2024 Pine River Visitor Guide by Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal

Pine River MINNESOTA 2024

Accommodations • Events • Community Information • Area Maps

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Welcome to Pine River!

Paul Bunyan would be proud P

ine River is known as not only the “City of Progress and Promise” but also as “The Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail.” I do firmly believe that Paul would be proud of our community when he looks at the Progress we have made and the Promising future that we have! As we look at the past year, we have enhanced our community with a new rock riffle dam that is stunningly beautiful and new, and updated eateries in our downtown. We continue to boast about our health care services like the new Essentia Health clinic, Central Minnesota Dermatology office, a new and updated GuidePoint Pharmacy, the expanded Pine River Dental office,

4 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

full ambulance service, eye doctor and Select Therapy physical therapy, just to mention a few. We have an updated 218 Fitness center and a new Tractor Supply that are thriving. Our Pine River-Backus School is doing a complete makeover and, of course, let’s not forget about our Kitchigami Regional Library headquarters. Did I mention the churches, financial institutions, car dealers, fish house manufacturers along with an award-winning bakery? AND the cheapest gas around! Yes Paul, we have a lot going for us here in Pine River and a lot to be proud of. Looking to the future we see a new

city park area coming in 2024, a new celebration in August called the Picklefest, and, of course, the Lakes Bluegrass Festival in August. I haven’t even started to talk about the great hunting, fishing, kayaking, four-wheeling and camping in our area, and let’s not forget about your Paul Bunyan Trail, Paul. Yes, there is a lot to do in our fair community, and now you know why I am so proud to represent the Pine River Chamber of Commerce. Pine River is truly a community of Progress and Promise. - Jay Cline, President Pine River Chamber of Commerce

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2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 5

Table of Contents

Welcome Letter....................................... 4 Calendar of Events.................................. 7 Community Events........................... 8-15 Wefelmeyer Picklefest......................... 8 Market Square farmers/crafters market...................... 9 Summerfest.......................................10 Cass County Fair................................11 Block Party at The Warehouse..........12 Pine River Garage Sales.....................12 Backus Corn Fest...............................12 Lakes Bluegrass Festival....................13 Arts Off 84..........................................14 Heritage Days Pre-1840’s Buckskinner Encampment...............15 Parade of Lights.................................15 Outdoor Recreation & Maps...........16-24 Fishing................................................16 Biking/inline skating...........................17 Canoeing/kayaking........................... 17 Huntfing..............................................18 Golfting...............................................18 Ice skating...........................................18 Camping.............................................18 Trails..............................................19-20 Hiking and biking................................19 Four-wheeling....................................19 Skiing..................................................20 6 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

Snowmobiling.....................................20 Area Trail Map.....................................21

Cut Lake Trail Map..............................22 Goose Lake Trail Map.........................22 Spider Lake Trail/Foot Hills State Forest Map................................23 Area Snowmobile Trails Map .............24

PINE RIVER CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jay Cline: President, Small Business Development Coordinator CCEDC Gretchen Koering: Treasurer, Hanneken Insurance Mackenzie Sepin: Secretary, Waste Partners Craig Anderson: Trussworthy Components Dan Pflugshaupt: Gallery of Homes Realty Emalee Hedberg: SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids Kari Crimmins: North Pointe Realty Morgan Johnson: Pine River State Bank Travis Grimler: Pineandlakes Echo Journal

Services to meet your needs................25

PINEANDLAKES ECHO JOURNAL STAFF

Dining & Map...................................30-31

PUBLISHER Pete Mohs pete.mohs@brainerddispatch.com

Pine River Walking Tour & Map........26-29 Shopping...............................................32 Lodging & Map.................................33-35

Pine River-Backus Schools...................36 Business scene......................................37

Park space..............................................38 Historic Railway Depot.........................39

Community Service listings...........40-41 Community Resource listings........42-43 Phone numbers..................................42 Library.................................................42

Parks...................................................42 DNR license agents............................42 ATMs...................................................42

Recycling............................................42 Churches............................................43 Business resources............................43 Airport................................................43

ADVERTISING Kathy Bittner Lee kathy.bittnerlee@pineandlakes.com EDITOR Nancy Vogt nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com

STAFF WRITER Travis Grimler travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Chris Johnson: Forum Communications COVER PHOTO Courtesy of: Emalee Hedberg

Our thanks to the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for their assistance with this project. @2024 Pineandlakes Echo Journal This publication is produced and copyrighted by the Pineandlakes Echo Journal, a division of Forum Communications. Printed by Forum Communications Printing of Fargo, North Dakota.

