Fun in the Summertime 2023

Fun in the SUMMERTIME

A GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN IN THE BEMIDJI AREA

PUBLISHED BY FREE

Welcome to the Beautiful

CONTENTS

BEMIDJI AREA

The Bemidji area is teeming with the sights and sounds of the great Minnesota Northwoods.

Enjoy our region’s towns and its people while surrounded by pristine lakes and tall pine forests.

This area offers a variety of opportunities – from scenic retreats and outdoor sports to rich cultural experiences, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Jump into the water for swimming, tubing, water skiing or fishing.

Bike around Lake Bemidji for a day of historic sights and healthy recreation.

Explore Lake Bemidji State Park as it celebrates 100 years of adventure.

Play a game of disc golf, tennis or softball or have a picnic at one of the city or county parks. Golfers needn’t go far to find top-rated courses within a short drive in any direction.

Local art galleries and museums celebrate the history and artistic talent of our communities.

Bemidji and surrounding towns host many summer festivals with parades, music, kids games and more.

From life on the lakes to exercise on the trails, shopping the unique stores or just kicking back with a good book beneath the Norway pines, the Bemidji area offers it all.

Flip through this issue of Fun in the Summertime and you’ll find what you are looking for in lake and pine country. We just know that you’ll enjoy your stay.

A PUBLICATION OF THE BEMIDJI PIONEER

Visitors to the Bemidji area soon learn it’s the land of 10,000 things to do. To find out the latest local news and upcoming events, turn to the Bemidji Pioneer, an award-winning newspaper published every Wednesday and Saturday.

We offer year-round subscriptions for Minnesotans and out-of-state visitors. For more information, call (218) 333-9200. Our office is located at 802 Paul Bunyan Dr. SE, Suite #19, Bemidji. You can find us online at www.bemidjipioneer.com, on Instagram or on our Facebook page.

© 2023 Bemidji Pioneer

This publication is the sole property of the Bemidji Pioneer. No portion of it may be reproduced without the express, written consent of the Bemidji Pioneer.

Lots of choices for family fun

LET’S GO SHOPPING

Bemidji has so many stores to choose from, many of them in the quaint downtown area just steps from the statues of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe. If you want to take a break from your busy day at the beach, on the water or at your campsite, take some time to check out the shops.

INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND

Bemidji is home to one of the few inclusive playgrounds in the state. It’s located in Paul Bunyan Park, right behind the statues of Paul and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox and on the shores of Lake Bemidji. There are many inclusive pieces for families to enjoy like the Omni Spin, Sway Fun, roller slide and wheelchair-accessible decks. The park also features a custom discovery wall. It is covered with rubberized surfacing so children of all abilities can access and enjoy the play equipment.

HEADWATERS MUSIC & ARTS

A place where a wide variety of arts activities take place, from chamber music

concerts and children’s theater productions to largescale projects like clay arts, metal sculpture and mural painting. Artworks programs on Saturdays and during school vacations. Weekend workshops for children, teens and adults featuring guest artists. Ongoing group classes and private lessons for all ages in a variety of artistic disciplines. Located at 519 Minnesota Ave. NW. Details at headwatersmusicandarts.org.

BEMIDJI SPEEDWAY

The Bemidji Speedway offers a quarter-mile oval dirt track for auto racing east of Bemidji near Roosevelt Road. Most races are Sunday evenings from May to October. Gates open at 2 p.m. and racing starts at 5:30. Check the Speedway’s calendar of events on Facebook.

CONCORDIA LANGUAGE VILLAGES

Visit the unique educational and cultural grounds of Concordia Language Villages northeast of Bemidji. Students come to live in the culture and speak the language of 15 different languages with seven permanent villages: Norwegian, German, Finnish, French, Spanish, Russian and Swedish. Special events to the tradition of the village you’re visiting are available. Unfortunately, the two

International Day events will not be held this year.

GEOCACHING

Caching opportunities are growing rapidly in the Bemidji area. There are caches with easy access around downtown Bemidji or more challenging access at Lake Bemidji State Park and other beautiful locations in the surrounding forests and attraction locations. Search www. geocaching.com by zip code 56601.

HEADWATERS SCIENCE CENTER

An engaging science-oriented center located in downtown Bemidji. It offers a variety of opportunities to explore the sciences through activities, an interactive exhibit floor and a unique gift shop. Call (218) 444-4472 for more information or register for demonstrations, Tots-inScience, birthday parties and summer camps as well as many other programs and activities.

MOVIE NIGHTS

The Bemidji Theater offers private showings for both current and older movies, delivering the perfect get-together for schools, businesses and other organizations. The theater offers daily matinees, stadium seating, digital sound and a full concession stand.

BEMIDJI BOWL

Bemidji’s only bowling alley offers 24 lanes and

includes eight boutique lanes, redemption arcade area, pool tables, simulated golf, TVs, private party rooms, a fullservice bar, pizza and a lunch bar.

WATERMARK ART CENTER

At 505 Bemidji Ave. N., this center provides gallery space for exhibitions, music, poetry readings and social events for many organizations. The Watermark displays national, regional and local artists in group exhibits, solo shows and installations featuring a new exhibit each month from February through December. Member artists display and sell their work in the Gallery Shop on-site.

BELTRAMI COUNTY HISTORY CENTER

The center is located in the historic Great Northern Depot in downtown Bemidji. It features multiple interactive exhibit galleries, a gift shop and a research room and archives available to the public. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday

GALLERY NORTH

A nonprofit cooperative art gallery under the sponsorship of the Northern Artist Association, gives members a place to display and sell work, encourages growth, builds confidence and provides public exposure for art, while emphasizing variety and individuality. Located at 310 Fourth St. NW.

Pack up the troops and head out to one of these hot spots for some family time this summer.

Lake Bemidji State Park Celebrating 100 years

Whether it’s a calming nature hike in the pines or a campsite to call home for a few days, Lake Bemidji State Park has something for everyone.

This year, the state park is celebrating 100 years of family picnics, sunset boat rides, fishing trips, and days spent bird watching, hiking, camping, biking, snowmobiling and crosscountry skiing along with year-round naturalist-led activities.

More than 40 miles of hiking trails wind through the serene pine-moraine Northwoods and over bogs filled with rare orchids and lady’s slippers peeking through. The forest is calm and peaceful but comes to life in the evenings when the frogs and crickets sing. Deer, porcupines, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and the

occasional black bear wander through the woods and many birds, owls and bald eagles soar above.

HISTORY OF THE AREA

Decades ago, people from Bemidji would boat to the north end of the lake beginning in the early 20th century for picnics and other outings.

Like the land all around Lake Bemidji, its history dates back long before the development of the city. For generations, Sioux tribes used the land for hunting and fishing and later on in about 1750, the westward-moving Chippewa (Ojibwe) reached the area.

Lake Bemidji has many names — the Ojibwe called it “Pemidigumaug,” meaning “cross water” in reference to the path of the Mississippi River through the lake. Early

voyageur records identify the lake as Lac Travers, which is French for diagonal.

In the late 1800s, European immigrants were drawn to the area to harvest the prime white and Norway pine trees. Lumber mills on the south shore of Lake Bemidji were the center of logging in the nation during its peak and the foundation of one of the mills is still visible today near the DoubleTree Hotel.

The land now known as Lake Bemidji State Park started as a 421-acre plot used for logging in the late 19th century. Fortunately, a few areas within the park were untouched and the state park was officially established in 1923 by the Minnesota Legislature, which preserved the last few groves of hundred-year-old virgin trees.

The park’s landscape is a result of the last stage of

BY MAGGI FELLERMAN The Bemidji Pioneer

glaciation in Minnesota. Soil, gravel and rock material carried by a glacier as it moved south was eventually deposited as the ice receded 10,000 years ago and the meltwater running off the surface of the glacier also played a big role in constructing the shape of the land.

