Pine River Area Visitor Guide 2023

Unfortunately we did not purchase our truck from Kimber Creek. However, the service department treated us like we did. We recently had a warranty issue that made the truck unusable. The dealer who sold us our truck could not look at it for weeks. Kimber Creek agreed to look at it for us and within a week they had us back on the road. A huge shoutout to Eric and the entire service department for the outstanding, prompt and professional service. -Rhonda

“I recently purchased a truck from Kimber Creek Ford and it was an easy, stress free transaction. Kent Johnson was my salesman and he was very nice to work with. I was also trading in a vehicle and there were no games, no pressure. They gave me upfront and honest prices on the vehicle I purchased and on the one I traded in. I’ve already recommended them to my family and friends and will be returning to them in the future.” -Joseph

PINE

to Pine River! Welcome

Every day I come to work at the Pine River Chamber of Commerce, I am reminded of the vast history of the Pine River area.

It helps that we have a lot of this history hanging on our walls and the 150th Planning Committee has so many wonderful events planned for this year’s sesquicentennial celebration.

History tends to come to the surface whenever there is great change in a community and we have experienced quite a bit we would love for you to see.

One of the most noticeable differences is the new bridge across the Pine River and the new rock riffle dam. While this may have interrupted our Duck Races, we are thankful to see the progress our city is making.

It still brings to mind the origins of the dam and the work it did for our area all those years ago.

In 1910, the dam and a hydroelectric plant were built to provide electrical power to Pine River and outlying communities, such

as Backus, Jenkins, Pequot Lakes and Nisswa. It was the first major electrical generating plant in our area and continued its operation until it was discontinued in 1946.

No doubt the site of the Pine River dam has seen many historical trends, from the fur trappers to the thousands of miles of timber, in the years before the hydroelectric plant’s construction.

Pine River will continue our traditions in 2023. Our annual events span all seasons, with Happy Dancing Turtle’s Back to Basics event and the weekly farmers market kicking off early in the year.

In the summer we highlight Dam Days, a Rhubarb Festival, the Lakes Bluegrass Festival and the Cass County Fair. We will be celebrating Pine River’s sesquicentennial over the weekend of July 6-8 with a Pine River-Backus All School Reunion, parade, car show, dance and beer garden, variety show including a skit written by Candace Simar, Picklefest, quilt show, camping at the fairgrounds, music, games, Lions

Club breakfast, food trucks, sidewalk sales, beard contest, history tours of the cemetery, George Barclay ranch location, historic depot and MORE to come!

We can’t wait to celebrate how far Pine River has come!

The Arts Off 84 Art Crawl, Heritage Days and the Buckskinner Encampment draw people here in the fall, and craft fairs and the Parade of Lights occur in the winter months.

There is truly an event for everyone.

We are working on a new idea to bring back our Duck Races and once more celebrate the fact that we have such a lovely river to play in.

These events, and more, can be found on our website at www. pinerivermn.com and on our Facebook page.

“Like” and follow the Pine River Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and find us online at www. pinerivermn.com to stay up to date on local events!

Michaela Reed, Executive Director

Pine River Chamber of Commerce

Jay Cline: President, First National Bank North Deb Adkins: Vice President, Pine River Good Samaritan Society

Gretchen Koering: Treasurer, Hanneken Insurance Mackenzie Sepin: Secretary, Waste Partners Craig Anderson: Trussworthy Components Kari Crimmins: North Pointe Realty Travis Grimler: Pineandlakes Echo Journal Dan Pflugshaupt: Lakeplace.comGallery of Homes Realtors Emalee Hedberg: SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids

2023 Calendar of Events

Pine River Public Library has Adult and Child Take ‘n’ Make Kits available each month, while supplies last. Check out their Facebook page for more information.

JANUARY

Adult Winter Reading Program @ Library, Jan. 2-March 4

FEBRUARY

Feb 11: Back to Basics @ Pine River-Backus School, www.happydancingturtle.org for more details

MARCH

27: Kevin King, American storyteller and commentator for NPR hosted by the Library, 6 p.m. at PR-B School

APRIL

1: Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant

9: Community Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. at Forbes Park, Highway 84, Pine River

25: Evening in Tuscany Spaghetti Dinner for Faith in Action, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Union Church in Hackensack. Visit www. faithinactioncass.com

MAY

8: Arn Kind, history re-enactment and speaker, “Liberators and the Holocaust,” hosted by Library, 6 p.m. at the American Legion

12: Fishing Opener

27: FRIDAYS through Sept. 23 - Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market, 2:30-5:30 p.m. along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot

27: FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment - Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours

29: Memorial Day services

JUNE

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS: Duck Races starting June 16 through Aug. 18

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market, 2:30-5:30 p.m. along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment: Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours

5: Children’s Summer Reading Program @ Library, June 5-Aug. 5, “Find Your Voice”

THURSDAYS starting June 8 at 10:30 a.m., weekly speaker presentation and children’s Take ‘n’ Make projects available by the Library, while supplies last. Book Club 2nd Tuesday.

5: Community Barn Quilt Project @ Library, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

12: Frank Weber, author and forensic psychologist with lie detector testing @ Library, 5:30 p.m.

18-24: Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, Pine River-Backus School - see two performances of “Peter Pan” featuring local children

22-25: Pine River Dam Days Previously known as Summerfest, Pine River Dam Days includes kayak races, medallion hunt, parade downtown, book sale, rhubarb fest and more!

22-25: Cass County Fair Midway games and rides, 4-H exhibits, animals, Lions Food Booth, grandstand events, music and food

25: Lions All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast

29: JollyPops Children’s concert, 10:30 a.m., location TBD

JULY

THURSDAYS starting June 8 at 10:30 a.m., weekly speaker presentation and Take ‘n’ Make projects available by the Library, while supplies last. Book Club 2nd Tuesday.

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS: Duck Races starting June 16 through Aug. 18

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market, 2:30-5:30 p.m. along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment: Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours

6-8: Pine River’s Sesquicentennial Celebration A three-day event! Details on page 22-23.

26: Block Party at The Warehouse, 6-8 p.m.

27-30: Scamp Trailers Homecoming Rally at Moondance Event Area in Walker

28-29: Rotary Ends Human Trafficking (REHT) Music Festival The REHT Music Festival is a multi-district, multi-club project spearheaded by the Central Lakes Rotary. Visit https://www.rehtmusicfestival.com

AUGUST

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS: Duck Races starting June 16 through Aug. 18

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market, 2:30-5:30 p.m. along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment: Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours

4-5: Pine River Community Garage Sale Many garage sales all over town. Pick up a map at the Pine River Chamber of Commerce.

11-13: Backus Corn Fest Celebrate with Colonel Cobber by participating in fun activities, including a craft and flea market, bake sale and games, corn on the cob feast, parade and fireworks in neighboring Backus.

23-27: Lakes Bluegrass Festival Featuring national and regional bluegrass bands at the Lakes Music and Events Park just north of Pine River with camping available. Visit www. lakesbluegrassfestival.com

SEPTEMBER

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River

Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market, 2:30-5:30 p.m. along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment: Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours

2-3: Arts Off 84 Art Crawl Follow the signs on Highway 84, northeast of Pine River. Visit www.artsoff84.com.

8-10: Heritage Days Pre-1840’s Buckskinner Encampment Free admission at Forbes Park, Highway 84, Pine River. Free camping for all buckskinners and voyageurs with period correct encampment. Demonstrations, living history and more.

