Area Attractions

Overview

The Park Rapids Lakes Area is a favorite summer vacation destination for many looking to escape the summer heat in the big city and head north. Only a short distance from Park Rapids, Itasca State Park attracts many guests looking to walk across the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi before it wanders its way to the gulf. With over 34,000 acres and almost 560,000 visitors each year, it is one of the most popular state parks in MN. If you’re looking to pack up the clubs and get a few rounds in, Park Rapids is in the heart of the MN Golf Trail and offers several excellent courses in the surrounding area. Several of the courses capture the serenity of Northern Minnesota, but still offer a challenge – even for the avid golfer. No matter what the day’s itinerary includes, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite after playing hard in the Northern Minnesota sun. There are many different dining options in the area, including the famous “restaurant capital of the world” in tiny, downtown Dorset. Park Rapids also offers many excellent choices as well that will satisfy even the hungriest vacationers looking to go out onto the town.

Golf

Headwaters Country Club : 18 holes, par 72, 6,506 yards – 20 miles
Blueberry Pines: 18 holes, par 72, 6703 yards – 29 miles
Eagle View: 18 holes, par 64, 3617 yards – 11 miles
Brookside:  9 holes, par 27, 1370 yards – 7 miles
Bears Den : 9 holes, par 36, 3410 yards – 24 miles 
Fair Havens:  18 holes, par 72, 5922 – 26 miles
Long Bow Golf Club:  18 holes, par 72, 6,536 yards – 42 miles
Tianna Country Club:  18 holes, par 72, 6550 yards – 44 miles

Dining

LOCAL FAVORITES

The Good Life Café – American, Craft Beer–20 miles
Necces Italiano Restorante – Italian– 20 miles
Companeros – Mexican– 24 miles
The Great Northern Café – Café Style–20 miles
Iron Horse – BBQ– 30 miles

A more detailed list of area dining options.

Adventure

Character Challenge Course – High ropes/Zipline/Team Building – Park Rapids
Charlie’s Ottertail Tubing – Tubing on Ottertail River – Ottertail
Evergreen Gifts and Fun Park –Amusement Park/Gift Shop – Park Rapids
Heartland bike trail – 49 mile trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake
Huntersville Outfitters – Canoe/Kayak/Tube down Crow Wing River – Menahga
Itasca bike trail – 16 mile paved bike trail – Itasca State Park
Itasca Sports Rental  – bike/burley/boat rental – Itasca State Park
Northern Cycle – Bike store/rental – Park Rapids

Parks/Wildlife

Heartland State Trail – Paved trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake
Itasca State Park – Trails/Exhibits/Dining/Biking/History
Paul Bunyan State Trail & Forest – 110 miles between Brainerd and Bemidji
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge – One of the best places in MN to bird-watch
Two Inlets State Forest – Hiking/Mountain Biking/ATV trails

Entertainment

LOCAL FAVORITES

Aunt Belle’s Confectionary – Candy Store –  Park Rapids
Forest Edge Winery – Wine tasting and art gallery – Laporte
Carter’s Red Wagon Farm – Berry Picking/Market –Park Rapids
Bull Ride – July 1-3 – Park Rapids
Summerhill Farm – Specialty shops and lunch – Park Rapids 
Re’Juv Spa – Natural/organic/non-toxic spa – Menagha

OTHER AREA EVENTS

Explore Minnesota Tourism
Park Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce – Events

A more detailed list of area entertainment & events.