Swamps, streams and bogs in the park were formed when ice chunks separated from the receding glacier and left depressions which later filled with water — Lake Bemidji itself is the result of two giant blocks of ice left behind by the retreating glacier.

“(The park) has a lot of variety,” Flypaa said. “It has a lot of history, a little bit of geology, but mostly glacial geology which is typical in the region. There’s a lot to cover.”

PARK AMENITIES

Lake Bemidji State Park offers both camping and cabin lodging. In the summertime, campers will find a total of 95 drive-in sites for a relaxing and private camping experience just a few miles from the bustling town of Bemidji. In the winter, the park provides many miles of snowmobile, snowshoe, hiking, crosscountry and skate-ski trails. Lake Bemidji State Park offers activities for everyone young and old. It features miles and miles of walking trails and over two miles of wheelchair-accessible trails. Another 11 miles of trails run through the forestland ranging from easy to moderate in addition to several miles of both paved bike trails and rugged mountain biking trails. The park has a variety of recreational facilities for visitors to use:

► Picnic area: Shaded with a nice view of the lake with picnic tables and fire rings.

► Picnic shelter: Located at the beach and includes fireplace, tables and electric outlets. It can be reserved by calling the park office.

► Playground: Nestled in the shade of tall pines close to the picnic area and bathrooms.

► Volleyball: Regulation court in the picnic/beach area. Guests can borrow a volleyball from the park office.

► Canoe and kayak access next to the marina.

► Boat ramp: Concrete ramp with 10 slips for guests.

► Dining Hall: The hall and surrounding lawn is a day-use facility that can accommodate up to 120 people. It can be reserved by calling the park office.

For more information, call the park office at (218) 308-2300.

the Northwoods Spend your summer in

When one thinks of northern Minnesota, what often comes to mind is its winter reputation of long cold winters and lots of snow. In the summer, though, is when the region really comes to life.

Most tourists flock to Bemidji to see the basic staples of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox and the Mississippi River but leave remembering a town rich in music, art, food and culture. And those are just the tip of Bemidji’s iceberg. If one is willing to look, they’ll find that this area is filled to the brim with unique events, activities and experiences for the whole family.

Executive Director of Visit Bemidji Josh Peterson wants to shine a spotlight on the town’s go-to tourist attractions, as well as new events the area has to offer. To him, Bemidji’s art and cultural happenings during summer events are what sets the town apart from others.

“Bemidji is an event-driven town, our summer events draw tourism and that is where we received an influx of people,” Peterson said. “People travel here from all over for the water carnival, Loop the

BY MAGGI FELLERMAN The Bemidji Pioneer

what makes us stand out from the rest.”

Visit Bemidji’s Assistant Director Brady Laudon likes to remind people of Bemijdi’s lakes and the natural beauty of the Northwoods. As a town known for its serene outdoor attractions and over 400 lakes within 25 miles, Bemidji is a year-round destination for fishing and boating.

“There are so many guides in the Bemidji area that are really talented and they’ll be able to get you on some fish. That’s one of the beautiful things about Bemidji, when you come here, you’re going to catch fish,” Laudon said. “You have bass, northern, walleye, crappie, perch and trout. I would highly recommend reaching out to an area guide, bait shop or renting a pontoon from Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge to get out and experience the lakes.”

Lake or the Dragon Boat Festival. Those events bring in thousands of people and without our summer events, Bemidji is just another resort town. Our events are

Bemidji also features over 160 miles of paved bike trails throughout the area. According to Peterson, the biking industry has grown immensely over

Voted BEST MUSEUM in Minnesota

the years and they have an array of bike clubs for the community and cycling enthusiasts who travel here from all over the nation to ride Bemidji’s trails.

While Peterson, partially biased, has Bemidji at the forefront of the best place to live or visit from time to time, his job is convincing other people of what he already knows. With Laudon’s help, their presence on social media, television, radio and print brings more tourists to town, and maybe even inspires them to make the Northwoods their permanent home.

“We’ve targeted the Twin Cities metro area as well as the Fargo and Grand Forks areas because that’s where we see our densest populations that traveled to Bemidji,” Peterson said. “I’d say the last two years have been record-breaking lodging tax numbers and we anticipated this to potentially be another one. We’re hearing that it’s going to be very busy this summer and people are going to be traveling and wanting to come up and experience Bemidji.”

Situated in Bemidji’s Paul Bunyan Park, the Tourist Information Center sees a minimum of 300 people on an average summer day. There, people can find a whole slew of information about the town and all its upcoming happenings.

Most of the time, tourists come to get photos with the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, children play on the playground and some may check out the fishing piers. But as people wander inside the information center, they’ll find a variety of brochures and information packets filled with activities to do around town along with the artifacts of the legendary adventures

that Paul and Babe shared.

Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this summer and staffed with friendly and personable experts on the town, visitors and community members are welcome to stop in and ask questions.

“We’re very excited for the summer tourism season, we’re excited to welcome new returning visitors. Bemidji has become a regional hub and we’re excited to see it continue to grow,” Laudon said. “I think for us, it’s seeing people that haven’t been here for 10, 20 or 30 years rediscover Bemidji and come back again which is exciting to see. We’re able to facilitate those visits and find those things they loved about it before.”

sculpture walk Stroll through town on a

The Bemidji area has become a mecca for the arts, and the Bemidji Sculpture Walk has promoted public art in Bemidji since 1999. Each year, new sculptures are displayed throughout the community.

Along with encore or returning pieces that spend 2-3 years displayed on the Walk, most pieces in the permanent collection, murals around town, and special works like the Shaynowishkung (Chief Bemidji) statue in Library Park and Veterans Memorial

in the Greenwood Cemetery may also be found on the Sculpture Walk Art Map. Sculptures are available to purchase.

The talented artists live by their work, and most of the art you see every year is available for private sale. Your visits to the Walk, your support of our business sponsors, and your personal donations allow us to bring highquality work to the Walk and reward artists with honorariums and prizes. There are three ways to learn about

the artists and sculptures on the tour. Pick up a brochure at the Tourist Information Center, downtown businesses, hotels or restaurants. Take a free audio tour by searching “Otocast” in the Apple App Store or Google Play and downloading the app. Allow “Location,” open and tap “Cities.” Bemidji will be at the top. Tap to open. Scan a free QR code on the brochure or on one of the sculptures. Visit bemidjisculpture.com for more information.

area art festivals Celebrate creativity at

Three major art festivals are on tap in the Bemidji area this summer. The Watermark Art Festival, Anishinaabe Art Festival and Art Fair at the Winery are sure to offer plenty of popular creations from talented artists both far and near.

The 55th Watermark Art Festival, known for many years as Art in the Park, will be held on July 15-16 this year. It is one of Bemidji’s rites of summer, featuring artists from around the country in a two-day event on the shores of Lake Bemidji.

Sponsored by the Watermark Art Center, the event takes place in Library Park and on the grounds of

the art center across Bemidji Avenue from the park. The juried fine art and craft fair has been a summer highlight for northern Minnesota residents and tourists since 1967.

paintings, garden art and more.

Food vendors also will be on hand in the parking lot at the art center, and free children’s art activities will take place inside the center’s Education Studio. Live music will be performed on both days.

The Anishinaabe Art Festival will be held July 21-22 at the Sanford Center. The event offers exceptional art in all types of media available for purchase directly from Indigenous artists.

You’ll find birch bark crafts, jewelry, old and acrylic painting, beadwork, sculpting, pottery, literary art, basketry, buckskin leatherwork and wearable art.

Attendees also can sample a variety of authentic Indigenous foods.

