Most people know that the park features the the headwaters of the Mississippi River, but did you know the entire park spans a whopping 32,690 acres? It’s located just 21 miles north of Park Rapids, and if you like to hike, camp, swim or do some kayaking, this is the perfect vacation destination.
The forest borders Chippewa National Forest, Welsh Lake State Forest and the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest. Camping, hiking, motorcycling, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are all popular activities in the forest, due to the hundreds of miles of trails available. There are also trails for ATV riding and horseback riding. No matter your choice of transportation, you’ll find a beautiful place to ride, walk, or roll at the Paul Bunyan State Forest!
This multi-use recreational trail stretches 49 miles between Park Rapids and Cass Lake. It also connects with the Paul Bunyan State Trail around Walker. The Heartland State Trail has both paved and grassy trackways. The paved trail is fantastic fo biking, rollerblading, hiking and more! It’s also a great place to enjoy snowmobiling in the winter.
This Park Rapids memorial was dedicated in 2003 and is much more than a stone monument. It salutes the local war heroes who never returned to the area. Plans for the monument are still in the works. Eventually, there will be a theater, museum and interpretive center at the memorial, along with a rotating schedule of educational programs to be used as a teaching tool by educations from throughout the region. Visit allvetmemorial.com to learn more about how you can help contribute to the memorial’s completion.
Deane Park is a great place to spend an inexpensive yet fun-filled day with your family. The park includes a great place to fish, picnic shelters, grills, a playground area, and much more. You’ll find Deane Park near Fish Look Lake, just north of Park Rapids off Highway 71 on Eagle Point Drive.
