Discover the Heartland Lakes

Each town has something unique to offer visitors. We encourage you to check back soon as this website will evolve with custom itineraries and interactive maps so you can perfectly plan your trip to the Heartland Lakes.

Activities for Teenagers in Heartland Lakes
It’s usually easy to find vacation activities for the young ones, but what about activities for the teens in your family? Good news: there is something for even the pickiest teenagers in Heartland Lakes.   Let Them Ride in ATVs or Side-by-Sides A ride through the forest with their friends in an offroad vehicle will […]
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Things for Tweens in Heartland Lakes
We get it, all kids get to an age where they’re “too cool” for the things they used to love, and it can be hard to find vacation activities that please them. In Heartland Lakes, we have plenty of activities they’ll love and that will keep them busy for your entire vacation!   Visit a […]
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Winter with Little Ones in Heartland Lakes
The temperatures may be low, but the energy still is high during the winter months in Heartland Lakes! Here are a few things families can do during the coldest months of the year.   Yuletide Sampler & Heartland Lakes Community Tree Lighting Day after Thanksgiving Make your hallmark movie dreams come true in small-town holiday […]
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Activities for Kids in Heartland Lakes
When school lets out for spring break, summertime, or just the weekend, it is inevitable that kids will get bored. In Heartland Lakes, there are tons of opportunities to have fun that don’t involve staring into a glowing handheld device. Here is a list of ideas to get the kids active and enjoying their free […]
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Heartland Lakes Must See Sights
Itasca State Park 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 […]
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Events
Jun 11, 2023
Nevis Sites ‘n Bites
 Come see what the Nevis community has to offer in great food, art and musical talent. Stop by the Nevis Chamber building and Food Shelf Booth to purchase your Sites ‘n Bites Passport for $5 or 5 food shelf items. Stroll through town, visit our local restaurants, artist booths and shops to get your passport […]
Jun 15, 2023 - Aug 17, 2023
2nd Street Stage Concert Series (every Thursday)
 The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association invites you to celebrate summer at FREE 2nd Street Stage concerts Thursday evenings from June 15 through Aug. 17. Social hour starts at 5 p.m. Concerts run from 6 to 8 p.m. with great bands, a beer garden and family activities on the 2nd block of Main. Please bring […]
Jun 16, 2023 - Jun 17, 2023
Moondance Country Weekend
 Get ready to start off your summer with a Campground party! We’ll have regional country bands and artists on the Tiki Bar Stage. Everything will be held in the South Campground and Lazy Moon area! Moondance Events 7050 39th Ave NW, Walker, MN  
Jun 17, 2023
Dorset Boardwalk Art Fest
 A great day of celebrating books and art at the annual Dorset’s Boardwalk Art Festival! This family friendly outdoor event takes place on the popular Dorset boardwalk which is lined with area artists and authors. Expect to see artists demonstrating their works along with authors signing their books. Come rain or shine, join the fun!
Jun 23, 2023 - Jun 25, 2023
Akeley Paul Bunyan Days
 Welcome to Akeley, birthplace of Paul Bunyan! As always, the weekend is packed with many events for all ages. We look forward to seeing you.
Jun 24, 2023 - Aug 5, 2023
Nevis Water Ski Shows – Halvorson Beach
 2023 Ski Shows 6pm – 7pm Saturday, June 24th Saturday, July 8th Saturday, August 5th ​Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket and sit back and enjoy the show. Shows performed by the Park Rapids Water Ski Team Nevis Lions will be serving food & beverages. Click here for more info!
Jul 4, 2023
Park Rapids 45th Annual Firecracker 5K Foot Race
 Begin your July 4th celebration day off with a family fun event in scenic Park Rapids! The Firecracker 5K event kicks off the Fourth of July festivities in Park Rapids! Shops and restaurants will also be open July 4th for you to spend your day exploring Park Rapids! Join in the parade on Main Street […]
Jul 4, 2023
Park Rapids 4th of July Parade & Rotary Fireworks
 Celebrate America’s birthday in Park Rapids!
Jul 7, 2023 - Jul 9, 2023
Menahga Midsummer Celebration
 Save the date for Menahga’s Midsummer Celebration! July 7-9, 2023. More information coming soon!
Jul 21, 2023 - Jul 22, 2023
Nevis Muskie Days Festival
 Muskie Days is a tradition you just can’t miss! Join us for Muskie Market, live music and other fun activities!
Jul 28, 2023 - Aug 5, 2023
Northern Light Opera Company Performances – “Little Shop of Horrors”
 Opera in the Northwoods? You bet. Every summer, the small town of Park Rapids MN swells with visitors who spend their glorious summer hours on the many beautiful lakes of the area. And every summer, since 2002, the great NLOC community gets out their hammers, their needles, their glue guns & their librettos and start […]
Jul 29, 2023 - Jul 31, 2023
Lake George Blueberry Festival
 Tractor pull, kids carnival, live music, parade, pancake feed, bean feed and much more! Join us in celebrating our little town’s biggest event!
Aug 4, 2023 - Aug 5, 2023
Park Rapids Crazy Days
 Head to Downtown Park Rapids for Crazy Days fun! Free entertainment on includes face painting, magic shows, a pet and costume parade, live music and more.
Aug 6, 2023
Taste of Dorset
 The Taste of Dorset is food, food and more food! Walk the boardwalk, check out the shopping and eat all you want. You might even be elected Mayor!
Aug 10, 2023
Park Rapids Water Wars on Main
 Water Wars is once a year and it’s a main street full of fun. Groups faceoff with a fire hose and a whole lot of water. It’s a small-town summer tradition you just have to see to believe. 2nd Street Stage starts right after a winner gets the Loonie traveling trophy.
Aug 11, 2023
Walker Moondance Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos
 Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos will give you a show that you’ll never forget! They’ll keep you dancing & laughing the night away! Click here for more info!
Aug 12, 2023
Legends & Logging Days / Backyard BBQ Challenge
 Park Rapids Legends and Logging Days celebrates the area’s logging and lumberjack heritage. Four times throughout the day, lumberjacks will compete against each other in log rolling, pole climbing, cross-cut sawing, hot sawing, axe throwing, chainsaw carving and log chopping. The Backyard BBQ Challenge an open class back yard grilling challenge where contestants can compete […]
Aug 19, 2023 - Aug 20, 2023
Forestedge Winery Art Fair, Laporte
 The Art Fair at the Winery is hosted every August at Forestedge Winery. The Art Fair is held the third weekend each year. It includes wine tasting, regional artisans, music, and food.
Sep 2, 2023 - Sep 4, 2023
Nimrod Labor Day Bull Bash
 End your summer with a bash at the Nimrod Bull Riding! Join fifty bull riders as they compete to win Nimrods NFPB & Midwest Bull Riders Association Bull Riding. Meech Bucking Bull Ranch welcomes you to join us 2 miles east of Nimrod, MN for an action filled family show with, two and a half […]

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