About 100 vendors sell a wide variety of items including handcrafted wood items, ceramics, apparel, jewelry, photography, metalworking, greeting cards, homemade preserves, soaps, stained glass, original

Forestedge Winery on State Highway 64 near Laporte will host its annual Art Fair at the Winery on Aug. 19-20. You’ll be able to browse booths featuring pottery, porcelain, jewelry, fiber art, leather, wood, paintings and more. Live music will be performed on both days, and visitors can shop in the retail wine store.

Music for everyone

Music lovers can mark their calendars for plenty of performances during the summer in Bemidji. The Bemidji Area Church Musicians’ Summer Recital Series, Mississippi Music at the Waterfront, the Bemidji Area Community Band and Music Under the Pines at Lake Bemidji State Park all have full schedules for the season. The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops Concert is also on tap.

Bemidji Area Church Musicians

Summer Recital Series

Concerts are from noon to 12:30 on Wednesdays. A free-will offering will be accepted to support the organization’s music scholarship program. Each recital will be followed by a luncheon with prices to be announced.

May 31: St. Mark’s Lutheran

June 7: St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal

June 14: Trinity Lutheran, Laporte

June 21: Trinity Lutheran, Bemidji

June 28: St. Philip’s Catholic

July 5: Evangelical Free

July 12: First Baptist

July 19: Evangelical Covenant

July 26: United Methodist

Aug. 2: Church of Christ

Aug. 9: First Presbyterian

Aug. 16: New Salem, Turtle River

Aug. 23: Aardahl Lutheran

Aug. 30: First Lutheran

Lake Bemidji State Park Music Under the Pines

Saturday and Sunday concerts are sponsored by the North Country Snowmobile Club and the Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park. Park permits are required, but there is no charge for the concerts. Sunday concerts are at 2 p.m. and Saturday concerts are at 7 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will be held in the Visitor Center.

Sunday, June 18: Doyle Turner

Sunday, June 25: Tom and the Toads

Sunday, July 2: Natalie and Vivi

Saturday, July 8: Antonio Arce

Sunday, July 9: Not Your Average Family Band

Saturday, July 15: Bluebird

Sunday, July 16: The Fogelsons

Sunday, July 23: Bemidji Bogtrotters

Sunday, July 30: Northern Bass

Saturday, Aug. 5: Dean and Peggy

Sunday, Aug. 6: Shyanne Kaml

Saturday, Aug. 12: Lou Samsa

Sunday, Aug. 13: Sawyer, Eric and Friends

Sunday, Aug. 20: Lance Benson

Saturday, Aug. 26: Antonio Arce

Sunday, Aug. 27: Caleigh

Sunday, Sept. 3: Donna and Greg Gaston

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront

This popular series of concerts includes performers from around the region. Concerts start at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront. There is no admission charge. Food and beverage trucks will be on site. There is no concert scheduled for Aug. 2, when the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival takes place.

June 14: Lost Walleye Orchestra

June 21: Sam Miltich & Charmin Michelle

July 12: Rich Mattson & the Northstars

July 19: Magic Castles

July 26: Colleen Myhre

Aug. 9: Jillian Rae

Aug. 16: Hooten Hollers

Aug. 23: Known Only Locally & Friends

Bemidji Area Community Band

Concerts are on four Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. on the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. There is no charge for the concerts; free-will donations are accepted. In case of inclement weather, concerts are moved indoors at Bangsberg.

June 18: Father’s Day concert

July 2: Patriotic concert

July 23: Third concert

Aug. 6: Final concert

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra

The BSO kicks off its 202223 season with a fun Summer Pops Concert on Saturday, July 20 at the Bemidji High School Auditorium. Beverly Everett leads the talented group in a family-friendly performance, and hands the baton to a celebrity guest conductor for “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Tickets are available at Lueken’s Village Foods north and south locations, at the door or online at bemidjisymphony.org.

Paul Bunyan

Another exciting season for the Paul Bunyan Playhouse kicks off June 2 with the first of five productions at the Historic Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji.

The Playhouse is the oldest professional summer stock company in Minnesota and draws actors from across the state, region and country.

It all starts with “Shout! The Mod Musical,” which will take audiences back to the music, style and freedom of the 1960s with hits like “To Sir with Love,” “Downtown,” “Son of a Preacher Man” and “Windy.” Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on June 2-3 and 8-10; and 2 p.m. on June 4 and 7.

Next up is “The Play That Goes Wrong,” featuring a misguided troupe of players at the Cornley University Society’s opening night performance of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The play will run at 7:30 p.m. on June 16-17 and

Playhouse

22-24; and at 2 p.m. on June 18 and 21. The third production will be “Godspell,” which uses song, dance and storytelling to retell the passion story and parables of the gospels. It is filled with high-spirited musical styles ranging from pop to vaudeville. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on June 30, July 1 and 6-8; at 3:30 p.m. on July 2; and at 2 p.m. on July 5.

The fourth show will be “Greater Tuna,” a comedy about Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on July 14-15 and 20-22; and at 2 p.m. on July 16 and 19.

Rounding out the season will be “Elf The Musical,” the story of Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth father, sharing the true meaning of Christmas along the way. Shows are set for 7:30 p.m. on July 26-29 and Aug. 3-5; and at 2 p.m. on July 30 and Aug. 2.

Season ticket and flex book ticket packages are available, along with single tickets, at thechieftheater.com.

These places can help Hungry? Thirsty?

We encourage our readers to support the many Bemidji area restaurants and bars who are advertising in Fun in the Summertime magazine. Whether you want to wet your whistle, grab a quick snack, scoop up some ice cream, order a hearty breakfast or dine with a view, these establishments have what you’re looking for.

HARMONY FOODS CO-OP is more than a downtown grocery store. You can grab a meal at The Good Food Deli. See ad on Page 6.

MINNESOTA NICE CAFE is a popular downtown spot famous for its wild rice pancakes. See ad on Page 10.

HATCHET HOUSE is a place where you can throw an axe and grab some grub and drinks. See ad on Page 11.

CORNER BAR in Nymore has been a popular place for food and drink for many years. See ad on Page 12.

LUCKY DOGS offers a wide variety of hot dogs at a hopping downtown location. See ad on Page 12.

BAR 209 has an extensive menu of food and drink, and its adjacent Red Stu Breakfast Bar is a hot morning spot. The TRC Bar & Grill in Turtle River is now open as well. See ad on Page 13.

BEMIDJI BREWING is an award-winning brewery that is popular with locals and visitors. See ad on Page 20.

THE GARDEN GRILL & PUB in Nymore is a place “where neighbors dine and unwind.” See ad on Page 21.

BIG RIVER SCOOP can take care of all your ice cream cravings. See ad on Page 22.

LUEKEN’S VILLAGE FOODS has several dining and snack options, including sushi, baked goods and popcorn. See ad on Page 22.

MI RANCHO is known for its made-fromscratch Mexican delights. See ad on Page 23.

GREEN MILL RESTAURANT & BAR offers indoor and outdoor dining overlooking Lake Bemidji’s south shore. See ad on Page 24.

LOS TAPATIOS is a family owned and operated restaurant featuring Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. See ad on Page 26.

BEMIDJI TOWN & COUNTRY CLUB’S NORTH SHORE GRILLE has great food and awesome views of Lake Bemidji. See ad on Page 26.

PIZZA RANCH & FUNZONE ARCADE serves so much more than pizza … plus a helping of fun. See ad on Page 28.

RAPHAEL’S BAKERY & CAFE is a hopping downtown gathering place for meals and fresh-baked treats. See ad on Page 31.

BOARDWALK MINI GOLF & SNACK SHACK makes wood-fired pizzas, ice cream and soft serve. See ad on Page 34.

COUNTRYSIDE RESTAURANT just west of Bemidji serves up meals all day long and has Red Lake Walleye specials on Friday nights. See ad on Page 37.

