Local Infromation

Theathers
Jaspers Jubilee Theater - Hwy 34 East, Park Rapids. "Now That's Entertainment!" Music-Magic-Comedy in air-conditioned comfort. Come celebrate our 5th season! Enjoy the best mix of music from every era highlighting big band, Dixieland, jazz, country, gospel, patriotic & 50s, MAGIC performed by Jack Sand, and novelty talents, such as yodeling, dancing and comedy skits. The show features 4 generations of the "Jasper" Family. For more information call (218)237-4333 or see: http://www.jasperstheater.com/
Long Lake Theater - in historic downtown Hubbard. The Long Lake Theater starts its 8th season entertaining audiences with a line-up of top-notch comedies, drama and musicals. With the addition of the cozy, 100-seat Landmark Theater last year, Long Lake Theater now has two intimate theaters for quality, family-friendly entertainment. This year's summer stock theater performances will include A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline and Nunsensations. Reservation line: (218)732-0099. For more information see: http://www.longlaketheater.net/
Minnesota Folklore Theater - Akeley Regional Community Center, 210 Pleasant Ave. SE. This new theater is dedicated to performing plays and musicals about Minnesota and the Midwest, furthering the knowledge and appreciation of our culture and heritage. The season will open with a production of Paul Bunyan Hubbard Prairie Radio Hour. Join Paul and his loggers as they tell their tall tales. For reservations call (218)652-3508. For more information see: http://www.minnesotafolkloretheater.org
Northern Light Opera Company, Park Rapids. The Northern Light Opera Company will produce "Fiddler on the Roof" this season. Since 2002, NLOC productions have entertained audiences, bringing talent "out of the woods" and onto the stage. "Fiddler on the Roof" is memorable for its music and story. Set in the small Jewish village of Anatevka, Russia, in 1905, the story is concerned primarily with the efforts of Tevye, a dairyman, his wife, Golde, and their five daughters to cope with their harsh existence under Tsarist rule. The lyrics of "Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise Sunset" and "Anatevka" are all poignant. The production will be staged July 31 and Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., Aug. 2 at 3 p.m., Aug. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. at the Park Rapids Area High School auditorium. For ticket information, call (218)732-7096. For more information see: http://www.northernlightopera.org/
Woodtick Musical Theater, Akeley. Bringing music and comedy to the Northwoods since 1992, the Woodtick Theater personifies the spirit of music and comedy of the popular public radio show, Prairie Home Companion. And though it may not look like Nashville's Grand Old Opry, the talent of its performers seems to leave audiences just as satisfied. The additional dimension of actors on a stage, sets, lighting, costumes, brings the whole thing to life. Woodtick Theater's two-hour show features country, bluegrass, folk and gospel music, comedy skits, lighthearted instrumentals, harmonicas, fiddles and guitars. The show appeals to all ages - families bring their children and grandchildren for an afternoon or evening of entertainment. For reservations call (800)644-6892 or (218)652-4200. For more information see: http://www.woodticktheater.net/