10: Pie in the Park Pine River Library Building Foundation / Friends of the Library fundraiser at Forbes Park

22: Faith in Action Booya Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m. at Union Church in Hackensack, kicks off Chainsaw Weekend in Hackensack. Booya is a slow-cooked, rich stew. Add sourdough bread and live music for good food and fun. Visit www.faithinactioncass.com

OCTOBER

8: Indoor Pine River Market Square

Farmers and Crafters Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Warehouse

9: Go Pine River Dinner

NOVEMBER

4: Firearms deer hunting opener

9: Faith in Action Raffle Drawing Open House, 4:30- 6 p.m. at the Faith in Action Office in Hackensack. More info at www. faithinactioncass.com

12: Indoor Pine River Market Square

Farmers and Crafters Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Warehouse

DECEMBER

9: Parade of Lights events Be part of the glittering floats and spirit of the season as Pine River lights up the town with a lighted parade downtown, Stuff Your Stockings at the Chamber, and more.

Winter Reading Program starts Jan. 2, 2024, at the Library

Events are subject to change; visit www.pinerivermn.com for information.

Duck Races

This popular Friday event through summer continues to evolve Market Square farmers and crafters market

Pine River’s famous Duck Races that are traditionally held Friday afternoons through summer took a hiatus in summer 2021 because of a bridge construction project at the Pine River Dam on Barclay Avenue where the races take place each June through August. With the new bridge, Duck Races in 2022 faced a new set of challenges. The Chamber is working with the community to find a new and exciting way to continue the races. Watch for updates on this fun event on the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and website (www. pinerivermn.com).

Pine River Market Square is a farmers and crafters market that’s open from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Fridays, May 26-Sept. 29, alongside the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot near the Pine River Chamber Information Center.

Vendors provide fresh produce, starter plants, bread and other baked goods, processed chickens and more, all grown within 50 miles of Pine River, as well as handcrafted items.

Indoor markets will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 14 and Nov. 11, at The Warehouse.

For more information, including vending information, visit www. prmarketsquare.wordpress.com or email prmarketsquare@gmail.com.

Summerfest » Dam Days

Formerly known as Summerfest, Dam Days celebrates the height of summer when Pine River throws its annual event with a full slate of activities Thursday-Sunday, June 22-25.

Both residents and visitors flock to Pine River’s largest summer festival that features fun for the whole family. Activities include a kayak race, an art show along with arts and crafts displays, merchant sidewalk sales, flea market, library book sale, farmers and crafters market and, of course, music and food.

The Catholic church hosts its annual Rhubarb Fest and United Methodist Church offers walkin’ tacos. First Lutheran Church sponsors a bake sale, and pie and dessert in the park.

Saturday attractions include kids activities, and the Dam Days Parade that winds its way downtown to Barclay Avenue. The chamber sponsors this annual fun event.

The weekend concludes Sunday with the Softball Tournament finals.

Cass County Fair

Offering competition, recreation, agriculture, food and history all in one, the annual Cass County Fair will run Thursday-Sunday, June 22-25, at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River, just off Highway 371.

In operation since 1905, the fair features grandstand events, 4-H livestock and other exhibits, a midway filled with carnival rides, a talent contest, bluegrass music, lots of food and a beer garden.

Past years grandstand attractions have included bull

riding, pig races and baja rallies.

Be sure to visit the livestock buildings to see chickens, rabbits, cows, pigs, goats and more on exhibit by area youth. Stick around for the livestock shows, where animals are walked out into the open air arena by their owners, examined and judged. Young kids will enjoy petting animals too.

The Cass County Fair is traditionally when the annual Farm Family of the Year and Outstanding Senior Citizens are announced.

Pine River’s Sesquicentennial Celebration

Pine River is turning 150! Highlights of the three-day celebration include a Pine RiverBackus All School Reunion, parade, car show, dance and beer garden, variety Show including a skit written by Candace Simar, Picklefest, quilt show, camping at the fairgrounds, music, games, Lions Club breakfast, food trucks, sidewalk sales, beard contest, history tours of the cemetery, George Barclay ranch location, historic depot and MORE to come! Find more information on this milestone event on pages 22-23.

Central Lakes Rotary will host the second Rotary Ends Human Trafficking Music Festival on Friday-Saturday, July 28-29, at the Lakes Music and Events Park in Pine River.

2022 featured popular regional bands of varying styles, including 32 Below, Kent Dudley and Bended Knee, Remedy Drive, Tim Eggebraaten, Stacy Schafer and Dawn Heath-Fiedler, so 2023 will be exciting with new bands!

This family and music lovers’ event will feature a children’s area during the weekend.

The event will include speaker presentations.

Proceeds will go to support the Rotary’s effort to end human trafficking through awareness and education for Cass County and Crow Wing

County residents. Proceeds will also go toward supporting survivors of human trafficking.

Tickets, camping prices and reservation information will be available at rehtmusicfestival.com. Various campsites are available, including those with electrical hookups. There will be a food court, vendors and a beer garden

Riverview Church and The Warehouse will host the annual Block Party on Wednesday, July 26, at The Warehouse, 307 Norway Ave., Pine River. This family fun night from 6-8 p.m. features games and prizes, face painting, hair beading, food and entertainment, all for free.

You’ll want to visit Pine River on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4-5, for the annual Pine River Community & Merchant Garage Sale, sponsored by the Pine River Chamber. You’ll be sure to find deals on clothing, furniture, housewares and much more at oodles of garage sales in and around Pine River.

Pick up your FREE copy of the sales map in the Echoland Piper Shopper or at the Pine River Information Center at Highway 371 and Barclay Avenue.

Arts Off 84

Art lovers will love this event

Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 2-3, 2023

What better time than Labor Day weekend to travel 25 miles of scenic, winding road for the Arts Off 84 Art Crawl. The 16th annual event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2-3.

The Art Crawl stretches along Highway 84 from Pine River to Longville. More than 80 participating artists offer their artworks for sale in art forms that include painting, photography, furniture, glass, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wood carvings, woodwork, handmade soaps and lotions, metal, wire, stone, cement, fiber, paper, leather, homemade canned and baked goods, and upcycled items.

Artists who participate in this event create high-end art, as well as quality, handcrafted items. Quality is the No. 1 priority and only handmade items are

accepted for the juried event.

Signs will be posted to direct motorists to the various sites in the Art Crawl. Starting in July, artist directories are available throughout the Brainerd and Walker areas, including the Pine River Chamber of Commerce, Longville Chamber of Commerce and many area businesses. The directory also includes the map of the artist locations.

View artist biographies and photos of their work at www.artsoff84.com.

The concept of Arts Off 84 is to celebrate a wide range of art appreciation. Artists interested in participating in the Art Crawl can email artsoff84@yahoo.com, or visit www. artsoff84.com for registration materials and more information.

Backus Corn Fest

Corn, corn and more corn

Celebrated since 1976, the annual Backus Corn Fest event will run Friday-Sunday, Aug. 11-13, with funfilled activities for the entire family.

Events include a craft and vendor fair, parade and a delicious corn feed dinner with corn, ham, wild rice hotdish, potato salad and watermelon at the fire hall. There are kids games and prizes, and a fishing contest.

A corn-eating contest is part of the festivities as well. Evening activities include a street dance and beer garden, culminating in a fireworks show at dusk. For more information, visit www.backuscornfest.com.

Lakes Bluegrass Festival

The 17th annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival will take place WednesdaySunday, Aug. 23-27, at the beautiful Lakes Music and Events Park in Pine River.