2024 Calendar of Events

JANUARY

2: Adult Winter Reading Program at the library, Snow Time to Read, Jan. 2-March 2

FEBRUARY

17: Back to Basics at Pine River-Backus School, www.happydancingturtle.org for more details

MARCH

15: Pine River-Backus PTO Family Fun Night, 6 p.m. at PR-B School.

19: Pine River Lions Blood Drive at Lifehouse Coffee, Vitalant - www.vitalant.org 23: Annual Warehouse Garage Sale & Silent Auction, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at The Warehouse, 300 Norway Ave., 218-587-2021

25-29: Pine River-Backus School spring break 30: Community Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. at Forbes Park, Highway 84, Pine River

APRIL

13: Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant, 7 p.m. at Pine River-Backus High School

23: Evening in Tuscany Spaghetti Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m. at Union Church in Hackensack. Visit www.faithinactioncass.com

MAY

4: Backus Firemen’s Smelt & Fish Fry, 4 p.m. at the Backus Fire Hall 11: Minnesota Fishing Opener, Diehard anglers head to the lakes

11-12: MN High School Rodeo, Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River. Visit www.facebook.com/MNHSRA

22: Take A Kid Fishing Day sponsored by the Pine River Lions Club, where youngsters are introduced to the art and science of angling

24: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market, 2:30-5:30 p.m. FRIDAYS through Sept. 27, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot 27: Memorial Day services

31: Pine River Railway Depot tours, 1-5 p.m. FRIDAYS through Sept. 27

JUNE

FRIDAYS through Sept. 27: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market, 2:305:30 p.m., featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depo FRIDAYS through Sept 27: Pine River Railway Depot, open for tours 1-5 p.m.

3: Children’s Summer Reading Program at the library, Read, Renew, Repeat, June 3-Aug. 3 7-8: Backus Lions Garage Sales at Backus Nazarene Church

19: Pine River Lions Blood Drive at Lifehouse Coffee, Vitalant - www.vitalant.org

26-29: Cass County Fair in Pine River, midway games and rides, 4-H exhibits, animals, grandstand events, bluegrass music and food

26-29: Summer Book Sale - Friends of the Pine River Library at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River

FRIDAYS through Sept 27: Pine River Railway Depot, open for tours 1-5 p.m..

29: Summerfest, Pine River’s signature summer event that includes fun events and a parade

7-8: Heritage Days Pre-1840’s Buckskinner Encampment at Forbes Park, Pine River, free admission and camping for all buckskinners and voyageurs with period correct encampment demonstrations, living history and more

26-29: Pine River Lions Cass County Fair Food Both

29: United Methodist Church Walkin’ Tacos

30: All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast by the Pine River Lions at the Cass County Fairgrounds

JULY

21: Backus Lions Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at the Backus Airport, 8 a.m.-noon; fly, drive, bike or walk; proceeds benefit the Backus Fire Department and First Responders 24: Block Party at the Warehouse, 6-8 p.m., 218-587-2021

27-28: Pine River Softball Tournament

AUGUST

2-3: Pine River Community Garage Sale, featuring oodles of registered garage sales all over town 2-3: Summer Book Sale - Friends of the Pine River Library at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River

9-11: 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 17: Wefelmeyer Picklefest, celebrate one of the first industries in Pine River with music, crafters, food trucks and family fun

21-25: Lakes Bluegrass Festival featuring national and regional bluegrass bands at a site just north of Pine River with camping available; visit www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com 27: Pine River Lions Blood Drive at Lifehouse Coffee, Vitalant - www.vitalant.org 31: Arts Off 84 Art Crawl, follow the signs on Highway 84, northeast of Pine River; visit www.artsoff84.com

SEPTEMBER

1: Arts Off 84 Art Crawl, follow the signs on Highway 84, northeast of Pine River; visit www.artsoff84.com

7-8: Summer Book Sale - Friends of the Pine River Library at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River

13: Wine, Beer & Spirits, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Pine River American Legion featuring samplings of local vendors, drawings, silent auction to support the chamber and a local non-profit organization

27: Fall Booya Dinner, 5-6:30 p.m. at Union Church in Hackensack, www.faithinactioncass.com

OCTOBER

5: Delta Waterfowl Banquet

7-11: Pine River-Backus School Homecoming 12: Annual Chili Feed & Bean Bag Tournament at the fire hall to benefit the Pine River Fire Department

12: Indoor Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market at The Warehouse

14: Go Pine River/Distinguished Service Banquet, 6 p.m. social and 7 p.m. dinner at Bites Grill and Bar 22: Pine River Lions Blood Drive at Lifehouse Coffee, Vitalant - www.vitalant.org 31: Truck N Treat with the Pine River Lions 31: Halloween Party - Good Samaritan Society, Pine River.

