Chamber Blog

April 2010
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 snow brush out of the car.

Spring teases us outdoors. Bikers, rollerbladers and hikers populate the Heartland Trail. Anglers drop a line into open water in hopes of catching a perch, crappie or other panfish. Some just enjoy firing up the grill for the first time while gardeners can’t wait to get their hands dirty and press seeds into pots so they have tomato plants ready to plant around Memorial Day.

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 headwaters flow from the might 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 quieter time for a leisurely visit to see nature in transition, shop or just relax. April 16-20 the Red Bridge Film Festival brings The Hurt Locker, Crazy Heart, A Serious Man, An Education, Fantastic Mr. Fox and other films and special documentaries, all chosen before the Academy Award nominations were even announced.

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. We welcome all to our north woods 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: ice out, Minnesota resorts, Red bridge film festival, spring, vacation

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 for some late season angling and a catch of crappies.

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.

Meanwhile, it’s time to plan for the glorious months of summer and ways to explore all the Park Rapids lakes area offers. 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 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 85 properties - 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 2010 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 will be rolling out the black and orange carpet for an All-School Reunion Aug. 6-8 so alumni will want to make their plans now. Be sure to schedule a visit during Legends and Logging Days, Friday and Saturday, August 13 & 14, 2010. Thrill as World Recording Holding Lumberjack and Jills compete and Master Chain saw carvers create masterpieces before your eyes… plus, Fabulous food, Marketplace, Chili Cook Off and Family events & activities. Lets the chips fly!

Facilities are available for small meetings, family reunions and anniversary parties any time of the year.

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: cross country skiing, festivals, ice fishing, Minnesota resorts, Park Rapids Vacation destination, snowmobiling, special events