The lineup features the best in national and regional bluegrass groups, including Junior Sisk, Amanda Cook, The Special Consensus, David Peterson, Baker Family, The Clay Hess Band, The Waddington Brothers, The Pale Ales, Cottonwood, Shaffers Lost 40, The Mark Peterson Band, Erics Dance Band, Tim and Cindy & Friends, all of Minnesota, plus more performers.

The festival features instruction workshops taught by the musicians, impromptu jam sessions throughout the grounds, camping, food and more. The show goes on rain or shine as the concert area includes large tents for shade or inclement weather.

Festival-goers should bring a lawn chair, relax and hear some of the most accomplished bluegrass music artists in the world!

Flexible ticket packages are available (in advance or at the gate) from a single day, single evening or various weekend packages. Kids are free and teenagers are just $10 for any length stay. Camping is available for an additional fee.

For tickets and more information, visit www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com or call 844-620-GRAS (4727).

Parade of Lights

Welcome the holiday season

Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 9. Be early for the third annual craft project, held in the morning through noon, and Stuff Your Stockings, a holiday take on trunk or treat, at the Chamber parking lot before the parade.

Bundle up to watch a winter parade at 5 p.m. on Barclay Avenue featuring sparkling floats decorated in holiday lights. This festive day culminates with fireworks lighting up the crisp winter sky.

The parade features a different theme each year and Pine River Chamber of Commerce gift certificates worth $100 for Best Use of Lights in Theme and Overall Best Use of Lights.

After the parade, an open house at the Pine River Chamber Information Center offers free hot chocolate, hot apple cider and Christmas cookies.

Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023

Stay warm by a yuletide bonfire just outside the Historic Depot and Chamber Information Center and enjoy the fireworks display crackling in the night air behind Pine River State Bank.

In early December, the Pine River

American

Celebrate the holidays in Pine River at this Pine River Chambersponsored event!

Meet Dr. Tony Sauer

Meet Dr. Jacob Held Meet Dr. Jaime Preble

Legion hosts its annual arts and craft sale followed by its annual Lunch with Santa event for children.

The outdoors is calling!

Pine River offers fun on the water, trails and more

Pine River is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts. The city’s namesake Pine River offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating and swimming, while the Paul Bunyan State Trail conveniently goes right through town for snowmobilers, walkers, runners, bicyclists and inline skaters.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail stretches from Brainerd to Bemidji, traveling right by the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Information Center where enthusiasts can park, fill water bottles, use the restrooms, and begin their journey.

The area is home to other trails for these activities, as well as crosscountry skiing, mountain biking and four-wheeling.

Those who love the outdoors can also golf, camp and hunt in the Pine River area, as well as use the city skating rink.

The Pine River flows through many lakes, including the Whitefish

Chain of 14 lakes. Public accesses are conveniently located in Pine River. Outdoor opportunities abound in Pine River.

BIKING/INLINE SKATING

Drawing bike enthusiasts from all over the country, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is the longest continuously paved trail in the country at 115 miles long and extends all the way from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji

State Park. Pine River is called the Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail thanks to the president of the Pine River Chamber of Commerce at that time who made it happen!

If mountain biking is more your style, Pine River is close to the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails, which are 30 miles of Red Gold that twist their way through the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, the towns of Crosby, Ironton, Cuyuna and Rivertown. With dozens of purpose-built trails to choose from, everyone from beginner to pro can enjoy the breath-taking rides and overlooks.

CANOEING/KAYAKING

The Pine River is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated canoe route, with nearly 60 miles marked as a water trail for travel. The DNR offers free maps for its water trails that show campsites, mileage, obstructions and portages, and any rapids. Free maps of the Pine River system are available at the Information Center in Pine River. Check at the Information Center for river conditions.

The Pine River has only Class I and II rapids, which are easily navigated. The local river is great for both beginning and experienced kayakers and canoeists.

Originating north of Backus, the Pine River flows through the city of Pine River, the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and the city of Crosslake enroute to the Mississippi River. Dams are located in Pine River and Crosslake. Along the way, the river drops 85 feet, an average of 2.3 feet per mile. The river’s width varies from 25 feet to 150 feet.

Just south of Pine River are two campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, tent clearings and an openair latrine. There is no cost to camp here, but also no way to reserve the sites. They are beautifully wooded and located just along the Pine River accessible to canoers and kayakers, as well as an access off of the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

Canoe and boat registration can be purchased locally at the Pine River DMV.

GOLFING

The area abounds with golf courses, including Wildwedge Golf and Mini Golf in Jenkins. Wildwedge is a 9-hole golf course and fun mini golf course. Wildwedge is seven miles south of Pine River on Highway 371.

Other easily accessible courses are Whitefish Golf Course, Crosswoods Golf in Crosslake, Emily Greens in Emily and Golden Eagle Golf in Fifty Lakes.

FISHING

The Pine River area boasts more than 430 lakes of various sizes, all teeming with game fish.

Anglers will find walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish, all abundant and ready to take your bait.

Public accesses are available on almost all area lakes, making it easy to get your boat into the water. Visit the Pine River Information Center for all area public access maps.

Canoe and boat registration can be purchased locally at the Pine River DMV and many of the gas stations sell licenses.

HUNTING

Pine River is the hub of thousands of acres of public land just made for hunters.

Whitetailed deer, bear, ruffed grouse, geese and ducks are always abundant and you’ll find it easy to access public land. Hunting licenses are available at several stores

throughout the hunting season.

CAMPING

Pine River offers a variety of camping off of the Paul Bunyan Trail. Located just over half a mile away from the Trail and the Pine River Chamber of Commerce is Forbes City Park. See the shops downtown along Barclay Avenue, cross the new bridge over the beautiful rock riffle dam and choose a camping site in the shady, peaceful Forbes City Park. The park features modern, handicap accessible restrooms, optional electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables and fire wood, all for a bargain per night.

Just south of Pine River are two walk-in campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, tent clearings and an open-air latrine. There is no cost to camp here, but also no way to reserve the sites. They are beautifully wooded and located just along the Pine River accessible to canoers and kayakers as well.

Plenty of other camping opportunities exist in and near Pine River:

•DNR campground at Spider Lake in the Foot Hills State Forest.

•U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground/Recreation Area in Crosslake.

•Riverview RV Park at Highway 371 and County Road 44.

•Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground on Lake Hattie.

SKATING

The city of Pine River has a public ice skating rink located just west of the post office. Skaters can park on the plowed parking lot at the site and skate from daylight until 10 p.m.

The rink includes a 16 by 16-foot heated warming house to accommodate large groups. The warming house has shelves and outlets for coffee or hot chocolate makers or roasters. The rink also has a portable toilet.

Donations and advertising on the rink boards helped contribute to the project. Donations are still sought for more planned improvements. For updated information on the rink, visit Friends of the Pine River Ice Rink on Facebook. Free skates and helmets are available through Pine River-Backus Community Education.

Cut Lake Skiing/Mountain Bike Trail

Beautiful trails abound in and around Pine River

Pine River is surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts who like to hike, bike, walk, snowmobile, ski or ride an all-terrain vehicle.

Pine River is the “Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail,” with the former railroad bed turned recreation trail traveling directly through Pine River along the west side of Highway 371. This trail runs from Brainerd to Bemidji and is the perfect choice for walking, biking and inline skating in spring, summer and fall, as well as snowmobiling when the snow flies.

Pine River anchors the northwest corner of the popular Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, a 54-mile route through 14 area jurisdictions that offers scenic beauty and informational kiosks. You’ll find a couple of hiking venues along this route as well - the Veterans Hiking Trail off County Road 16 and the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area off County Road 11.