Boardwalk Mini Golf and Snack Shack

The 18-hole course is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting, seven days a week. Adults can go for $9 a round, while children ages 4-12, seniors, military veterans and first responders can go for $8. At the end of the course, a “19th hole” also acts as the ball collector, and those who sink a holein-one on it receive a free round of golf their next time out.

The all-seasons Snack Shack features wood-fired pizza, calzones, salads, ice cream and patio seating.

The Boardwalk’s opening fills a void left by the Putt-N-Go Amusement Park, which closed years ago on the opposite end of town. Owners Carrie and Todd Strassburg were thrilled to revive the town’s mini golf scene.

Boardwalk Mini Golf and the adjacent Snack Shack offers 18 holes of miniature golf and plenty of snack options.

“(It’s so) gratifying to see people out here and enjoying it,” Carrie said. “That was our endgame. That’s what we wanted. … This community hug is super nice.”

Biking Bemidji is a real treat

Pedal off in any direction on one of Bemidji’s eight varied trails, ranging from 6 to 160 miles. Explore a city route around downtown Bemidji, or try a more challenging ride at an area park. There are a lot of reasons for you to Bike Bemidji, and the League of American Bicyclists agrees. Since 2012 Bemidji has been distinguished as a Bronze level “Bicycle Friendly Community,” one of the first Mississippi River Trail communities in Minnesota to be so awarded.

Bemidji’s most popular biking event is Loop the Lake, an annual ride that will be held on Saturday, June 17, this year.

The 17-mile route starts at the South Shore Park and loops around Lake Bemidji. Stops are set up along the way. Enjoy music and food at Lake Bemidji State Park, a quick little snack break at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge and other stops along the route to take great photos. Registration includes food, music and photo ops on a scenic route.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is the longest paved rail-to-trail in the country. It takes you 121 miles, traveling from Bemidji to Brainerd via the Heartland Trail, the Blue Ox Trail and the Cuyuna State Trai. lThe trailhead begins at Lake Bemidji State Park, thought to be the most scenic section of the trail as it winds through the forested park, crossing the Mississippi River, and skirting the east shore of Lake Bemidji.

The Mississippi River Trail, a world-class bicycling route, travels from the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca all the way to the Delta at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is a 3,000mile system of bicycle-friendly roads and multi-use pathways that connects 10 states.

For rugged bikers, the Movil Maze north of Bemidji features a network of mountain bike trails constructed utilizing varying terrain features and man-made structures. These single-track trails are regionally recognized as being challenging to all skill levels.

RENTAL OPTIONS

• Rentals are available at the Tourist Information Center located in Paul Bunyan Park, 300 Bemidji Ave. N from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Visitor rentals are $10 an hour or $8 for Beltrami County residents. Bunch bikes are $18 for visitors and $16 for county residents and includes children’s helmets.

• Lake Bemidji State Park has bikes for rent for $15 for up to four hours or $25 for the whole day.

• Itasca Sports located in Itasca State Park offers adult and youth bikes for $7 per hour, $30 for 24 hours and $20 for each additional day. Helmets are provided with rental. Weehoo child seats and Burley child carrier attachments are also available for $7 per hour, $30 for 24 hours and $20 for each additional day.

• Northern Cycle, located on the Heartland Trail, offers rental bikes in many sizes and styles. Reservations are suggested to make sure they have a bike in your size. Rates are $14 for two hours, $25 for four hours, $40 for the day or $135 a week.

Discover the herons of northern Minnesota

BY LORIE SKARPNESS Forum News Service

There are three species of herons that live in the Bemidji area.

Marshall Howe is a retired biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who specialized in bird population studies and has been a resident of the region since 2010.

He said the great blue heron is the largest heron species in the U.S. and its broad breeding range includes the Bemidji area. According to the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) (abcbirds.org), it’s the largest heron in North America. At almost five feet tall, with a wingspan that can extend more than six feet, it is blue-gray in color with a black-striped head.

Howe said while the Green Heron is also common in this area, they are much less conspicuous because they are our smallest heron. About the size of a crow, green herons do not nest in colonies. The least common heron in this area are the black-crowned night herons.

Howe said that while great egrets do not nest in this area, they are seen occasionally during migration, especially in the later summer.

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SUMMER Calendar of events

MAY

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

May 31

St. Mark’s Lutheran

JUNE

“Shout! The Mod Musical”

June 2-4, 7-10

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

Country After Dark: The Tim Shelton Syndicate

June 3

Sanford Center

Ride For The Troops

June 4

Marketplace Foods

Bemidji Area Take A Kid Fishing

June 7

Lake Bemidji

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 7

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal

Knights of Columbus

Walleye Classic

June 10

Lake Bemidji

Chippewa Triathlon

June 10

Cass Lake

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 14

Trinity Lutheran, Laporte

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Lost Walleye Orchestra

June 14

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

“The Play That Goes Wrong”

June 16-18. 21-24

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

Loop the Lake Festival

June 17

Start/finish at Sanford Center

Music Under the Pines: Doyle Turner

June 18

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

June 18

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

Northwoods Writers Conference at Bemidji State

June 20-25

Bemidji State University

JUNE

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 21

Trinity Lutheran, Bemidji

Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow

June 22-24

Sanford Center

Fishing Has No Boundaries

June 24

Lake Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: Tom and the Toads

June 25

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 28

St. Philip’s Catholic

Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival

June 29-July 4

Bemidji

June 30-July 2, July 5-8

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

JULY

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

July 2

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

Bemidji Jaycees Water

Carnival Parade

July 2

Downtown Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: Natalie and Vivi

July 2

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival Fireworks

July 4

Lake Bemidji

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 5

Evangelical Free

Music Under the Pines: Antonio Arce

July 8

Lake Bemidji State Park

Faire Art Festival

July 8-9

Bagley Elementary School

Music Under the Pines: Not Your Average Family Band

July 9

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 12

First Baptist

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Rich Mattson & the Northstars

July 12

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

“Greater Tuna”

July 14-16, 19-22

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

Music Under the Pines: Bluebird

July 15

Lake Bemidji State Park

Babes Burnout Car Show

July 15

Sanford Center

Bemidji Corvettes

Show & Shine

July 15

Dondelinger Chevrolet

Watermark Art Festival (Art in the Park)

July 15-16

Downtown Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: The Fogelsons

July 16

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 19

Evangelical Covenant

Anishinaabe

Art Festival

July 21-22

Bemidji

JULY

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

July 23

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

Music Under the Pines: Bemidji Bogtrotters

July 23

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 26

United Methodist

“Elf The Musical”

July 26-30, Aug. 2-5

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

Women’s Expo

July 28-30

Sanford Center

Lake George Blueberry Festival

July 28-30

Lake George

Blackduck Woodcarvers Festival

July 29

Blackduck Wayside Park

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops Concert

July 29

Bemidji High School Auditorium

Music Under the Pines: Northern Bass

July 30

Lake Bemidji State Park

more summer fun!