Tours & Day Trips

Town and country tours are available in our area. Depending on your interests and the time of year, a little prior planning can add excitement to your visit and help you learn more about our area's natural beauty and culture. Farmers here traditionally grow potatoes, kidney beans, soybeans, sunflowers, corn, alfalfa and other crops. Some rural residents have found creative ways to make a living off the land and offer tours of their interesting operations: milking time at a large dairy, a biodynamic farm and CSA garden, bison and emu ranches and a winery.
All Veterans Memorial Park, US Hwy 71 South, Park Rapids, near the Chamber of Commerce & Wayside Rest. A living Memorial honoring your veteran loved one. Stones and benches are available for purchase. Cash or in-kind contributions are being sought for completion of a museum and educational interpretive center. Guided tours by reservation (218)732-5601. For more information see: http://www.allvetmemorial.com/
Coborn's Lake Itasca Boat Tours, in Itasca State Park, 22 miles north of Park Rapids on US Hwy 71. Two-hour naturalist narrated tour around Lake Itasca. Weddings and group event tours may be chartered by calling: (218)266-3660. For more information see: http://www.lakeitascatours.com Visit the Character Challenge Course, the area's only recreational High & Low Ropes Course. Whether experiencing the 3G Swing, completing the Challenge Course, or riding on the 360' Zipline, you will be wildly entertained! Your family will leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Call for reservations, April-October. (218) 760-8442. Or visit website: www.characterchallengecourse.com http://www.characterchallengecourse.com/
Forestedge Winery, 35295 state Hwy 64, Laporte, 18 miles east of Park Rapids on state Hwy 34 through Akeley to state Hwy 64 and 9 miles north on 64. Open Mother's Day through December. On a tour of this three-person managed,10,000-bottle plus per season winery enjoy wine tastings and an art gallery. Attend their August Art Fair at the Winery. (218)224-3535. For more information see: http://www.forestedgewinery.com/
Hubbard County Historical Museum, 310 Court Avenue, Park Rapids. Open May-September from 11am-5pm. Closed Sunday-Monday. They showcase historical pioneer and military displays. Free admission. Donations accepted. (218)732-5237.
North Country Museum of Arts, 310 Court Avenue, Park Rapids. Open May-September from 11am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Closed Sundays in May & September. Tour a rare variety of art, ranging from a renaissance collection from the 15th century to African and Native American creations to recent work of local artists. Admission free of charge. Donations accepted. (218)237-5900
Northland Bison Ranch - 23527, County 40, Nevis, north of Nevis on County 2 and west on County 40. Board the Buffalo Bus, learn the history of bison and hear the sounds buffalo make. See bison up close in their natural environment. A themed, log gift gallery is on site and visitors may purchase bison meat. Call (218)652-3582 or (877)453-9499 for reservations or see: http://www.northlandbison.com/
Sommerset Flea Market, on Hwy 34 East of Park Rapids. It is a treasure hunters dream! You never know what you may find there. They are open every Thursday after Memorial Day through the first Thursday before Labor Day. For more information call 218-732-5570.Heart of Minnesota Emu Ranch, rural Nevis. A working emu ranch. Due to veterinarians' restrictions, visitors must follow strict biosecurity measures to protect the birds. Tours May to Labor Day by appointment only. Call (218)652-3790 or see: http://www.emumagic.com (ranch)
Park Rapids Antique Tractor & Engine Club, County 6, mile south of state Hwy 34 east, Park Rapids. Portraying the family farm and lifestyle during the early part of the 20th century. The club hosts Field Days in August. Call (218)732-8567 for tours other times of the season.
Secret Garden & Midheaven Farm, rural Park Rapids. Tour this biodynamic farm, CSA garden and business that creates all-natural, vegetarian soups and entrees. By appointment only. Call (218)732-4866 or see: http://www.secretgardengourmet.com or http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M6263
Aho's Dairy Farm, rural Wolf Lake. Milk doesn't just come from a bottle you buy at the grocery store. It comes from contented cows. Visit at milking time by appointment only (218-538-6744).

ATV & OHM Trails

ATV riders enjoy hundreds of miles of trails in the Park Rapids Lakes Area, bringing them closer to nature's beauty in remote areas others often don't see. Local clubs maintain two primary trails in our area, which are connected with more miles of trails along county highways and byways.
Forest Riders ATV Trail <http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/ohv/forest_riders.pdf>, combination of state forest roads, county forest roads and township, county and state road rights-of-way. Located in Becker and Hubbard counties, the trails can be accessed starting at the Two Inlets Town Hall, 11 miles north of Park Rapids on US Hwy 71 and west on Hubbard County 41 to Becker County 46 then 3 miles to Two Inlets. For more information, contact Tim Eischens, Forest Riders ATV Club Trail Chairperson at: (218)732-5235.
Round River Drive ATV Trail <http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/ohv/round_river.pdf>, located in the Paul Bunyan State Forest and can be reached from state Hwy 64, 4.5 miles north of Akeley.
For more information on area ATV trails see: <http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/index.html>, http://www.atvam.org/news/privateland_recbrochure.html and at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/chippewa/recreation/atv_trails/index.php
Martineau Trail <http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/trail_detail.html?id=14>, an OHM trail with two loops totaling 105 miles. The trail is located in the southern unit of the Paul Bunyan State Forest and can be reached from state Hwy 64, 5.5 miles north of Akeley. For more information see: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv/trail_detail.html?id=14

Family Fun

For a variety of fun things to do, the Park Rapids Lakes Area is like no other.Visit the Character Challenge Course, the area's only recreational High & Low Ropes Course. Whether experiencing the 3G Swing, completing the Challenge Course, or riding on the 360' Zipline, you will be wildly entertained! Your family will leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Call for reservations, April-October. (218) 760-8442. Or visit website: www.characterchallengecourse.com http://www.characterchallengecourse.com/Evergreen Fun Park (formerly World of Christmas), 10 miles north of Park Rapids on US 71, Park Rapids. Enjoy Go Carts, Mini Golf, Bumper Boats, Laser Maze, Laser Tag, Outdoor Maze, Climbing Wall, Batting Cages, Bouncy House and much more! Fun for the whole family!! Open Memorial Day though Labor Day. Hours vary, call or visit website for times. 218-732-9609 or go to www.evergreengiftsandfun.com http://www.evergreengiftsandfun.comToad Mountain Ranch, 42273 state Hwy 34, west of Big Toad Lake.Horseback riding, camp store, day and residential camps for children and adults. Riding lessons available by appointment only. Call (218)846-1020 or (701)261-1305. For more information see: http://www.toadmountain.com
Timberline Ranch, Detroit Lakes. Ride the Timberline for approximately one hour and also enjoy their friendly critters, including a pot-bellied pig, bunnies and miniature goats. Open through Labor Day weekend. Reservations may be made by calling (218)847-3886