The Spider Lake area is just 10 miles west of Pine River and is known for its miles of ATV and snowmobile

trails that wind through the Foot Hills State Forest.

SKIING

The Cut Lake cross-country ski trail lies just 10.5 miles west of Pine River on County Road 2, offering 16.5

kilometers of trails that range from easy to difficult. Benches are located throughout the trail system, along with a couple shelters and fireplaces.

Other Cass County cross country ski trails include:

• Hiram Trail: 8 miles west of

Spider Lake Trail Map

Trail travels through Pine River, and snowmobilers use this trail to access other area trails and Snowway One, 10 miles west of Pine River.

You’ll find several area snowmobile clubs grooming trails often during the winter when adequate snow is available.

Snowmobile maps are available at the Pine River Information Center.

FOUR-WHEELING

The Spider Lake trails west of Pine River travel 29 miles through the Foot Hills State Forest. From smooth and sandy to rough and rocky, the trails provide a challenging ride as they curve around lakes and ponds, follow ridges and traverse several hills and slopes throughout the forest.

ATV trails are open yearround, except on groomed, signed snowmobile trails and during spring thaw.

Parking and trail access are located 12 miles west of Pine River to south on Spider McKinley Forest Road. Camping sites are available along the trails as well.

36th St. SW

PARKING:

From Pine River: go 12 miles west on Co. Rd. 2, then south 1.5 miles on Spider McKinley Forest Road.

From Leader: go north on Co. Rd. 64 for 11.8 miles. Turn east on 36th St. SW and go 1.3 miles to the parking area.

Foot Hills State Forest at a Glance Recreation Boat Ramp Nearby Dispersed Camping Canoe/Kayak Picnic Shelters Swimming

TRAILS: 8.6 miles cross-country skiing Hiking Mountain Biking 40 miles Class I ATV 40 miles Class II ATV 40 miles off-highway motorcycling 11 miles off-road vehicles

Questions?

pr150years@gmail.com, 218-587-4000

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com /pinerivermn150th/

There will be camp sites available to reserve at the Cass County Fairgrounds for electric & generator use. Camping reservations are first come, first served and will open with the rest of the event tickets.

Stay tuned on Facebook & the Chamber Website!

July 8

Saturday

Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast at the Fairgrounds

8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Lion's at F Faaiirrggrroouunndds s School Open 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. School Open

Q Quuiillt t S Shhoow w a at t N Neew w L Liiffe e C Coommmmuunniitty y C Chhuurrcch h

Quilt Show at New Life Community Church 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Parade Downtown 11:00 a.m. Downtown Car Show at the Fairgrounds 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Car Show at the

Dedication of the New Dam 12:30 New Dam

Visit Downtown & Around the New Dam Sidewalk Sales, Food, Demonstrations & More!

Dance, Music & Beer Garden at the F Faaiirrggrroouunndds s

Visit Downtown & New Dam Dance, Music & Beer Garden at the Fairgrounds 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Pine River Walking Tour

Sponsored & Organized by Heritage Group North, Inc., Pine River, MN www.heritagegroupnorth.org

Pine River began in 1873 when George Barclay opened a trading post on the Leech Lake Trail. In 1894 a logging railroad built north through “Barclay’s Ranch” attracted many settlers and led to the formation of a city. Pine River’s original business district, near the railroad depot, has a rich and colorful history. The walking tour highlights some of the town’s more prominent downtown structures, several of which no longer exist. Few of the buildings were designed by architects or built in a particular architectural style, yet people took pride in their buildings.

1. PINE RIVER RAILWAY DEPOT

c. 1895 • 102 Barclay Ave. W.

It is appropriate that the walking tour begins and ends here. The depot, erected in 1895, is the oldest building in Pine River and the only one in town deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A frame structure of simple utilitarian design, the depot underwent several changes through 1913 when a canopy and women’s waiting room were added and the station platform was paved with bricks. The depot was abandoned in 1985, and in 2009 it was relocated to a new site just across the track (the Paul Bunyan Trail) from where it stood for 114 years. The railroad played an active role in attracting immigrants and encouraging settlement.

performances and recitals and showed silent films. Privies flanked the alley-side of the building. An early town newspaper, the Pine River Sentinel-Blaze, had offices and a print shop in the basement. From 1917-20, classes for third and fourth grades of the Pine River School were taught here. The building’s more recent use as a Masonic Lodge hall and Eastern Star chapter ended in 2009.

was replaced by a modern masonry building on the adjacent lot. The hardware store operated until 1971, and in 1973 the building became part of Silbaugh’s Department Store. The building now houses 218 Fitness.

5. MEMORIAL HALL/MARLOW THEATER

c. 1920 • 240 Barclay Ave.

2. COZY THEATER/NEWSPAPER OFFICE

c. 1915 • 109 First St. S.

The Cozy Theater, the town’s first theater, occupied the small, “cozy,” upper floor of this concrete-block building before the era of talkies (movies with soundtracks). In its day the Cozy hosted theatrical

3. FIRST STATE BANK BUILDING

c. 1903 • 200 Barclay Ave.

The brick building was erected in 1903 for the First State Bank of Pine River, the town’s first bank. The bank later got a national charter before hard times led to its merger with a competing bank in 1924. For more than 100 years this building also housed a series of drugstores, early on in the same room as the bank! The building also hosted a basement barber shop and Pine River’s post office. The large pillars originally at the front of the building now form the entry of the old Pine Ridge Cemetery south of town.

4.

HILL HARDWARE BUILDING

c. 1916 • 204 Barclay Ave.

Hill’s Hardware began in a nearby lumber yard in the early 1900s, and later moved to a wood frame structure on Barclay Avenue. When that building burned in 1916, it

Memorial Hall was built in 1919-20 to provide rooms for meetings, stage shows and dancing, and showing silent movies (accompanied by a lively piano). The site was previously a boat shop and lumberyard. The hall closed in 1931 shortly after showing its first talking film and reopened in 1934 as the Marlow Theater. Over the years, the large theater building also housed a funeral parlor, beauty shop, pool hall, realty office, Laundromat and the offices of the Pine River Journal. The owners occupied an apartment behind the stage. The Marlow Theater was gutted by fire in 1980.

6. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

c. 1902 • 348 Barclay Ave.

The Methodist Church was the first church organized in Pine River. Lots were purchased from city founder Ammarilla Barclay in 1902 for $2, and a missionary grant was secured for church construction. Building the wood-frame church took several years and was hampered when lightning twice struck the bell tower, the second time cracking the bell. The

church was dedicated in 1907. The belfry was refurbished in 2009. The beautiful stained glass windows are best viewed from the church interior.

7. PINE RIVER DAM

c. 1910 • River Street

Pine River’s homes and businesses were originally lit by oil or gas lamps.

In 1910, a dam and hydroelectric plant were built at the head of Barclay Avenue (replacing a bridge that formerly stood there). It was the first major electrical generating plant in rural Cass and Crow Wing counties, and by 1920 it provided electrical power to other outlying communities including Backus, Jenkins, Pequot and Nisswa. Use of the plant was discontinued in 1946 and the equipment and powerhouse were later removed. The swimming facilities above the dam were developed as a W.P.A. project in 1938.

8. PINE RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL/ PINE RIVER CLINIC

c. 1903 • 403 Barclay Ave.

In 1903, a two-story, wood-frame school house was built on this corner lot to accommodate Pine River’s high school and elementary classes. Although enlarged in 1905, the school was just too small for the rapidly growing population. The school was razed in the late 1920s after a new and much larger school was built two blocks to the northwest. In 1950, a one-story stucco medical clinic opened on the site of the old school. After years of service, the clinic was torn down in the early 2000s.

