Community
There are many wonderful things about Park Rapids, and it is difficult to capture them all. However, one of the things I love about living there is how engaged people are in the community. There are many retirees in the area and most who are able are physically active. I am a part of the Hubbard Bikers, and we had a man ride 80 miles on his 80th birthday, and a woman ride 75 miles on her 75th birthday and 50 years on insulin! My husband plays tennis regularly year round with retirees. This place is a role model to the world on how to embrace your retirement and remain as active as you are able.
In addition to the myriad of physical activities, people are also active volunteers in an untold number of ways. The musical and arts community is far superior to most larger communities, and those without those talents support those that have it. That would include me!!! The physical setting of the area is also important. The downtown is thriving and a fun place to take visitors as well as shop for yourself. One cannot underestimate the beauty and fun of the lakes. Summer is a very busy time when people share their bounty with family and friends. Young people are exposed to the love of the out-of-doors and hopefully learn to become advocates for the environment. My father brought my family and me to Park Rapids when I was six (1956). We lived in Nebraska, and he needed somewhere to fish. Park Rapids won the contest of where to go even then! We later lived overseas, but we always came back to PR for at least two weeks vacation every summer. Dad taught us to swim, water ski, fish, run a boat, enjoy a sunrise and sunset, etc, etc. I am continually grateful for all of that. After my Mother died, Dad, my husband and I came to Little Sand Lake outside of PR for 17 years every August. We moved permanently to Little Sand Lake in 2010 following our retirement. Life is good! I am attaching my favorite photo of all time. It was taken in 1998, and Dad and I are standing on our Little Sand Lake dock enjoying the mist rising as we drink our coffee and hot chocolate. It captures our love for each other and for the Park Rapids lake country. Dad died last year at 98.75, and we will always remember him as an integral part of our Park Rapids heritage. I know similar stories abound from others. -Janet We have lived in Park Rapids for 22 years, and believe me there are 3 generations who have claimed the lakes as their summer home!
These people are in our church, Trinity Episcopal and Presbyterian, and a rare combination at that...I've never known more sincere and friendly people in my life (a little like Lake Wobegon, if you Listen to Garrison Keillor's Sunday radio program!) People here CARE about those less fortunate; and there are many "benefits" to aid victims of fire or accident! And we have loved the serenity of country living, in our retirement here. A true story is about cold weather. When, in the dead of winter, our friends come to church, you can hear the men saying, "How cold was it at your place last night? We had 35." The other man says, "We had 39", and you KNOW they are talking about MINUS 35 and MINUS 39! -June House What is your favorite part about living in Park Rapids?
I have lived in many different states and countries and have found this town in Northern Minnesota to be so diversified in the types of people who live here. This makes for interesting conversations and continued learning in my life. If someone was visiting town for the first time, what places should they see and what things should they do? I like to take people to Itasca State Park. This is an interesting town but I prefer to show people the natural environment near and around Park Rapids. Share a favorite memory from Park Rapids. My favorite memories are watching my friends and relatives enjoying this area of the United States. -Kathryn Medellin |
What is you favorite part about living in Park Rapids?
Small town surrounded by beautiful lakes and trees. If someone was visiting town for the first time, what places should they see and what things should they do? Downtown (Main Street) and Itasca State Park, Dorset before the fire, Summer Hill Farms, Heartland Trail, Second Street Stage (in summer), Muskie Days Festival in Nevis, Terrapin Station in Nevis, Legends & Logging Festival in Park Rapids -Rachel Oppitz The beauty of the area and all of the many activities it has to offer was the impetus for us to retire in this community. The people are friendly and readily allow you into their activities.
Because I am an artist it has been a great place for me to become involved in both art and music. I was able to start a coop gallery several years ago with friends and now continue to work on my art. I love the lakes and the beauty that surround them. It provides our family a place to visit and enjoy also. -Bickey What is your favorite part about living in Park Rapids?
I have many favorites: the pristine lakes and relatively unspoiled shorelines and woods; the wonderful biking and hiking trails, nearness to Itasca Park,a vibrant arts community, and friendly people who are passionate about the community and its future. -Janine Weideman I have lived in the area for over 12 years but came here in the summer for many years prior to that. I love the lakes, woods and the friendly, welcoming people. After living in the Twin Cities (4 times), southern Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Iowa (3 times), Nebraska and North Dakota, I will be happy if I can spend the rest of my days in Park Rapids.
First time visitors should try to be here during one of the summer festivals, then shop on Main Avenue, visit Itasca State Park, wade across the Mississippi Headwaters, and try some of the great restaurants. When our grandson was four years old, we brought him to Park Rapids for a repeat visit at the lake home of friends. After the six-hour drive from our home in Iowa, we woke him upon our arrival, saying, "We're here!" His excited reply? "Oh, Grandma, I've been waiting ALL DAY for this!" I think that's what convinced us to buy our own lake property. -Josi Ashmore My love affair with this area of MN began about 68 years ago. I was one of the first baby girls born in our local Park Rapids Hospital.
I was raised on Lake Belle Taine for most of my growing up years. After getting married, my husband and I built a cabin on a lake just south of Nevis. We enjoyed weekends at that cabin for many years. As we grew older we knew that we wanted to spend our retirement years in Park Rapids. In 2003 we built our retirement home on Potato Lake just north of town. Park Rapids is a hidden jewel. We are not as busy as Brainerd and our lakes are unspoiled. We have a little bit of everything in this community; lots of cultural and educational events as well as good restaurants and social activities. There may be a few disadvantages to living in a small town in rural Minnesota, but they are too few to mention. I can't think of any place I would rather live. There is a peacefulness here that I have not found in any other place. We feel lucky to be living our retirement years in Park Rapids. -Mary What is your favorite part about living in Park Rapids?
Waking up each morning to the beauty of this area (1st cup of coffee while looking out through the majestic pines at a clean/clear lake) and the friends we've made over the years. If someone was visiting town for the first time, what places should they see and what things should they do? The Headwaters at Itasca State Park, hiking/biking trails, good food, and the Northern Lights Opera Company in July. Share a favorite memory from Park Rapids. Sharing stories around a bonfire with family and friends. -Dorothy |