AUGUST

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 2

Church of Christ

Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat

Festival

Aug. 2-5

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Clearwater County Fair

Aug. 2-6

Bagley

First City River Duck Race

Aug. 4

Mississippi River between lakes

Irving and Bemidji

Lake Itasca Family Music Festival

Aug. 4-6

Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers

Music Under the Pines: Dean and Peggy

Aug. 5

Lake Bemidji State Park

Music Under the Pines: Shyanne Kaml

Aug. 6

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

Aug. 6

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 9

First Presbyterian

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Jillian Rae

Aug. 9

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Beltrami County Fair

Aug. 9-13

Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: Lou Samsa

Aug. 12

Lake Bemidji State Park

Music Under the Pines: Sawyer, Eric and Friends

Aug. 13

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 16

New Salem, Turtle River

AUGUST

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Hooten Hollers

Aug. 16

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Sanford Niimi’idiwin (Powwow)

Aug. 17

Lot near Sanford Bemidji Medical Center

Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers

Aug. 18-20

Adjacent to Itasca State Park north entrance

Backwoods Bash

Aug. 19

Blackduck

Forestedge Winery Art Fair

Aug. 19-20

Laporte

Music Under the Pines: Lance Benson

Aug. 20

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 23

Aardahl Lutheran

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Known Only Locally & Friends

Aug. 23

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Music Under the Pines: Antonio Arce

Aug. 26

Lake Bemidji State Park

Music Under the Pines: Caleigh

Aug. 27

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 30

First Lutheran

SEPTEMBER

Music Under the Pines: Donna and Greg Gaston

Sept. 3

Lake Bemidji State Park

Wednesday-Sunday August 9-13, 2023 Beltrami County

Wednesday, August 9th- TBD

Thursday, August 10th- Motocross

Friday, August 11th- Wojo's Rodeo

Saturday, August 12th- Wojo's Rodeo

Sunday, August 13th- Baja Races www.beltramicountyfair.org

Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival

The 79th Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival will be held June 29 to July 4, with rides and food vendors in the Sanford Center parking lot, a tent and activities at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront, a Kiddie Parade, the Grand Parade through downtown and a fireworks display over Lake Bemidji.

The Kiddie Parade will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 1. Registration will start at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the BSU Bangsberg parking lot on 12th Street and go down Lake Boulevard to Sixth Street and end at the Entertainment Tent on the Waterfront.

The Grand Parade will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. It will start at the intersection of 15th Street and Beltrami Avenue, travel south on Beltrami, turn west on Fifth Street for one block and then head north along Minnesota Avenue, ending again at 15th Street.

The carnival will conclude with the giant fireworks display at dusk on July 4.

Sushi Kabar made fresh daily Pastry Shops

Lueken’s Signature Popcorn

Caribou Coffee

Scratch Bakery

Bemidji’s Best

LUEKENS.COM

Hours: Sunday-Saturday 6am to 10pm

North Store 444-3663

South Store 444-8419

Beltrami Bicentennial celebration set June 24-25

The Beltrami County Historical Society will hold the Beltrami Bicentennial, a two-day celebration on Saturday, June 24, at Buena Vista Ski Area and Sunday, June 25, at the Beltrami County History Center.

The bicentennial celebrates the 200th anniversary of Italian author and surveyor Giacomo Beltrami’s visit to the United States and Minnesota. During his visit, Beltrami and his Ojibwe guides ventured through much of modern-day Beltrami County in his search for the source of the Mississippi River, which he identified as Lake Julia, just north of Bemidji.

The festivities start at 8 a.m. on June 24 with a 5-kilometer history walk/run at Buena Vista Ski Area. Those interested may register online at beltramihistory.org by June 1 for the family-friendly walk/run to receive a T-shirt with registration.

Featured event speakers include biogeographers and documentarians River’s Edge Geographics; former Red Lake Nation Tribal Chairman Floyd “Buck” Jourdain; Smithsonian Institute researcher emeritus Cesare Marino; and John Welle, Professor of Italian, Emeritus, University of Notre Dame. The Historical Society is also honored to welcome Jon Romer, a flutist specializing in Native American flute, who will cap our program with a special concert on Sunday afternoon. Special exhibits will display information about Beltrami’s life and travels in the United States and Mexico.

Additionally, the Historical Society is partnering with the Museo Civico Scienze Naturali Enrico Caffi (E. Caffi Civic Museum of Natural Sciences) in Bergamo, Italy, home of the Costantino Beltrami Collection. Saturday afternoon, the organization will offer a live stream with museum staff, Cesare Marino, and local Native

American experts to feature artifacts that Beltrami collected and took back to Italy.

Daily admission includes parking, self-guided museum/historic building tours, speakers, music, and children’s activities.

Attendees are also welcome to explore the History Center gift shop, bookstore, and items made by Native American artisans. Save by purchasing commemorative badges, available at the History Center and Bemidji Woolen Mills -- each badge is $13 and includes access for both days of the bicentennial celebration.

Beltrami County and Paul Bunyan Communications are early sponsors of the bicentennial. More information is available via email depot@beltramihistory.org or phone at (218) 444-3376.

Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival

The Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival has become one of the community’s biggest summertime draws since its inception in 2006. This year’s festival will take place Aug. 2-5 at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront.

Co-sponsored by the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bemidji Rotary Club, the festival attracts hundreds of paddlers, dozens of volunteers and thousands of spectators. Funds raised from the event benefit several local causes.

The festival includes live music under the big tent each night, the annual Sanford Health Taco Fest, children’s activities, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, a beer garden, a team parade, a Friday night sprint cup competition and an actionfilled race day on Saturday.

PAUL

County Fairs Family fun at the

There’s nothing like a county fair for family fun, and the Bemidji area features two of the best fairs around … on back-to-back weeks in August.

The Clearwater County Fair in Bagley will run Aug. 2-6, and the Beltrami County Fair in Bemidji will run Aug. 9-13. Both feature grandstand shows, midway rides, live musical entertainment, exhibitors, 4-H competition and much more.

LEARN ALANGUAGE

Adv

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•S es si on sr un June- Au gu st; Monday -Friday 9a.m. -4p.m. •C ost is $375 /five-daysess io n •Lun ch andsnack sa re includ ed

programsalsoofferedyear-roundfor

Birdwatching in the Bemidji area

Birding is a popular activity in the lakes region, with wildlife viewing options galore here are some times for birdwatching in the Bemidji area.

Where to go

Bemidji has numerous options for birdwatching. From the purple martin houses along the shoreline of Lake Bemidji on the BSU campus to the eagle nests in Diamond Point Park, the options are endless. The DNR also has everything you need to know for Minnesota birdwatching, including birding checklists.

What to bring

Wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to be prepared for anything, especially during the rainy season and don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.

Binoculars can improve your experience by giving you an up-close look at the birds you’re spotting. There are lots of options at all kinds of price points. There are also birding kits that include binoculars, guidebooks and park-specific bird lists for free at most Minnesota state parks. If you enjoy photography, don’t forget your camera to capture the birds you spot as well.

Birding ethics

Being familiar with the ethics of birding is an important part of the process. This includes respecting birds and their environment by not getting too close to birds or their habitats — especially during spring to mid-summer as birds are nesting. The American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics calls for respecting and promoting the birding

community and its individual members.

Identification options

Audubon offers an identification tool where you can identify birds by appearance and song with the app. Merlin is another good app for identification, sort of like the “Shazam” app of birding, You can use the BirdCast app to track migration patterns and other information.

A lot of people like to keep a life list to record all of the species they see over the course of their life. You can purchase a simple notebook or just bring your phone to keep track of what you see.

in Bemidji area Golfers have lots of

If you love golf, you have plenty of options in the Bemidji area. Even disc golfers are not left out of the fun.

There are four golf courses in and near Bemidji and three more just a short drive away.

The oldest and best known of local courses is the Bemidji Town and Country Club, located on the north shore of Lake Bemidji. The 18-hole layout is open to the public and also features the North Shore Grille restaurant. BTCC is a 6,545 yard par-72 course.

The course hosts the annual Birchmont Tournament, which draws golfers from all over the country. Spectators enjoy following the action in a week-long event. This year’s tournament will be held July 24-29.

Another popular 18-hole course is Castle Highlands just north of town. It’s carved from an expansive natural setting featuring the Turtle

River that winds through the course, scenic wetlands, ponds, rolling hills, abundant wildlife and lots of beautiful trees. Castle Highlands is a 6,030-yard, par-72 layout.

Just east of Bemidji is Greenwood Golf Course, an 18-hole executive course that is fit for golfers of all abilities. And south of town is the 9-hole Maple Ridge Golf Course, an executive layout that the whole family can enjoy.