NOVEMBER

9: Firearms deer hunting opener, the Pine River area boasts thousands of acres of county, state and federal land

9: Indoor Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market at The Warehouse 9: Backus Lions Holiday Sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Backus Nazarene Church

14: Faith in Action Raffle Drawing Open House, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Faith in Action Office in Hackensack, www.faithinactioncass.com

DECEMBER

4: Pine River American Legion Auxiliary Arts & Crafts Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the American Legion 14: Parade of Lights, be part of the glittering floats, cheerful carolers and spirit of the season as Pine River lights up the town with many events, including a lighted parade at 5 p.m.

14: Pine River American Legion Auxiliary Lunch with Santa, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the American Legion 14: Pine River Lions Food Booth after the Parade of Lights at the Chamber

• Check www.pinerivermn.com and Facebook for event updates •

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 7

Wefelmeyer Picklefest

Back by popular demand Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024

ver 3,000 people attended the 2023 Wefelmeyer Picklefest. It was so successful and, by popular demand, the second annual Wefelmeyer Picklefest will take place Saturday, Aug. 17. When Fred Wefelmeyer arrived on March 25, 1918, he put Pine River on the nation’s “pickle map.” The Pine River Chamber of Commerce and the Wefelmeyer Picklefest Committee are continuing on in that same spirit. Fred Wefelmeyer, representing the Thiessen Pickle Company of Omaha, Nebraska, proposed to build a pickle factory in the village if people would contract to grow 150 acres of cucumbers. By 1925, Mr. Wefelmeyer had his main office in Pine River with salt stations in many small towns in the area. The Aug. 17 Wefelmeyer Picklefest will include live music, crafters, food trucks, free samples, free photo booth, chance to meet members of the Wefelmeyer family, pickle for a nickel and a pickle tasting contest. Purchase a pickle passport and follow the pickle path to redeem fabulous gifts from pickle passport participating businesses. Keep the pickle party going later that evening and attend a street dance at the Damsite Supper Club adjacent to the beautiful riffle dam of the Pine River.

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ine River Market Square is a farmers and crafters market that runs from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Fridays, May 24-Sept. 27, 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. 12 and Nov. 9, at The Warehouse. For more information, including vending information, visit www.prmarketsquare.wordpress.com or email prmarketsquare@gmail.com.

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2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 9

Summerfest

Celebrate summer Saturday, June 22, 2024

ummerfest returns at the height of summer when Pine River throws its annual event with a full slate of activities Saturday, June 22. 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. Other attractions include kids activities and the Summerfest Parade that winds its way downtown to Barclay Avenue. The chamber sponsors this annual fun event.

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Cass County Fair

It’s fair time Wednesday-Saturday, June 26-29, 2024

he annual Cass County Fair will run Wednesday-Saturday, June 26-29, at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River, just off Highway 371, offering competition, recreation, agriculture, food and history all in one. 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.

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Pine River Area Garage Sale

Shop for deals Friday-Saturday, Aug. 2-3, 2024

ou’ll want to visit Pine River on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 2-3, 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.

Backus Corn Fest

Corn lovers unite Friday-Sunday, Aug. 9-11, 2024

elebrated since 1976, the annual Backus Corn Fest event will run Friday-Sunday, Aug. 9-11, with fun-filled 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.

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Find family fun Wednesday, July 24, 2024

iverview Church and The Warehouse will host the annual Block Party on Wednesday, July 24, 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.

Lakes Bluegrass Festival

It’s time to jam Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 21-25, 2024

he 18th annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival will take place Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 21-25, at the beautiful Lakes Music and Events Park in Pine River. The lineup features the best in national and regional bluegrass groups, including Rhonda Vincent “Queen of Bluegrass” and The Rage, The Lonesome River Band, The Malpass Brothers, The Kody Norris Show, Kenny & Amanda Smith, The High Plains Tradition, The Bluegrass Express, Shaffers Lost 40, plus more performers. In addition to five big days of music on the main stage, the festival features jam sessions, music workshops, camping with showers, food and beverages. There’s free parking and shuttle service. The shows go 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. Camping is available for an additional fee. For tickets and more information, visit www.lakesbluegrassfestival. com or call 844-620-GRAS (4727).

