The MinneSoda Fountain


Food & Drink

If you happen to find yourself on Main Street in Park Rapids, I highly recommend you stop at the MinneSoda Fountain, a few doors down from Revel Brewing. One part old-fashioned ice cream parlor and one part sub sandwich shop, once inside, the place will transport to the 1950s. Take a seat at one of […]

July 4, 2021

Mantrap Valley Conservation Club (MVCC)


Historical & Museum, Parks & Geology

Growing up in Minnesota, I spent most of my time in the Northwoods. My parents were adamant about safety, education, and conservation. We were required to take DNR courses on things like lawful hunting and fishing, and recreational vehicle and firearm safety. Enter, Mantrap Valley Conservation Club and Auxiliary. The MVCC is a favorite in […]

July 25, 2020

Happy National Paul Bunyan Day!


Paul Bunyan

To celebrate one of my favorite days of the year, here are 10 of my favorite Paul Bunyan stops! 1. Paul Bunyan Days 2. Paul Bunyan’s Fishing Bobber  3. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox in Bemidji 4. Pequot Lakes Paul 5. Paul and Babe at Bentleyville 6. Rapid River Logging Camp 7. Walleye […]

June 28, 2018

The Royal Bar


Food & Drink

When I go home, especially when I bring friends, I make it a point to head into Park Rapids. I always have one, very specific place in mind, The Royal. It has been around for as long as I can remember. No trip up from college with my best friends was complete without a stop. […]

September 8, 2017

Rapid River Logging Camp 


Food & Drink, Paul Bunyan

When people ask what my grad work is in, it often comes as a surprise when I say Paul Bunyan. So when I found out about the Rapid River Logging Camp in Park Rapids, a nod to all things lumberjack, I jumped at the chance to check it out. Logging Camp was featured in a movie […]

August 30, 2017

Summerhill Farm 


Food & Drink

Up next on the #mnbucketlist is Summerhill Farm, about 7 miles outside Park Rapids on Highway 71. It’s a collection of little shops, village of country cottages, if you will, each with a different theme. Charming and quaint, the different specialty shops with railed walkways that connect each is part of a converted farm. Previously […]

July 7, 2017

The Minnesoda Fountain


Food & Drink

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, if there is good ice cream in the area, I’ll find it. It’s one of my most redeeming qualities! And that lactose-laden treat-seeking spider-sense is how I ended up at The Minnesoda Fountain right off Main Street in Park Rapids. A haven for all those seeking […]

July 27, 2016

Itasca State Park


Parks & Geology

I couldn’t pass up stopping at Itasca State Park on my last trip up to northern Minnesota. This is Minnesota’s oldest state park and the home of the Mississippi Headwaters, the official source of the Mississippi River [in case you’ve ever wondered]. It also has Aiton Heights Fire Tower, you know, if you feel like […]

September 13, 2014