If you’re willing to take a short drive, there are three challenging 9-hole courses: Sandtrap Golf Course in Cass Lake, Blackduck Golf Course on Blackduck Lake and Twin Pines Golf Course in Bagley. Disc golfers will certainly be tested at the 18-hole Bemidji Disc Golf Course located in City Park. It’s beginner friendly yet still exciting for more experienced players. Multiple tee pads, wooded holes and water hazards give each hole a new and different challenge.

Here are locations and contact information for area courses:

BEMIDJI TOWN & COUNTRY CLUB

2425 Birchmont Beach Road NE (218) 751-9215 | bemidjigolf.com

MAPLE RIDGE GOLF COURSE

24907 Beltrami Line Road

(218) 751-8401 | mapleridgebemidji.com

CASTLE HIGHLANDS GOLF COURSE

13848 Gull Lake Loop Road NE (218) 586-2681 | golfcastles.com

GREENWOOD GOLF COURSE

1361 Swenson Road NE (218) 751-3875 | Greenwoodgolfcourse.com

SANDTRAP GOLF COURSE

6355 Golf Course Road NW, Cass Lake (218) 335-6531 | sandtrapgolfmn.com

TWIN PINES GOLF COURSE

531 7th St NE, Bagley (218) 694-2454

bagleymn.us/twinpinesgolfcourse

BLACKDUCK GOLF COURSE

20857 Blackduck Lake Rd NE (218) 835-7757 | blackduckgolf.com

KE EP YOUR CHILD’ S HE ALTH ON TR ACK

Annual wellness exams

Water recreation in the Bemidji area

RENTAL OPTIONS

• Rentals are available at the Tourist Information Center located in Paul Bunyan Park, 300 Bemidji Ave. N from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Options include single-person kayaks for $13 per hour or tandem kayaks for $18 per hour, paddleboards for $14 per hour, and paddle boats with pricing available at the TIC. All rentals include paddles and life jackets. On-site staff will assist with the equipment, provide advice on navigating Lake Bemidji and ensure a safe launch onto the water.

• Lake Bemidji State Park has two single-person kayaks, one tandem kayak, two canoes and two rowboats without motors for rent. Each are $15 for up to four hours or $25 for the whole day.

• Latitude 218, located at 6616 Bemidji Ave. N Suite 1, offers boat rentals of all kinds. Pontoons are $350 for eight hours, jet skis are $400 for eight hours, 18.5-foot fishing boats are $300 for eight hours, 18-foot ski boats are $350 for eight hours, kayaks are $50 for eight hours, paddle boards are $40 for eight hours and canoes are $50 for eight hours.

• Itasca Sports located in Itasca State Park offers a variety of rentals, each of which come with life jackets. Canoes are $15 per hour or $55 for the day (10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.) Single-person siton-top kayaks are $9 per hour or $45 for the day. Four-person paddleboats are $20 per hour or $100 for the day. Stand-up paddleboards are $18 per hour or $75 for the day. Rowboats are available on Mary, Elk and Oziwindib Lakes for $10 per hour or $40 for 24 hours.

There are approximately 60 designated public water access points available around Beltrami County. Six concrete-style ramps offer access to Lake Bemidji, as well as concrete and carry-in ramps affording access to Lake Irving.

Boat rentals are available at Lake Bemidji and Itasca State Parks, as well as a number of resorts and lodges throughout Bemidji. Sailboats and windsurfers are available through Bemidji

State University.

The Mississippi River offers paddlers a wild and intimate setting in the Bemidji area. In the first 90 miles of its 2,384 to the Gulf of Mexico, the river winds through ancient lake beds and occasionally rushes through narrow valleys of spruce. In Bemidji, the river flows through the first of several large lakes. This is the most scenic and the most remote of the Mississippi’s Minnesota miles.

Itasca State Park is a jewel of Minnesota

Minnesota’s oldest state park is 132 years old.

Itasca State Park was established on April 20, 1891, to preserve the old growth pine trees that were in danger of being logged.

Many visitors to the Bemidji area make a point to drive to Itasca State Park. There are two entrances to the park, one off U.S. Highway 71 and one off State Highway 200. Both are about 32 miles from downtown Bemidji.

Itasca State Park encompasses Lake Itasca, the official source of the Mississippi River, and a scenic area of northern Minnesota that has remained relatively unchanged from its natural state.

Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Stand under towering pines at Preacher’s Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann’s Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic

Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota’s seven National Natural Landmarks.

But the main attraction will continue to be walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi River on stones at the mouth of Lake Itasca. Other outdoor activities include taking an excursion boat on Lake Itasca, exploring along Wilderness Drive, biking or hiking along more than 30 miles of designated trails, fishing in one of the many lakes, observing the wild flowers in season as well as birding.

Itasca State Park draws over 500,000 visitors each year from all over the world.

For more information about the park events and schedules, call Itasca State Park headquarters at (218) 699-7251, email itasca. statepark@state.mn.us or go to dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ itasca.

State Park forests offer range of camping experiences

There are many options to consider when planning a recreational trip to the Bemidji area. Camping is an option that taps into the region’s natural beauty.

Three camping areas are the popular Itasca State Park, at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Lake Bemidji State Park and the newer La Salle Lake State Recreational Area, featuring the deepest natural inland lake in Minnesota, a coldwater stream and a stretch of the Mississippi.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, both parks feature forests and woodlands, cabins, campgrounds, fishing spots, research facilities and a unique ecosystem, including Itasca’s unique intersection of the coniferous forest, deciduous forest and prairie biomes.

Make a reservation at reservemn. usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/Default. Purchase a year-round state parks vehicle permit at dnr.state.mn.us/ state_parks/permit.

State forest campgrounds

The surrounding area also boasts several state forests, including the Paul Bunyan and Mississippi Headwaters state forests.

Located in the heart of Hubbard County, the Paul Bunyan forest encloses the Gulch Lake Campground and Lake 21 DayUse Area, with nine campsites, one group site and a well, within a game refuge and non-motorized recreation area between Lake 21 and Bass Lake. It provides hiking, water access and picnic sites, plus carry-in boat accesses on both lakes as well as nearby Nelson Lake.

The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest is located one mile south of

Wilton on Beltrami County Highway 14 on Grant Lake. After the Mississippi River leaves Itasca State Park, it flows through Mississippi Headwaters State Forest. This part of the river is considered the most remote and pristine.

This state forest has 95 lakes and ponds within its boundaries; 8,500 acres of public land open for your enjoyment are within 1,000 feet of one of these lakes and ponds.

Chippewa National Forest Campgrounds

Reservations for developed campgrounds can be made up to six months in advance via the Recreation. gov website or by calling 1-877-4446777. Make your reservations at least four days in advance of your camping trip. The Norway Beach picnic shelter may be reserved for $75 per day. There is a fee charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services and is non-refundable.

Developed campgrounds have overnight fees ranging from $14 to $26

per night, with reservable and first-come, first-serve campsites in most of the campgrounds. Sites are accessible and some have drive-through parking. Electricity (30 amp) is available at the Chippewa Loop, Onegume and Stony Point campgrounds. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and parking spot. Looking for something even quieter? There are nearly 70 backcountry managed campsites located throughout the forest. Campers can access these sites via car, boat or on foot. These sites are non-reservable and require no fees. Backcountry maps for different areas of the Forest are available. Before your adventure in the backcountry, please check with the ranger district in Deer River, Walker or Blackduck.

Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

BARBECUE CHICKEN FOIL PACKETS

spendwithpennies.com

1-1/2 pounds baby potatoes thinly sliced

2 tsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. seasoning salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup bacon bits

2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese shredded

1 cup barbecue sauce divided green onions or chives and 4 Tbsp. sour cream (optional)

Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Lay out four large pieces of heavy duty foil then top each with a large piece of parchment paper or spray with non stick spray. Place equal amounts of sliced potatoes and onions in the middle of each packet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt and pepper.