9. LINDBERG BUILDING

c. 1911 • 303 Barclay Ave.

This two-story concrete-block building was built in the 1910s as a general merchandising store. Such new-fangled department stores were typically housed in large buildings and sold almost every product imaginable from clothes

A project funded by the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program.

and furniture to groceries and toys. Later owners ended the handling of food products to concentrate on the sale of soft goods. Over the years businesses here were affiliated with Skogmos and V-Stores. Until recently, the building was home to NAPA automotive. Apartments occupy the second floor.

10. BERT MICHENER’S AUTO GARAGE/HOUSTON MOTOR

c. 1920 • 245 Barclay Ave.

Michener’s garage was built here in 1920. The “grand opening” featured a Japanese operetta presented by the Pine River School. After the garage burned in 1950, it was replaced by a Ford-Mercury dealership and garage run by the Houston Motor Co. In the late 1950s, Houston’s also sold diving gear and filled SCUBA tanks. Houston’s relocated south of town after 1973. The remodeled building is now occupied by small businesses and the Pine River-Backus Family Center.

11. FARMERS STATE BANK BUILDING

c. 1917 • 203 Barclay Ave. When this two-story brick building was built in 1917, the street-level corner of the building was occupied by the Farmers State Bank. Later, the Pine River State Bank conducted business in the same space until 1974. Among original occupants was a pharmacy on Barclay Avenue, and a furniture store and funeral parlor on the First Street side. The second floor once contained professional offices and apartments.

The Gardiner family has operated businesses at this location since 1935. The original back addition to the building was destroyed by fire in 1973.

12. PINE RIVER ARMY RESERVE ARMORY

c. 1921 • 200 Front St. N.

In 1921 Pine River was home to one of the first Army Reserve armories in Minnesota, and it was

the smallest town in the United States to have an armory. The armory was constructed of concrete blocks made onsite by the resourceful and legendary local builder “Pop” Evans. Almost 2,000 people attended the dedication in May 1922 that featured an address by Minnesota Gov. J.A.O. Preus. The state ceded the armory to the city of Pine River in 1939. The upper floor of the armory contained a stage and a basketball court flanked by bleachers. During the 1950s the basement level held sixth-grade classrooms and the school lunchroom. The city office and fire hall occupied the north end of the building. The armory was razed in 1974.

13. HORSE-DRAWN FIRE ENGINE

c. 1919 • 102 Barclay Ave. W. This vehicle, a horse-drawn Waterous #6 Class B gasoline fire engine with a Waukesha motor, was built for the city of Pine River in 1919. Until 1940 this was the sole engine for the village. It remained in use as an auxiliary engine until its retirement in the mid-1950s. The display shelter was erected by Heritage Group North in 2010.

Barclay Avenue to the north of the Livery and later the Spurrier Hotel was built by Dave Jones in 1902. Succeeding owners were Al Seper, Bill Rohr, Christensen, W.C. (Bill) Day. The original building was later moved to this site and was torn down in 1947.

16. PINE RIVER LOCKER PLANT

c. 1928 • 200 Front St. S.

The Pine River Locker Plant and Kouba’s Souvenir shop sat on this location. The Locker Plant was built in 1928 by H.I. Davies as the Pine River Seed House. Originally it had been the site of the old Wideman Brothers store. The building was sold in the early 1930s but continued to serve as a feed store under Frank Marsh and Homer Fraser until 1945 when Arvid Lundin bought the building. Siefert and Gartner bought out Lundin in 1948 and established the locker business.

17. BARCLAY HOTEL “WHITE ELEPHANT”

c. 1894 • 112 Front St. S.

The original Barclay Hotel was the hub of activity for passengers arriving by train. The Hotel Barclay or Barclay House, also known as the “White Elephant,” was built for George Barclay in 1894. It burned in December 1915 in a fire that threatened the whole town.

18. FIRST “FILLING STATION”

c. 1920 • 100 Front St. S.

14. PINE RIVER LEGION CLUB

c. 1947 • 400 Front St. S.

The Fraser-Nelson Post 613 of the American Legion was organized on March 11, 1947, at the Marlow Club rooms in the Marlow Theater. Col. Robert Miller of the 147th Field Artillery of Brainerd, a prisoner of war in the Bataan, urged the organization of a Legion Post in Pine River. An American Legion Post had been organized in the early 1920s but had been disbanded before World War II. No information about this group was located.

15. BILL DAY’S WELDING SHOP

c. 1947 • 206 Front St. S.

Bill Day’s Welding Shop occupied this site for many years. The original blacksmith shop that once stood on

Pine River’s first “filling station” was built by Vic Sauer. Though gasoline had been available at the village garages, Sauer’s Pyramid station was the original “filling station” in town. The Pine River Oil Company Phillips 66 occupied the same corner for many years. Later a new building was constructed and occupied by Tom Thumb.

19. SPURRIER HOTEL

c. 1917 • 103 Barclay Ave.

The Spurrier Hotel, later called the Lake Region Hotel, was built in 1917 and stood until 1964 when it was torn down to make way for the eventual Highway 371 widening.

20. DURKEE MANUFACTURING CO.

c. 1940 • 173 Barclay Ave. W.

Durkee’s Manufacturing Plant, built in 1940, as well as a feed store established in 1916 occupied this location. “Working at Durkees” was

a solid career for many local men from 1940 to 1985, with about 150 employees benefiting from the town’s largest local industry. The plant manufactured Wooden Spools for telephone cable, etc.

21. WEFELMEYER PICKLE FACTORY

c. 1918 • 201 Park Ave. W.

The Wefelmeyer Pickle Factory once sat on this site. By 1925, which saw “the biggest cucumber crop ever” harvested in the region, Wefelmeyer and Thiessen had main offices in Pine River and “salting stations” in many surrounding communities. Under the name “Queen Brand,” pickles were sold in railcar load lots to local packers throughout the United States.

at 309 Second St. N., this building was converted for apartment usage.

25. TABERNACLE CHURCH

c. 1954 • 304 Norway Ave.

The original Tabernacle Church was housed in a small log-sided building. The history of the Riverview Tabernacle goes back to about 1935 when interested Pine River residents met at the Mae Davis home for fellowship and prayer.

26. COMMUNITY OIL

c. 1936 • 400 Barclay Ave.

Moulster’s Service Station, which later became Community Oil, was established here in 1936. This is the original building.

27. DAMSITE BAIT AND TACKLE c. 1914 • 417 Barclay Ave.

the car-hop orders of “Two root beers and an order of fries!”

28. PINE RIVER CREAMERY COMPANY

c. 1913 • 409 Norway Ave.

The Pine River Creamery, later Land O’Lakes Creamery, was established in 1913. The Pine River Feed Store sat on the opposite side of this corner. Bringing milk to the creamery and grain to be weighed at the feed store were daily/weekly activities for the local farmers.

29. CITY PARK RECREATIONAL FACILITY

c. 1938 • 304 Fifth St.

22. OUR LADY OF LOURDES

c. 1910 • 205 Park Ave.

This was the original location of Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, established in 1910. The parish moved into its current location across the alley in 1958.

23.PINE RIVER SCHOOL

c. 1913 • 309 Jefferson Ave.

The Pine River School, both elementary and the high school, were housed in a building on this location beginning in 1913. The combination elementary/high school building was built in 1920. This location was the “home of the Pine River Tigers” until 1961 when the new high school was built in its current location.