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Arts Off 84

Something for art lovers Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2024

abor Day weekend offers art lovers the opportunity to travel 25 miles of scenic, winding road for the Arts Off 84 Art Crawl. The 17th annual event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 31-Sept. 1. 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.

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Parade of Lights

Usher in the holidays Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024

elebrate the holiday season at the annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 14. A craft project will be held along with other activities. 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 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. 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. The Pine River American Legion hosts its annual Lunch with Santa event for children. Celebrate the holidays in Pine River at this Pine River Chamber-sponsored event!

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Take a step back in time at Forbes Park in Pine River to see knife and tomahawk throwing demonstrations, historic camping including a tipi, flint knapping, blacksmithing, rope making, finger weaving and more at the Heritage Days Encampment on Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8. It is free and open to the public. Plus there’s free camping for all buckskinners and voyageurs with period correct encampments!

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Outdoor offerings abound in Pine River!

Find trails, waterways, camping and more

utdoors enthusiasts will find everything they need in Pine River. 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 cross-country skiing, mountain biking and four-wheeling. Those who love the outdoors can also 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.

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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. Canoe and boat registration can be purchased locally at the Pine River DMV and many of the gas stations sell licenses. Visit the Pine River Information Center for all area public access maps.

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 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 as an access off of the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Canoe and boat registration can be purchased locally at the Pine River DMV. Canoe and boating guide maps are available at the Pine River Chamber and on www.dnr.state.mn.us/canoeing/pineriver.

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Hunting Pine River is the hub of thousands of acres of public land just made for hunters. White-tailed 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.

Golfing

Skating

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.

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

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www.happydancingturtle.org www.happydancingturtle.org 18 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

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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.

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 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. 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.

Find hundreds of miles of trails around Pine River P

ine 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 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.

Hiking and biking 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.

curve around lakes and ponds, follow ridges and traverse several hills and slopes throughout the forest. ATV trails are open year-round, 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.

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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

218.568.5095 • www.pequotvet.com CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 19

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 Hackensack on County State Aid Highway 6. ► Goose Lake Trail: Halfway between Hackensack and Longville near the Woodtick Trail. ► Washburn Trail: Southeast of Washburn Lake near Outing. The Lake Country Nordic Ski Club grooms cross country ski trails when adequate snow is available. Skiers can also visit the groomed Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center ski trails and the Shingobee Recreation Area trails. These trails are not managed under the state’s Grantsin-Aid program and do not require a ski pass. To contact the Lake Country Nordic Ski Club, email lakecountrynordic@ gmail.com. Visit http://chitwood1.wix. com/lcnskiclub or http://www.skinnyski.com/trails/ski/ for grooming

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.

information. Follow the club on Facebook at Lake Country Nordic Ski Club. Maps for area cross country ski trails are online at www.co.cass. mn.us/maps/map_trails.html.

Snowmobiling Pine River is the center of some of the greatest snowmobiling in north central Minnesota. The Paul Bunyan

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Area Trail Map • Paul Bunyan • Heartland • Mi-Gi-Zi • Itasca Wilderness

Heartland Trail Distances in Miles

See larger map on page 23

Paul Bunyan Trail Distances in Miles

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 21

Cut Lake Skiing/Mountain Bike Trail

Goose Lake Ski Trail Map

22 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

Spider Lake Trail/Foot Hills State Forest Map Spider McKinley Forest Road

PINE RIVER 10 MILES

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

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

Recreation Boat Ramp Nearby Dispersed Camping Canoe/Kayak Picnic Shelters Swimming

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 23

Area Snowmobile Trails Map Farris

Laporte

Walker

Akeley Dorset

Longville

Nevis Hackensack

Park Rapids

Hubbard

Backus

Menahga

Emily

Pine River

Jenkins

Sebeka

Pequot Lakes

Nisswa Crosby

Verndale Staples 24 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

Motley

Brainerd

IMPROVING THE WAY YOU Pine River is open, no matter what the season City offers services to meet any needs

ine 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, 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 self-contained 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.

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2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 25

Pine River Walking Tour

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

ine 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. 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.

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.

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 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

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 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.

26 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

c. 1920 • 240 Barclay Ave. 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

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 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.

Pine River Walking Tour 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.

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 sixthgrade classrooms and the school lunchroom. The city office and fire hall occupied the north end of the building. The armory was razed in 1974.

