Park Rapids: The Source of the Mississippi
Somewhere in the Heartland Lakes region of Minnesota, Park Rapids, a city known as the access point to the source of the Mississippi River. With hundreds of pristine lakes and deep woods, Park Rapids is your base camp for a tranquil and soul-invigorating north woods experience any time of the year, whether going solo or with your family. Visit Park Rapids by flying into Bemidji Regional Airport and driving south along US-71.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Park Rapids, MN, is in August when temperatures are still warm but room rates are less expensive. Most tourists visit in the summer, when weather is perfect for every outdoor and water sports activity and the town is abuzz with festivals. Snow here arrives early starting November, perfect for cross-country skiing and other winter recreation for the intrepid traveler.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Park Rapids is definitely an epicenter for nature and outdoor activities. Half a million visitors a year visit Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River and only 22 miles north from Park Rapids. Here you can actually tiptoe across the beginnings of the mighty Mississippi. Nearby are other beautiful parks as well, such as Paul Bunyan State Forest and the Crow Wing Lakes. In fact, anywhere you can choose your own personal lake or woods for a day or two. Closer to the city, Fishhook Lake provides a rich fishing and boating experience, while Heartland State Trail is a popular multi-use trail. For food, visit the adjacent town of Dorset, which has an amazing 10:1 ratio of restaurants to residents! Lastly, retire to the comfort of your room at the numerous hotels, ranging from downtown favorites such as Super 8 by Wyndham Park Rapids, to lakeside resorts and cabins like Vacationaire Resort & Clancy's.