Place a chicken breast on top of potatoes. Brush each side of each chicken breast with barbecue sauce. Wrap up each foil packet by bringing two sides together and rolling it up. Then roll up each open end to seal the packet.

Place on a hot grill and cook (potatoes down) for about 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through (chicken should be 165 degrees). Cut open packet, brush chicken with more barbecue sauce if desired and top with cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Place back on grill (do not reseal) to melt for about 5 minutes. Garnish with sour cream and chives if desired.

Stop

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• Pontoon Boats for Sale or Rent Plus

• Trailers for Sale or Rent (Utility, Enclosed, Flatbed, Tilt, Dump, Gooseneck)

• Scag Zero Turn Mowers

218-888-6181

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325 Oak Hills Rd SE, Bemidji, MN (South of Cenex South Store)

Big Bog is Minnesota’s ‘last true wilderness’

BY BRIA BARTON The Bemidji Pioneer

Take a trip about an hour north of Bemidji, and you’ll encounter a world both rugged and serene, a contradictory fusion of nature called the Big Bog.

It’s a spongy moss-covered land of carnivorous plants, rare species of birds and dazzling orchids that spans more than 500 square miles, boasting a vast landscape that has been in the making for 5,000 years.

The relatively undisturbed Big Bog -- technically known as the Red Lake Peatlands -- has been dubbed Minnesota’s last true wilderness. Yet in a far grander sense, the geological and ecological gem ranks as the largest peat bog in the Lower 48.

It’s found in Big Bog State Recreation Area, a designated area of about 9,000 acres located along the eastern shore of Upper Red Lake near the small town of Waskish, Minn.

Although the bog is typically inaccessible -- a no man’s land of sorts -- a mile-long boardwalk was installed in 2005, permitting curious visitors to get a first-hand glimpse of a natural resource brimming with one-of-a-kind plant and animal life.

While inhospitable to most creatures, the bog -- in an ironic twist -- is home to a variety of uncommon and endangered ones, including bird species such as the Northern hawk-owl and Connecticut

warbler. For years, this element of the bog has attracted birders from around the country.

Visiting the bog

When traveling to the Big Bog Boardwalk, chances are your GPS will take you to the southern section of the two-part Big Bog State Recreation Area. This unit includes a campground with 31 campsites, winterized camper cabins, a sandy beach and picnic grounds.

However, this isn’t where the boardwalk is located; the peat bog is found in the northern unit, which is a few miles past the southern one.

Once parked, an easily accessible trail guides visitors to the boardwalk

entrance. And after stepping foot onto the level, perforated boardwalk, you soon realize that you are floating above a sea of sphagnum moss.

Surprisingly, there are few mosquitoes along the boardwalk as the sphagnum moss absorbs water and provides limited spots for mosquitoes to breed.

Along the way, interpretive signs introduce the bog’s plant and animal life as well as its geological and human history.

In Minnesota, 42 orchid species have been documented, and some -- such as the small purple-fringed orchid, dragon’s mouth orchid, rose pogonia -make their home in Big Bog.

The area is also home to moose, whitetailed deer, black bears, gray wolves, foxes and bobcats, among other mammals. It provides a habitat for a diversity of birds not commonly found in other parts of the state, and at least 289 species are found in this area, according to a report from the National Audubon Society.

There is an abundance of greenery along the boardwalk, but in a sense, it is just a facade. The bog’s water is only slightly less acidic than a cola

beverage, and coupled with nutrientpoor soil, the environment makes for a challenging place for plants to thrive.

As a result, some meat-eating plants, such as bladderworts, sundews and pitcher plants, can be found in the bog: they lure, trap and digest insects for the extra nutrients they contain. If you look closely at some plants when visiting, you may even see black specks on their tiny leaves -- those are insect skeletons.

Further along the boardwalk, a bounty of tamarack and black spruce make an appearance; yet these are “scrappy, stunted-looking” bog trees, a sign read.

Much older than they appear, they have evolved to survive the peatland’s poor conditions, and a lack of nutrients makes them grow slowly. While the boardwalk is only one mile long, the trip can easily become an all-day affair, depending on one’s observation of things.

Toward the end, the landscape of the bog suddenly widens, and visitors are greeted by the boardwalk’s terminus. It consists of a viewing platform, benches and a binocular viewer, which allows one to take in the Big Bog’s otherworldly expanse.

INTERESTED IN VISITING BIG BOG? Here are some things to know before you go:

• Bring your walking shoes. Big Bog Boardwalk is a two-mile round-trip experience, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

• Leash your pet. Pets are allowed on the Big Bog Boardwalk, but they must be leashed. Also, small dogs can get their feet caught in boardwalk grates, so owners may prefer to carry them.

• Bring water and sunscreen. There’s not too much shade in the bog, so be sure to bring essential supplies, especially when visiting on a hot day.

• No smoking. Peat fires are some of the most serious wildfires, so smoking is not allowed in the bog.

• The boardwalk is wheelchairaccessible. It is also relatively level and visitors are encouraged to proceed into the bog at their own pace. Multiple benches can be found along the boardwalk as well.

• Stay on the boardwalk. Don’t try to walk in the bog. Reportedly, your footprint could last a year and you could fall into a flark, which is a depression or hollow within a bog.

• $40 for 24 hours.

Beltrami CountyHistorical Society

Beltrami CountyHistorical Society

Beltrami CountyHistorical Society

Beltrami CountyHistorical Society

Beltrami CountyHistorical Society

130MinnesotaAve.SW,Bemidji·218-444-3376 beltramihistory.org

130MinnesotaAve.SW,Bemidji·218-444-3376 beltramihistory.org

130MinnesotaAve.SW,Bemidji·218-444-3376

130MinnesotaAve.SW,Bemidji·218-444-3376 beltramihistory.org

130MinnesotaAve.SW,Bemidji·218-444-3376 beltramihistory.org

Hours:

Some facts about Bemidji

Where is Bemidji located?

• 90 miles south of Rainy River, Ontario

• 112 miles southwest of Fort Frances, Ontario on US Highway 71

• 113 miles east of Grand Forks on US Highway 2

• 143 miles west of Duluth on US Highway 2

• 211 miles northwest of Minneapolis

What does “Bemidji” mean?

• Bemidji is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) phrase ‘Bay-me-jigamaug’ meaning “flowing through or across,” designating the course of the Mississippi River through Lake Bemidji.

How big is Lake Bemidji?

• Lake Bemidji has 14.8 miles of shoreline, covers 6,420 acres and is 76 feet at its deepest point.

How was Lake Bemidji formed?

• Local legend claims the lake is Paul Bunyan’s footprint; however geologists claim it was formed from glacial activity. The Mississippi River flows through the southern portion.

The power dam downstream helps control the water level.

Where is the headwaters of the Mississippi River?

• 31 miles southwest of Bemidji on US Highway 71. The headwaters is located in Itasca State Park.

How tall is Paul Bunyan and how old is he?

• Paul is 18 feet tall. The statue was constructed in 1937.

• When does Lake Bemidji freeze over?

• The average date is December 10. The average date of ice-out is April 26.

When do the leaves turn color?

• Average peak season for fall colors is the week of September 22.

What is the population of the city?

• 15,277 in 2020, according to factfinder.census.gov. But that number can be deceiving, because so many people live in nearby townships and still consider Bemidji home. According to the 2010

census, the populations of the six adjacent townships (Eckles, Northern, Turtle River, Grant Valley, Bemidji and Frohn) and the city of Wilton totaled 14,058. Add that to the city of Bemidji and you get 27,489. Bemidji is a regional hub. According to the most recent ESRI Community Profile, the population within a 15-mile radius of Bemidji was 39,396; within a 30-mile radius it was 62,885.

