offers more than $110,000 in prizes. Grand prizes in this year's raffle are a 2012 Ford XLT truck and an Ice Castle fish house. Other raffle prizes, including $5,000 cash prizes, will be awarded. Polaris ATVs top the list of prizes in all four divisions: bluegill & crappie; northern, walleye & largemouth bass; perch; and rock bass. In conjunction with the fishing contest, the American Legion also sponsors a Medallion Treasure Hunt, starting Wednesday, Jan. 4. Tickets for the fishing contest at $40 each are available at the American Legion or call 218-732-3360. For more information, go to www.parkrapidsamericanlegion.com.

The Chamber Website provides information about trail riding and cross country skiing possibilities as well as available lodging, dining and other things to see and do while you’re here. If you’ve resolved to celebrate winter and need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.

Labels: Community Ice fishing contest, Snowmobile trails, winter activities

December 2011 ‘Nature gives to every season, a beauty all its own’

It is Charles Dickens who wrote: “Nature gives to every season, a beauty all its own.” In December, colorful sunrises crown shortened days and sunsets silhouette the landscape. We are waiting for more than a dusting of snow to give snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts the Christmas gift they want most. The ice is beginning to thicken so anglers patiently wait. It is a busy, but joyous time of the year. Most of us whittle away at our to do lists and fill our calendars with activities that make the season bright from decorating the tree to gathering with friends. For those who shop here, the Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Jingle Bells Sweepstakes offers five $1,000 prizes and one $5,000 prize. Participating businesses are giving customers a ticket for each $10 spent in their stores. The lucky winners will be announced at a celebration Dec. 15 at Century School. Hundreds of people gather at this annual community evening of food, music, fun and door prizes. A weekend or a week here to embrace the joys of the season, experience nature and take life at a different pace may be the best gift to you and yours for the holidays. Some may want to hit the trails. Others would prefer a concert, go to a play or find church ladies selling homemade lefse. Visitors are always welcome to share the culture of those who live here and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. 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 smell the hot chocolate or celebrate the arrival of a New Year. If you need help planning a memorable and affordable visit or if you have questions, call our friendly staff at 800-247-0054 to learn more.