The Damsite Bait and Tackle shop sat on this location, established in 1914. The A&W Root Beer Stand, which originally sat on Highway 371 next to the Lake Region (Spurrier) Hotel, was moved to this location in 1963 when the Highway 371 widening project began. Stand quietly here a minute and you can almost hear the sound of the 1960s — the Beatles, the muscle car engines and

Forbes Park was established here in 1916, named for Eugene Forbes. The log building was a WPA project completed in 1938. The cornerstone tells the details of this project, a great example of Craftsman Style building, popular at that time.

The Pine River Walking Tour is a project of Heritage Group North Heritage Group North, Inc P.O. Box 266, Pine River, MN 56474 www.heritagegroupnorth.org heritagegroupnorth@gmail.com Mail $10 to join HGN

24. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

c.1907 • 300 Norway Ave.

This building was originally the Pine River Lutheran Church. When the Lutheran congregation built its new church and moved to its location

Find a perfect dining spot in Pine River

You’ll be sure to satisfy any food craving

Whether you want a quick bite to eat or a leisurely sit-down meal, a good cup of coffee or an ice cream dessert, you can satisfy any craving in Pine River.

Start your day with fresh bread, doughnuts, cookies and more at the town’s Bakery on Barclay Avenue. If

you want a traditional, home-cooked breakfast, try the cafe, also on Barclay Avenue, or the restaurant on the southern edge of town.

If you’re out for a good burger, try the already mentioned restaurants as well as the American Legion. Are you craving pizza? Try any

restaurant, as well as the Community Bowling Alley!

Indulge your sweet tooth or pick up some homemade soup and sandwiches at the Bakery, or if it’s ice cream you want, Pine River is home to Dairy Queen. Try a vintage soda at Guidepoint Pharmacy on the corner building at Barclay Avenue downtown.

Pine River has a coffee shop if you’re looking for a hot cup or a fancy coffee. The city also is home to convenience stores and a grocery store with a deli department for snacks and meal planning, as well as a liquor store if you’re looking for adult beverages.

There’s no need to venture from Pine River when you’re hungry. We have options from snacks to tide you over to major meals to fill you up.

Resorts, Motels, Campgrounds & Fairways

CAMPGROUNDS

Riverview RV Park Jeff & Marilyn Chelbecek

Highview Campground & RV Park Terry & Sherry Klungseth

• 218-543-4526

Ruttger’s Pine Mountain Camping Resort Bill Ruttger ....www.pinemountaincampground.com • 218-947-4099

Mountain View Resort Jack & Renita Tesch .............218-947-3233

Sandy Pines Resort Scott Oldre

Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground Todd Malecha 218-587-4725

Pleasant Pines Resort Milo & Joanne Tritz ..............218-675-6618

Park

FAIRWAYS

The Pines at Grand View Lodge

• 800-432-3788

The Preserve at Grand View Lodge .......218-963-3146 • 800-432-3788

The Garden Course at Grand View Lodge

Course

Campgrounds

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

Motels

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

Golf Courses

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

Resorts

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

Map courtesy of E. & M. Consulting, Chaska, MN 800-572-0011

No matter what the season, Pine River is open Services to meet any needs are available

Pine River offers a wide array of services that both residents and travelers require: from health and well-being facilities such as a medical clinic, pharmacies, ambulance service, optometrist, physical therapists, dermatologists, physical therapists, dentists, fitness centers, senior citizen care and adult day facilities to amenities including a post office, public school, churches of all denominations, banks, barbers and hairstylists, an airport, car repair centers, real estate agents, restaurants, a mom-and-pop bakery, coffee shop, funeral directors, a feed store and laundromat. Contractors, plumbers, builders, excavators, tree and lawn services and electricians are abundant as well as a carpet store, a hardware store and manufacturing facilities.

As a bonus, you’ll discover that

most - if not all - of these services are available just about every day of the year. Pine River is truly a selfcontained community that welcomes

customers new and old and is ready to service any need you have. Please check out all the Pine River Chamber member businesses listed in this guide. You’ll see what we mean!

Be sure to take advantage of the Lakes Area for all of your summer activities, from golfing, fishing, and boating to bluegrass and other music festivals.

Fun isn’t limited to the summer months! Pine River boasts a bowling alley to entertain the whole family. Pine River’s American Legion hosts trivia and bingo while the Pine River Library hosts a multitude of free events for everyone.

We’re proud to have a community that is able to offer reliable services that you can depend on. Pine River is ready to serve you, no matter what the season.

Norway Brook Dam completion rejuvenates waterfront

The Norway Brook Dam area of Pine River had a tumultuous 2020 and 2021 with the demolition and replacement of both the bridge and dam crossing the Pine River on Barclay Avenue.

The project appears to have paid off as the new dam and the improved park space surrounding it were a hot spot for activity throughout 2022.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation bridge project began in May of 2021 and wrapped up in September that year in time for Landwehr Construction, contracted by the city, to demolish the old dam and replace it with a new rock riffle style dam with fish passageways.

The city portion of the project included work on park space. Kater Park, which is the space around the dam, received new, lush sod, an expanded beach, a floating dock and diving raft.

Continuing with the momentum, the city closed off part of River Street and connected Kater Park to the playground across the road, allowing for more space with less interaction with traffic. New playground equipment was installed and immediately used by Pine River families and visitors.

The project is ongoing with major improvements continuing. The Lions Pavilion currently located in Kater Park will likely make a move south and east of the dam to new park space acquired during bridge construction. Kater Park will receive a new pavilion equipped with a simple kitchen, benches and bathroom space.

Throughout construction and the early part of 2022, residents regularly stopped at the dam site to take photos. Once complete, families were almost always visible making

use of the beach and diving raft, laying in the lush grass or (though discouraged) walking across the tops of the rocks that compose the tiered rock riffle dam.

The historic swimming steps received renewed attention, especially during the 2022 duck races.

The new dam benefits wildlife, with nearly half a dozen soft shelled turtles basking on the beach early in the spring and geese

floating along the banks. The dam is perhaps most beneficial to fish, which can now theoretically use the dam’s design to pass both up and down river, allowing them a more natural habitat.

While there were a number of duck races throughout 2022, the water flow is not always conducive to the Pine River tradition. The Pine River Chamber of Commerce still plans to host races during the summer, and new methods are being reviewed.

Pine River-Backus Schools offers great opportunities

Pine River is the proud home of the Pine River-Backus Tigers, a smalltown school district with the comforts of a neighborhood school and the opportunities of a large school district.

PR-B Schools offer many opportunities for students, families and our community. We are proud of who we are, where we come from and where we are headed.

We strive to develop partnerships within our communities and work collaboratively to improve the education of our students and enrich the lives of our area residents.

We are a preK-12th grade school with about 1,000 students and 7,800 residents within our district. We cover approximately 500 miles and employ 175 people.

We are always looking for friendly, hardworking individuals to become part of the PR-B family and welcome you to check out our various employment opportunities.

Pine River-Backus Schools offer many opportunities for involvement through athletics and activities. Every student has an opportunity to participate, grow and succeed in our programs.

Whether you are interested in academic excellence, sports and athletics, or the arts, PR-B has something for you!

PR-B Community Education programs and activities are available to everyone in our community and we strive to provide opportunities to fit all our communities’ needs. We create partnerships to share opportunities to grow, educate, enrich and entertain all of our residents.

PREK-12 EDUCATION

PR-B Early Childhood Education is for those birth to 4 years olds and offers parenting education classes. Flexible schedules are offered to include 3 years olds half day, 4 year olds full day, and some evening activities.

