Park Rapids, MN is the Quintessential Up North Escape You’re Looking For

Aug 5

Aug 5 Park Rapids, MN is the Quintessential Up North Escape You’re Looking For

When most Minnesotan’s use the term “Up North” it can generally mean anything that’s just north of the Twin Cities, regardless of if it’s East, West or straight up 35W. Normally when I hear the term “Up North” my mind automatically goes to the North Shore along Lake Superior, but there is so much more “North” to the state than just the great lake.

Related Article: Explore Minnesota’s North Shore

My Husband is from “Up North” from a little-known town called, Nevis, MN, just outside of Park Rapids. His graduating class was a whopping 46 kids (if that gives you an idea of the size of the town.) Over the years, I’ve gotten to spend a lot of time in the area around Park Rapids while visiting family, and I thought it was high time I pull together a list of all the wonderful things you can do!

The Park Rapids Lakes Area is a favorite family summer vacation destination for so many city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With it’s proximity to nearby towns like Walker, Akeley and Nevis, and so many recreational opportunities nearby, Park Rapids really is the quintessential “Up North” escape you’re looking for!

Places to Stop On Your Way Up North

The road trip from the Twin Cities up to the Park Rapids takes about 3hrs, but with heavy “cabin traffic” and road construction, that time can easily double, so why not stop and make the most of it?

Cabela’s
My Husband and Brother-in-Law were over the freakin’ moon when they built a Cabela’s in Rogers because it’s the perfect location to stop to pick up hunting and fishing supplies on their way up north.

Nelson’s Bros Restaurant & Bakery
No trip to Park Rapids is complete without a stop at Nelson Bro’s Travel Plaza in Clearwater for their delicious apple fritter bread and to-die-for donuts!

Morey’s Seafood
If you like smoked fish, jams, and gifts, then Morey’s in Motley is the place for you!

Treasure City
Treasure City is quite possibly the most ridiculous building you’re going to see on the way up to Park Rapids from the Twin Cities and it’s absolutely worth stopping at least once. Will you regret the cheap knick-knacks you end up buying? Probably. But will it be worth it just for the ‘gram photos and the joy you see on your family’s faces? 100%.

Things to Do in Park Rapids and Surrounding Areas

Get Out on the Water!
Probably the number one thing to do during the summer in Park Rapids (and surrounding areas) is to get out on the water! Whether you’re fishing, tubing, canoeing or just having a leisurely float, there is something for everyone to enjoy, and so many lakes to do it all on!

Canoeing on Sixth Crow Wing Lake, Nevis, MN

Want to go fishing but not sure how or don’t want to invest in all the gear? Contact Captain Jason Durham, owner of Go Fish! Guide Service. He provides all the equipment you need; all you have to do is fish! Go Fish! is available at Park Rapids, Nevis, Menahga, Akeley, Lake George, Hubbard, Dorset, and Emmaville.

Explore Downtown Park Rapids

No trip to Park Rapids is complete without spending an afternoon strolling down the idyllic Mainstreet. Check out the many charming boutiques, get a sugar rush from the confectionary and grab a beer (or two) at the town’s new brewery – Revel Brewing.

Hit the Trail

Itasca State Park is an absolute must visit! Known as the “Father of Waters,” the start of the Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca and glows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. You can spend just a few short minutes standing in the river or you can spend an entire day hiking the many trails Itasca has to offer.

Related Article: Winter Adventures at Itasca State Park

Heartland State Trail
If you really want to check out all the nearby towns of Park Rapids, why not go by bike? The 49-mile-long Heartland State Trail is the first rail to trail project in the country, and connects Park Rapids, Dorset, Nevis, Akeley and Walker.

Take a Selfie with Paul Bunyan

The nearby town of Akeley, MN has the largest statue of Paul Bunyan. I love stopping here for a quick photo! They’ve even recently set up a selfie station so you can easily prop up your phone and snap away.

Grab some Grub!

Once you’ve had your fill of exploring, time to fill up on some grub! Here are just a few of the of many eateries in and around Park Rapids to choose from.

Good Life Café (Park Rapids)

Vallartas Mexican Grill (Park Rapids)

Bella Caffe (Park Rapids)

Iron Horse Bar & BBQ (Nevis)

Chop n’ Pops Bakery (Nevis)

La Pasta Italian Eatery (Dorset)

Benson’s (Walker)