Where the Mighty Mississippi BEGINS... and Adventure
never ENDS!

A visit to the Park Rapids Lakes Area will take you back in time, back to an era when nature was natural, life was prolific and people were, well, people. Take a drive along the Lake Country Scenic Byway. You’ll experience towering pines, brilliant sunsets, lake after stunning lake, and stars you think you can  reach out and touch. Whether it’s adventure, romance, family fun or just “getting out of town,” you can choose from an array of charming B&B’s, motels, resorts or campgrounds.

Whatever your pleasure, there are always dozens of reasons to escape to the Park Rapids Lakes Area.

Discover numerous hiking and self-guided nature trails, weekly naturalist’s programs and guided boat tours in Itasca State Park and Paul Bunyan State Forest. All perfect for viewing the many species of animals and plants indigenous to the area.

Visitors also enjoy biking, canoeing, fishing, all manner of lodging and camping facilities, boat rides aboard “Chester Charles” and dining at the famous Historic Douglas Lodge.

Our forests are abundant with wildlife including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Black Bears, Gray Wolves, Deer, Beaver, Muskrat and more. Listen for the call of the Loon echoing over our 500 lakes. Other area Parks and Nature Reserves include Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge and the Chippewa National Forest.

The Heartland Trail is one of Minnesota’s first “Rails to Trails” multi-use trails. The paved trail winds 48 miles through beautiful woods along breathtaking lakeviews, and accommodates bikers, runners and in-line skaters. A parallel trail is reserved for horseback riding and snowmobiling. During winter months, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers take advantage of hundreds of miles of inter-connected trails.

Avid angler? More than 500 crystal clear spring-fed lakes await you. Depending on the season, haul in Walleye, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, the legendary Northern Pike, Muskies, Bluegills, Crappies and Rock Bass or pack up the auger for the Winter catch. Paddling away with the breathtaking Northwoods backdrop is nothing short of magnificent. The Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers connect numerous lakes, and are home to miles and miles of beautiful scenery with an abundance of wildlife, sandy beaches and pure waters.

Experience the wonders of agriculture first-hand while touring a Bison Ranch or an organic farm, or take a tour on horseback. When the snow flies, snowmobilers travel the state’s most spectacular trails, discovering sledder friendly stops along the way and numerous lakeside resorts open all winter long.

Stroll down Park Rapid’s Historic Main Street and you’ll see cars parked right down the center of the street…just like the good old days. You’ll find precious antiques, crafts, gifts, original art, frame shops and a variety of other treasures unique to downtown Park Rapids. Plus, an old fashioned confectionery, original soda fountain, classic theatre and a variety of quaint restaurants.

Golf enthusiasts, choose from 14 beautiful Park Rapids Lakes Area courses…all within an easy drive from wherever you’re staying. Everything from 9-hole courses for novice players to challenging 18-hole courses for avid golfers.

For Free 2009 Discovery Guide, call 800-247-0054 or visit
www.parkrapids.com.