Explore the Heartland Lakes Region!
Year-round enjoyment exists in Minnesota's Heartland Lakes region, beginning with the great outdoors! Whether you're boating, fishing, biking, or cross-country skiing, the region is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Beyond recreation, visitors will love immersing themselves in the local cultural history or experiencing the small-town charm throughout, from local shops and dining to beloved community traditions.
Things to Do
Outdoor Recreation
Boating, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing are foundational in the Heartland Lakes region, anchored by the Heartland State Trail and abundant lake access. The Heartland State Trail runs 49 miles from Park Rapids to Cass Lake, weaving through Dorset, Nevis, Akeley, and beyond, and is widely used for biking, hiking, horseback riding, in-line skating, and snowmobiling in season.
Water-Based Activities
Lake-based recreation (boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing) is a hallmark of the area’s lakes, with access points and local outfitters supporting both beginners and serious anglers.
Arts, Culture & Community Events
The region supports a vibrant arts and culture scene, including galleries, museums, performing arts, and community programs at places like Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids, The Armory Arts & Events Center and Hubbard County Historical Museum in the old courthouse.
Dining & Shopping
A mix of local eateries, breweries, lakeside dining, and small-town shopping hubs accompany outdoor recreation. Visit the Park Rapids Downtown website for more information.
Annual Local Events
- Heartland Lakes Community Tree Lighting and related downtown celebrations as part of holiday season community programming.
- Heartland 200 Snowmobile Race and related snowmobile/ motorsport events in Park Rapids
- 4th of July parade and Independence Day celebrations in Park Rapids and neighboring communities
- Park Rapids and Hubbard County historical and arts events
- The Park Rapids Downtown Business Association invites you to celebrate summer at FREE 2nd Street Stage concerts Thursday evenings .
Local and Regional Tourist Spots
Itasca State Park
A premier Minnesota state park at the headwaters of the Mississippi; iconic natural landscapes, trails, and family-friendly activities.
Website
Heartland State Trail
Minnesota’s historic rail-to-trail route offering paved surface for cycling, walking, and accessible shoreline-adjacent recreation through multiple Heartland Lakes communities.
Website
Nemeth Art Center
Regional gallery and arts center housed in the historic Hubbard County Courthouse, presenting rotating contemporary exhibitions, artist programs, and community education.
Website
Hubbard County Historical Museum
The county’s historical collection hosted in the old Hubbard County Courthouse; ongoing exhibits, programs, and community history resources. Open seasonally.
Website
Park Rapids History Trail
Community-driven history trail featuring key sites around Park Rapids, highlighting local heritage and cultural assets.
Website
Volunteer
A robust, publicly visible culture of volunteerism and philanthropy exists across Hubbard County, anchored by active volunteer networks, United Way partnerships, school-based volunteer programs, and a growing ecosystem of nonprofit and civic groups.
Access opportunities to get involved with local agencies at the United Way Bemidji Area—via dedicated pages, volunteer opportunities, and partner agency listings—demonstrates a formalized, resource-rich environment for volunteers and donors. Community-serving organizations spanning arts, youth mentoring, caregiver support, and food security contribute to a broad, inclusive sense of place—the “live where you vacation” lifestyle is reinforced by cultural, recreational, and service opportunities that attract residents and visitors alike.
Area Volunteer Organizations
Kinship of the Park Rapids Area
Community-based mentoring program for children and youth (ages 6–18) in Park Rapids and surrounding area; offers Youth Mentoring and Reading Buddies programs.
218-732-0058
Website
Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area
Organization mobilizing volunteers and community resources to help seniors remain in their homes; services include transportation, visits, light housekeeping, caregiver support.
218-732-3137
Website
United Way Bemidji Area
United Way of Bemidji Area mobilizes volunteers and donors to support local agencies addressing needs or creating programs and/or initiatives to fill the gaps in services.
218-444-8929
Website
Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Civic-business hub coordinating events, workforce development activities, and community outreach; hosts job fairs, community events, and networking opportunities.
218-732-4111
Website
Heartland Arts
Collective of arts and cultural groups serving Park Rapids and the Heartland Lakes region; coordinates calendars, programs, and partnerships to promote arts excellence.
Website
Park Rapids Public School District
District programs emphasizing Community Career Collaboration (4C), volunteer involvement in schools, and school–community partnerships.
218-237-6519
Website