PR-B Elementary School offers small class sizes to create personal connections between staff and families. Our school implements positive social interaction through positive behavior. We recognize our students for their positive choices and celebrate their successes.

PR-B High School gives our students the opportunity not only to obtain a diploma, but also earn college credits. Many students have earned their Associates Degree when they leave PR-B Schools. We offer a variety of options for students to pursue their interests.

We work hard to keep our facilities and technology updated to better

prepare our students for the future ahead of them. When you come into Pine River-Backus Schools, you will know you are in Tiger country as we have been updating our buildings and grounds.

We have interactive displays for the students and the community to stay current on our events and activities, as well as celebrate our past history and accomplishments.

If you would like to become part of our family, we welcome you. PR-B has many ways for our community to be involved to work, play and grow together.

Check out our website at prbschools.org and friend us on Facebook to see all the opportunities available.

If you haven’t seen the Pine RiverBackus School District recently, take the time to turn off Highway 371 by the Cass County Fairgrounds, follow the sign and check out the “Proud Tigers” of Pine River-Backus.

Business owners, employees and the public come together

Pine River Chamber hosts Business After Hours events

The Pine River Chamber’s Business After Hours events are intended for area residents to network and enjoy food and refreshments from 5-7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at a member business’s location.

Business After Hours events are a great opportunity for Pine River community members to connect and visit with one another in an informal atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to others, exchange business cards, make new business contacts and enjoy refreshments.

All Pine River Chamber of Commerce members and the public are encouraged to attend - and hostthese events!

To get a taste of a Pine River Chamber membership, guests from the general public are welcome to attend the Business After Hours events. If you enjoy the atmosphere and the opportunities the event presents for your business or organization, please learn more about joining the Pine River Chamber by contacting us at pinerivercofc@ yahoo.com or (218) 587-4000.

The area’s premier provider of services for persons with disabilities

Private, non-profit organization Our Board of Directors is comprised of local community members Provider of both residential and community supports for about 50 persons with disabilities Employs 60+ local residents already

Pine River has more to offer for bicyclists in 2023

Since 1992’s Rails to Trails program converted an unused railroad bed in Pine River into a paved multi-use trail, Pine River has been a landmark on many cyclists’ maps.

Now, the Pine River community is working to make it a biking destination.

In 2022, the Pedal Pine River and Beyond group formed to turn Pine River into a bicycle friendly city with more than just a through trail for bicyclists. The group is on course to put Pine River on the biking map, specifically the Minnesota Bicycle Friendly City Directory.

The group has already increased

the number of bicycling events in town, installed new bike racks at area businesses and inspired the start of bicycling clubs.

They still aim to work toward installation of a bike lane on Barclay Avenue for easier access to Pine River businesses, invite businesses to work toward addition in the bicycle friendly business directory and repair the Paul Bunyan Trail.

Pedal Pine River and Beyond made big plans for 2023, including:

• A bike-in theater event featuring a ride concluding with an outdoor movie.

• An evening dinner bike ride.

• Early morning coffee group bike rides.

• A bicycle scavenger hunt.

• Weekly rides with intensity levels for every person.

• A bike club for those who identify as women or nonbinary.

• An annual, longer distance ride.

• Bicycle maintenance classes.

• Basic bike riding class.

• Bike riding classes focusing on commuting through traffic.

Pine River history includes restored Railway Depot

River area history has been preserved with the historic Pine River Railway Depot located near the Chamber Information Center and along the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

Owned and managed by the nonprofit Heritage Group North, the depot is the only property in Pine River to ever be listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places. A plaque proclaiming this achievement hangs on the exterior of the historic depot.

Built in 1895, the railroad opened much of north central Minnesota to logging, provided access to and settlement of the area, and accounted for the development of many area communities. The original depot building underwent various additions and alterations between 1895-1913. Since 1913, it remained essentially unchanged, except for removal of the canopy over the open-air waiting area that extended off the building’s south end.

A $362,000 restoration project completely restored the depot to its 1913 Northern Pacific Railroad appearance, including reconstruction of the canopy.

Today, the former rail bed is the

Paul Bunyan State Trail, which runs from Brainerd to Bemidji, and right through the heart of Pine River.

Find more information about Heritage Group North at www. heritagegroupnorth.org.

CHURCHES

Emmanuel Lutheran Church ..............947-4182

New Life Community Church .............587-2109

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church ..587-4203

Riverview Church ................................587-2021

United Methodist Church ...................587-4091

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

Ada Lake Association ..........................587-4983

Arts Off 84 ...........................www.artsoff84.com

Cass County Faith In Action ...............675-5435

Cass County EDC ................................547-7262

Central Lakes Rotary ....centrallakesrotary.com

Crow Wing/Cass County United Way 829-0228

Heritage Group North.........................251-3475

Pedal Pine River & Beyond .................587-4000

Pine Ridge Cemetery Association320-309-3700

Pine River American Legion ...............587-9151

Pine River Area Foundation.................................

Pine River Art Club .............................587-5282

Pine River Game & Fish Club .............587-2637

Pine River Lions Club ..........................587-2564

Pine River Library Building Foundation/

Friends of the Library .........................587-4639

Pine River Market Square ...................838-1943

The Warehouse ....................................587-5404

LEISURE

BOWLING

Community Bowl & Pizzeria ..............587-3100

CASINOS

Northern Lights Casino ..............800-252-PLAY

EVENTS CENTER

Anderson Farm Event Barn ................851-7670 GOLF

Wildwedge

MOTELS

AmericInn

Ada

Cousin’s Cabins

Wildwedge Golf & RV Park .................568-6995

MEDIA/ADVERTISING

Brainerd Dispatch ...............................829-4705

Discover Racks ....................................838-9804

Echoland-Piper Shopper .............800-432-3703 Echo Journal................................800-432-3703

Hubbard Broadcasting, WJJY, KLIZ-FM, KBLB & KUAL ................................................828-1244

R&J Broadcasting................................................

USA Northland Directory ...........866-944-8777

REAL ESTATE

Close-Converse Commercial

Properties ............................................828-3334

Gilchrist Realty ....................................587-4466

Heartland Real Estate .........................587-4424

Lakeplace.com - Gallery of Homes .....839-7700 North Pointe Realty Advantage..........232-2237

RETAIL

AUTO & BOAT LICENSE

Pine River Dept. of Motor Vehicles ....587-2400

AUTO DEALERS

Kimber Creek Ford ..............................818-4419 Sweet Cars ...........................................820-3159

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

Auto Value ...........................................587-2476

Kimber Creek Ford ..............................818-8204 NAPA Auto Parts ................................587-2900

BAIT & TACKLE, FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES

Gardiner’s Hardware ...........................587-2585 Station 371

BARBERSHOP/SALON

Spike’s

Bjerga’s

FLOORING

Pine River Carpet

Bites

Holiday Stationstore

Pine River Family Market ...................587-2488 Station 371

GIFTS

Gardiner’s Hardware

Serenity Now Yarn and Alpaca Shop ..587-1107 Sherwood Florist .................................587-2802

GROCERY STORE

Pine River Family Market ...................587-2488

HARDWARE

Auto Value ...........................................587-2476

Barnum’s NAPA ...................................587-2900

Gardiner’s Hardware/Furniture .........587-2585

K&K Lumber........................................587-2482

Tractor Supply Company ....................587-2567

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Select Therapy......................................587-5022

LUMBER/WOOD PRODUCTS

Christensen Forest Products ..............587-4969

Dabill Mill ............................................587-2825

Henry’s Woodworking ........................587-4899 K&K Lumber........................................587-2482

