THE HOME ADDRESS OF THE MISSISSIPPI
The Mississippi river is without a doubt, one of the five greatest rivers in the world, and arguably, along with the Nile and Amazon, one of the top three in terms of length, volume and significance. It runs for two thousand, five hundred miles, and drains two thirds of the land in the lower forty-eight states. Its waters have shaped agriculture, history and politics for thousands of years. Trade routes, wars, roads, commerce – even environmental policy – have all been shaped by the never-ceasing flow of the mighty Mississippi.
It starts in Minnesota, of course, and several Minnesota communities lay claim to Lake Itasca, the birthplace of the river. However, according to Katie Magozzi, director of the Park Rapids chamber of commerce, Park Rapids is the true official home of the Mississippi. “Look at the address for Itasca [state park],” she says. “It says ‘Park Rapids.’ I guarantee you, you can’t go and walk across the headwaters of the Amazon. But you can come here and walk across the Mississippi.”
Even so, Park Rapids is so much more than just the place that one of the world’s greatest rivers calls home. One of several slogans that the town enthusiastically uses goes, “Where the Mighty Mississippi begins, and the Adventure never ends...” The idea is that there is more to do than just dip your feet into crystal clear water that will someday end up in the Gulf of Mexico. “We have been a prime Minnesota destination for generations,” says Magozzi. “We are a thriving tourist community.” While it is a little to the north of the intense lake numbers of Otter Tail County, there are still close to four hundred lakes within a twenty-five mile radius of Park Rapids. In addition, there are three and a half million acres of forest land. Fittingly, another slogan they are proud of in Park Rapids, is that they live in “the land of lakes, loons and legends.” By loons, they mean the birds, of course.
THE REAL MINNESOTA VACATION EXPERIENCE
One thing most people probably don’t know, according to Magozzi, who is not shy about the virtues of Park Rapids, is that the area contains the largest number of family owned resorts in Minnesota. This means that up here, you can still find a great many places to have that quintessential Minnesota getaway. “We really can deliver the dream in terms of that stereotypical Minnesota vacation,” says Magozzi. “It’s still here. The sound of the loon, the smell of the pines, the fish frying for dinner.”
There are a couple of remarkable “firsts” associated with Park Rapids. The town boasts one end of the first ever “rail-to-trail” bike path in the state. Nowadays, people are used to seeing paved trails where the railroads once ran. But it all began with Heartland Trail between Park Rapids and Walker. A spur runs off of this route, connecting it to the Paul Bunyan trail, and two hundred miles of additional riding pleasure. Needless to say, Park Rapids is a good destination for bike riders. If you don’t bring your own wheels, you can rent them from Itasca Sports Rental in downtown Park Rapids.
Another “first,” is the first ever National Scenic Canoe Route, established forty years ago in the Crow Wing chain of lakes, just eight or ten miles southeast of Park Rapids. This is one of dozens of reasons why the Park Rapids area is a paradise for canoeists. The others are simply the other lakes, rivers and floatable streams that surround the town, including a terrific paddle down the first fifty miles of the Mississippi towards Bemidji.
Water is, of course, a big draw to Park Rapids. The fishing, according to Katie Magozzi and the town website, is reliably excellent. Trout, walleye, bass, pike, perch and panfish abound, as do places to catch them. Those who don’t appreciate one of the best fisheries in the lower forty-eight states, will have plenty of room for other watersports like skiing, sailing, kayaking, tubing and so on. There are several places to rent canoes, kayaks and boats, including Water Toys, which will deliver the craft to the lake of your choice (within a twenty-mile radius). The lakes nearby are clean, and gin-clear. Even in August, it is common to be able to see down twenty feet. This makes them a pleasure for swimming also, and with nine nearby public beaches, there is no lack of places to take a dip.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS BY LAND
In this outdoor paradise, there is no lack of things to do on dry land either. ATVs are popular near Park Rapids, and enthusiasts have hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, including the Forest Riders ATV trail and the Round River Drive. In the wintertime, there are easily six-hundred miles of snowmobile trails to explore, through scenic woodlands and across frozen lakes. For the more active, there are twenty-eight miles of ski trails in Itasca state park (which also offers hiking in the summer), and snowshoe enthusiasts can go anywhere that isn’t groomed. You can find six more miles of ski trails at the Soaring Eagle Ski and Nordic Center.
Hikers can share the Heartland Trail with bikers, or explore Itasca State Park’s forty-nine miles of hiking. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs just four miles north of Park Rapids. When complete, this national treasure will feature 4,200 miles of premier hiking and backpacking. Currently, the portion nearest Park Rapids is finished for about twenty-five miles. There are another sixty-eight miles complete in the nearby Chippewa National Forest, and an additional portion leading out of Itasca State Park.
Some folks prefer a more domesticated type of outdoors. Northern Minnesota is paradox of golf lovers coupled with a short season for the sport. Near Park Rapids, season permitting, you can find at least seven courses on which to satisfy the urge to belt the little white ball. In other words, you can take advantage of those perfect golfing days.
IN TOWN
The town itself has a surfeit of opportunities for fun, recreation and relaxation. “Just walking down Main Street is charming,” says Katie Magozzi. There are awnings in front of many of the shops, and there is no lack of places for even the most avid shopper to ferret through. You can park on both sides of Main Street downtown – and in the middle! Locals seem to be quite proud of their center-street parking. Maybe that’s why they call it Park Rapids.
The town has a rollicking fourth of July Festival. Their fireworks display is legendary in the area, and the celebration features a PBR rodeo. The signature town festival is Legends of Logging Days and will be held this year on August 7-8. This is attended by world champion lumberjacks, and features various logging-related events and competitions, as well as terrific food, music and good family fun.
Park Rapids has a rich tradition in the arts. Throughout the year it is possible to catch a Branson-type show, a stock-play performance, or even – yes truly – an opera. If you are interested in dinner and a show, dining is not a problem, with plenty of establishments of all types, running from fast food to fine cuisine.
Likewise, there is a plethora of options for lodging. You could camp in Itasca State Park, or a nearby state forest, or even the Chippewa national forest. You could find a bed and breakfast, a national-chain hotel, or a resort. With eighty-five lodging properties to choose from, there’s always room somewhere.
A BEAUTIFUL PLACE WITH A DIFFERENT PACE
Another one of Park Rapids’ several slogans is, “a beautiful place with a different pace.” It reflects the reality that this little town has not lost its compass. “Value and values – that’s Park Rapids,” says Katie Magozzi. “The core values that made America what it is today, are here. They exist. They are alive and well in Park Rapids. For instance, it isn’t all about ‘Do I have the big screen TV’s and things?’ It’s more about, ‘Did my son and I share stories over the campfire?’” Even though it is something intangible, that may be one of the greatest things about Park Rapids.
So, if you are looking for that authentic Minnesota vacation experience, you might consider someplace near the home address of the Mississippi.