How does the Mississippi River flow “north” to Bemidji?

• The continental divide is located in the area. Water flows north to Hudson Bay and south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River flows north into Lake Bemidji, then east with the northernmost point of the river east of Lake Bemidji. It continues to the southeast to Grand Rapids, Minn., before it takes a more southerly direction.

Bemidji area fishing guides

There are plenty of fish in the lake. But sometimes they’re difficult to locate and catch. But a day on the water with an experienced fishing guide can ensure better success. Here’s a list of some of the guides in the Bemidji area, courtesy of Visit Bemidji:

BEMIDJI AREA GUIDE SERVICE

Bemidjiguide.com

coachklasen@gmail.com (763) 670-6033

COCHRAN’S MUSKY GUIDE SERVICE

kevincochranguide.com

kevincochranguide@gmail.com

(507) 456-9023

NORTHCOUNTRY GUIDE SERVICE & PROMOTIONS

northcountryguides.com

mjbreuer@midco.net

(218) 766-1814

CHAD’S GUIDE SERVICE

chadsguideservice.com

chadben9@paulbunyan.net

(218) 556-0823

BRADY LAUDON FISHING GUIDE SERVICE (218) 280-2941

10,000 LAKES GUIDE SERVICE

10000lakesguideservice.com (218) 760-8822 or (218) 407-0000

FIRST CITY GUIDE SERVICE

firstcityguide.com (218) 689-5550

DEVOTED OUTDOORS GUIDE SERVICE & PROMOTIONS

(218) 242-3636

camping trip Top 10 tips for planning a

Book campsites early, and be flexible if you can’t book early. Reservations for campsites in state parks and recreation areas can be made up to 120 days in advance. Reservations are in high demand for holiday weekends and at the most popular parks, like those on the North Shore.

Looking for flexible camping options? Try camping in a state forest. If spontaneity is your style, try camping in a state forest where all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and dispersed camping is allowed. Be sure to read the DNR’s rules and advice at dnr. state.mn.us/state_forests/ dispersed-camping. Included are tips about campsite selection, campfire safety, waste disposal and ensuring water is safe to drink. State forest maps are available at dnr.state.mn.us/state_ forests/list.

Buy a vehicle permit. A permit is required for each vehicle entering state parks and recreation areas. Permits can be purchased online or at park offices during open hours. The cost is $7 per day or $35 per year. If you’re camping just one night, a

one-day permit will be valid until check-out time. State forests do not require a vehicle permit.

Pack smart. For a good starting point, the DNR provides a camping supply checklist at dnr.state.mn.us/ state_parks/stay_overnight/ packing101.

Check equipment before you leave home. Broken tent poles or a leaky air mattress might ruin a camping trip or make it less comfortable.

Research events to enhance your trip. Events and programs are scheduled at state parks throughout the year, offering a wide range of activities from fishing and birding, to interpretive hikes to crafting.

Check visitor alerts before leaving home. State park and recreation area websites post alerts to communicate important information related to safety, closures, construction projects and other helpful details.

Don’t get lost; navigate with a smartphone. The Avenza Maps app uses GPS location tracking so visitors

The Nary Jumble Mart

can stay found, even off the grid. After you download the app and a GeoPDF map, no internet or cell service is needed. DNR maps can be downloaded for free. Get details on mndnr.gov/geopdf.

Watch the weather. Stay in the know by enabling severe weather notifications on your smartphone.

The DNR also stresses knowing and following the rules. See dnr.state. mn.us/state_parks/rules and dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/

rules, respectively. Finally, be sure to use only approved or local firewood to prevent the spread of forest pests. For the DNR’s full advice about campfires, visit dnr.state. mn.us/firewood.

THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SHARES TIPS TO HELP IN PLANNING AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE.

Facts about Lake Bemidji

Elevation: 1,342 feet

Surface area: 6,596 acres

Littoral area: 1,862 acres

Shore length: 14.74 miles

Mean depth: 34 feet

Maximum depth: 76 feet

Average water clarity: 5 feet

ABOUT THE LAKE

Lake Bemidji is a large, deep glaciallyformed lake covering approximately 11 square miles. It has one inlet and one outlet, which classify it as a drainage lake. The Mississippi River flows through Lake Bemidji. It enters on the south side from Lake Irving and exits on the east side through Stump Lake and into Wolf, Andrusia and Cass Lakes. Legend has it that the lake was formed by Paul Bunyan’s footstep.

RECREATION

Lake Bemidji is classified as a general development lake but is very popular for fishing and water recreation. It includes three public parks -- Diamond Point, Cameron and Lake Bemidji State Park -- and has six public boat launches.

FISH SPECIES

Lake Bemidji anglers enjoy good populations of walleye, perch, northern pike, black crappie, bluegill, sunfish and muskellunge.

LOOP THE LAKE

Walkers, joggers, bikers and rollerbladers can enjoy a 16-mile loop trail around Lake Bemidji. About half the trail is alongside streets in residential areas. The trail also takes you through Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji State University and the downtown area of Bemidji.

AIS

Zebra mussels, an invasive aquatic species, were found in Lake Bemidji in 2018, and starry stonewort in 2022. To prevent the spread of AIS, remove aquatic plants and animals from watercraft and drain all water from your boat before leaving the lake. Information contributed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Northwoods Boat Launch

Lake Bemidji State Park

Lavinia Boat Launch

Diamond Point Park

Nymore Beach

Cameron Park

Prevent the spread of AIS in our pristine waters

While out on the water this summer, boaters should think about their own practices and the impact that each individual can have on our lakes and rivers.

In order to preserve these valuable natural resources for future generations to enjoy, Beltrami County operates a comprehensive aquatic invasive species (AIS) program.

Boaters and public water users should use AIS best management practices and should expect to see watercraft inspectors at many public accesses across Beltrami County.

Clean, drain, dispose

Public water users can cut down on the risk of spreading invasive species by simply remembering to clean, drain and dispose.

That means boaters must clean their watercraft of all aquatic plants, mud and prohibited invasive species; drain all water by lowering the motor, removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

To keep live bait, a fisherman can drain the existing bait water and refill the container with bottled or tap water. Remember, that it is the law.

In Beltrami County, eight self-serve, solar-powered boat cleaning stations are available at boat accesse to help prevent the spread of AIS, including Big Turtle Lake, Lake Beltrami, Wolf Lake, Cass Lake, Moose Lake, Pimushe Lake, at West Wind Resort on Upper Red Lake and Oak Haven Resort on the Mississippi River.

Know the law

Boaters may not do the following:

Transport watercraft without removing the drain plug.

Arrive at lake access with drain plug in place.

Transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species on any roadway.

Launch a watercraft with prohibited species attached.

Transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers.

Release bait into the water.

Boaters and public water users should use AIS best management practices and should expect to see watercraft inspectors at many public accesses across Hubbard County. Free decontamination station

In addition, decontamination is an important step in preventing the spread of AIS. If trailering a watercraft from a waterbody that is listed on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Infested Waters List, decontamination is a highly recommended protocol.

The decontamination process consists of three possible components: hand removal, hot water treatment and

high-pressure treatment. Organisms that are too small to see, such as young zebra mussels, can be killed by flushing with hot water ranging from 100 to 140 degrees.

As a courtesy to the public, the county operates a free decontamination station May through September, seven days a week, by appointment. Call (218) 760-8519 to set up a time. The cleaning location is at 2400 Middle School Drive in Bemidji. The station is staffed by watercraft inspectors who have special training and certification from the DNR. A typical decontamination is pretty quick, usually about 15 minutes. If you have questions about the Hubbard County AIS Program or have suspicion of a new AIS infestation, call the Beltrami County Environmental Services Department at (218) 333-8281.