MANUFACTURING/ SALES/SERVICE

Pequot Tool & Manufacturing ............568-8069

Prososki All Care Services ...................947-4518

Scamp Trailers .............................800-346-4962

Trussworthy Components ..................587-8787

Voyager Industries, Inc. ............(800) 980-4940

Whitefish-Bertha Boatworks ..............543-4100

Wippler Precast & Concrete................587-5209

Pine

Day

Paul’s

Avantax

CanvasTech

DENTIST

Pine River Dental Arts ........................587-4437

DEVELOPER

Moser Enterprises ...............................587-2223

DMV

Pine River DMV...................................587-2400

DOCKS

Prososki All Care Services ...................947-4518 Dock Guys LLC ....................................587-3625

ELECTRICIAN

Prime Electric LLC ............587-2193\232-2901

EXERCISE CENTER

218 Fitness ..........................................821-9392

EXCAVATION

Schrupp Excavating, LLC ....................587-4038

FINANCIAL ADVISING

Hansen Financial - Avantax ................587-4477

FUNERAL HOMES

Kline Funeral Home ............................587-2067

GARBAGE PICKUP

Waste Partners ....................................587-8727

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

APH Plumbing and Heating ...............839-3060 Comfort Air Plumbing & Heating ......820-4328 Plumbing Etc. ......................................587-4965

HOUSING

Pine River Housing & Redevelopment Authority ..................587-4929

INSURANCE/INVESTMENTS

Cass Company Insurance .....................587-2374 Hanneken Insurance ............................587-2722

LANDSCAPING

Lakeview Tree Company ......................838-7798

Pine River Property Maintenance .......820-9043 Schrupp Excavating..............................587-4038 Sunshine Gardens ................................947-3154

LAWYER

Hendrick’s Law Firm ............................587-4060

LIBRARY

Pine River Public Library .....................587-4639

MEDICAL

Central Minnesota Dermatology ........454-3376

Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center (Brainerd hospital) ...............................829-2861

North Memorial Ambulance..........................911

Essentia Health-Pine River Clinic .......587-4416 Select Therapy.......................................587-5022

NATURAL GAS/ENERGY

Xcel Energy ...................................800-895-4999

OPTICIAN

Associates In Eyecare ...........................587-2020

PAVING CONTRACTOR

Anderson Brothers Construction ........829-1768

PET BOARDING/ADOPTION Paws & Claws Rescue & Resort............675-7297

POWER UTILITIES

Community Resources

PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency .........................................911 (Fire, Police, Medical)

Cass County Sheriff

Cass County Sexual Abuse Crisis Line (collect calls accepted)

Crisis

Pine River City Hall

Pine River Public Transportation for appointments

Jefferson Lines pick up & drop off at city hall

Pine River Police non-emergency

Pine River Library

Essentia Health-Pine River Clinic

Road Report (Brainerd)

Road Report (Minnesota)

PINE RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Pine River Public Library is located just a block off Barclay Avenue at the corner of Park Avenue and Second Street. Our library was established in 1965 and is one of nine branches in the Kitchigami System. Patrons can use their library card at any of these branches: Pine River, Walker, Wadena, Brainerd, Bemidji, Blackduck, Cass Lake, Longville, Park Rapids, as well as the Mobile Library. Your card also gives you access to the library 24 hours a day online. Just visit www.krls.org and click on “Search the Catalog.” There are online resources such as ELM, links to the state catalog at MN Link, and many more.

Access eBooks, eAudios, music and movies through the Cloud Library and Hoopla services.

LIBRARY INFORMATION

Phone: 218-587-4639 Address: 212 Park Ave. Email: pineriver@krls.org

HOURS

Monday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The library is closed most federal holidays

PINE RIVER AREA PARKS

Liberty Park

Next to the Pine River American Legion Club on Highway 371. Playground, volleyball courts, picnic table.

Forbes Park

Over the Pine River bridge, left on Highway 84 (two blocks). Camping, picnic shelter, restrooms, running water, fire rings. Forbes Park Building available for rent.

Pine River Dam Park

Children’s playground equipment, Lions picnic shelter, fishing pier, new children’s swimming beach, DNR canoe/kayak access. To reserve the Lions log shelter house, call the city of Pine River at 218-587-2440.

Softball Park Highway 1, east of town. Concessions building, picnic table, bleachers and dugouts.

DNR LICENSES

Visit DNR license agents in Pine River: Gardiner’s Hardware 203 Barclay • 218-587-2585

Holiday Stationstore #164 300 Front St • 218-587-2821

Pine River Dept. of Motor Vehicles Licenses 239 Barclay Ave • 218-587-2400

Station 371 112 Front St. S. • 218-587-4700

AREA ATMS

Bites Grill and Bar

Cozy Cottage Cafe

First National Bank, Backus Holiday Stationstore

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union

Pine River American Legion Pine River Family Market

Pine River State Bank • Station 371 U.S. Bank

RECYCLING BINS & TRANSFER SITES

Backus: City Hall Barclay Township: Harriet Club Cass County Transfer Station: 218-587-3500 or 888-910-2425 ext. 1 2 miles north of Pine River on Highway 371

Summer hours (April 1-Oct. 31): 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.noon Saturday.

Winter hours (Nov. 1-March 31): 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.noon Saturday.

AREA CHURCHES

Faith Lutheran Church 218-543-4878

11 miles east of Pine River on CR 1

First Lutheran Church (ELCA) 218-587-2316

309 Second St. N., Pine River

Maple Hill Lutheran Church (ELCA) 218-587-2093 • 4 miles west of Pine River on #2, 5 miles south on #26

Mildred Bible Chapel 218-587-2562

4 miles north of Pine River on Highway 371

New Life Community Church 218-587-2109

510 First St. N., Pine River

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 218-587-4203

203 Second St. N., Pine River

Pine River Baptist Church 218-587-2684

285 CR 2 W. (2 blocks W. of 371)

Pleasant Hill Community Church

218-568-5289 • Southwest of Pine River on CR 1

Riverview Church

218-587-2021 • 310 Norway Ave., Pine River

United Methodist Church

218-587-4091 • 348 Barclay Ave., Pine River

Whitefish Community Church 218-543-6779 • 6876 CR 1 (7 miles east of Pine River on CR 1)

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES

Cass County Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit that provides confidential assistance to new or expanding businesses in Cass County. Contact CCEDC Executive Director Mike Paulus: 218-547-7262 or email cass.edc@co.cass.mn.us.

Central Lakes College Small Business Development Center assists small business start-ups or expansions. The SBDC features business training seminars and a number of services available to small businesses. Contact SBDC Director Greg Bergman at 218-855-8145 or email gbergman@clcmn.edu.

The Pine River Area Economic Development Group meets monthly in Pine River to support cooperative business relationships and advocate for businesses in the community. Call 218-587-4000.

The city of Pine River has a revolving loan fund for new and existing businesses located in the city of Pine River. For more information, contact Pine River City Hall at 218-587-2440.

Region 5 Development Commission in Staples assists communities and organizations with economic development, including research and business plan creation. For general inquiries, email info@regionfive.org or call 218-894-3233.

PINE RIVER AIRPORT

Pine River is home to a regional airport located just east of the city. The airport offers a 3,000-foot by 75-foot paved runway with 44 hangars and 24-hour/seven-days-a-week fuel pumps.

Since 2016, the airport has also been home to Pine River Aeromotor where pilots can come to have repairs made on airplanes and helicopters by mechanic Ron Sieling.