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.

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 FordMercury 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.

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.

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 Barclay Avenue to the north

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. 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.

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c. 1919 • 102 Barclay Ave. W. This vehicle, a horse-drawn Waterous #6 Class

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PO Box 364 Pine River, MN 56474 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 27

Pine River Walking Tour

A project funded by the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program. 28 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

Pine River Walking Tour 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.

its location 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 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 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. 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

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.

218-587-2900 Hwy 371 • Pine River

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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

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MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM -10PM • HWY. 371, PINE RIVER • 218-587-3166

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 29

FIFTH ST

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218-587-4762

4. Holiday Station 218-587-2821

5. Lifehouse Coffee 25TH ST SW

218-587-3332

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3. Dairy Queen

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218-587-2588

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BARCLAY AVE W

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6. Pine River Family Market

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218-587-2564

218-587-2488

7. Pine River Bakery 218-587-2545

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8. Pine River 371 American Legion

AMERICAN LEGION FRASER -– NELSON NELSON POST 613 FRAZER POST 613 218-587-9151 • Hwy. 371, Pine River • Bar Open at Noon Mon-Sun

• Bar Bingo - Tues. & Sat. Starting at 6:30 pm • Drinks & Beer Specials • Mexican Tuesdays • Pizzas Best Around • Full Kitchen • Burgers • Pull Tabs Always Available • Meat Raffle Friday at 5:30

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9. Station 371 218-587-4700

10. Barstock Liquors 218-587-3166

11. Community Bowl & Pizzeria 218-587-3100

12. GuidePoint Pharmacy Vintage Soda Fountain 218-587-2500

13. Damsite Supper Club 218-587-1030

FREE HALL RENTAL TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 30 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

W AN ARM STE BE COM LUS OU P ERC CU

AERON

INDUSTRIAL BLVD

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KENT

WINDS

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NORWAY LAKE RD

1. Bites Grill & Bar

ROOSEVELT AVE

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PA RK

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OXFORD AVE

Following is a listing of Pine River food and beverage establishments:

PARK AVE W EVELYNE AVE W

HALL PL

R RIVE

SNELL AVE

Food and beverage options PARKER AVE

TY AVE W

R VERI ST

H RDT IS

LINDBERG AVE

KINLER AVE

F RS TI ST N

OX SFT

GILLESPIE AVE

Satisfy any food craving in Pine River You’re sure to find a perfect dining spot

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VO T

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hether 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 or the one by the dam. 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.

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2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 31

Gardiner’s 3 Businesses In One Convenient Location

Gardiner’s Hardware Hank

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CUSTOM CANVAS WORK • AUTO & BOAT INTERIORS 218-587-2279 • Hwy 371 in Pine River

TRANSMISSIONS • ENGINES DRIVE AXLE • ELECTRICAL • AC DRIVEABILITY REPAIR Terry Aleckson Denny Aleckson 1389 State 84 SW Pine River, MN 56474 218-587-2558

www.DoubleAAutomotive.com 32 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

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Pine River stores cover all your needs Find gifts, necessities and more

e know you’ll find what you’re looking for when shopping in Pine River, including some surprises when you visit our retailers. Find gifts or any needed items at our hardware store, auto parts stores or the Tractor Supply store. Venture out to buy flowers or a homemade baked good for your hosts if you’re staying with or visiting friends or relatives. Take a look around and you’ll come across new and secondhand furniture in Pine River, as well as special services such as glass and pipe cutting and everything from soup to nuts! Find great bargains at thrift and antique shops in the city. Pine River offers specialty shops such as an alpaca yarn and knitting goods shop. If you’re looking for a car or other vehicle - or parts, full service, body work or tire replacement for a vehicle - you can shop for those businesses right here in Pine River! You can also renew your license plates or purchase ATV or boat licenses at an official Department of Motor Vehicles business downtown. Spend time shopping in Pine River. You’ll be certain to find something for everyone, as well as yourself.

Take your pick of places to stay N

Pine River has lodging options within 15 miles of downtown

o matter what event or circumstance brings you to Pine River, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay that will satisfy your preference. Book a stay at one of our area hotels and motels or choose to stay at one of our famous lakes area resorts. We have resorts and campgrounds that cater to RVs, and we have many motel, resort and camping options within easy driving distance. So when you come to enjoy all Pine River has to offer - from our recreational trails and tall pines to our retail and dining options to our exceptional events - you’ll enjoy pleasant overnight accommodations to suit any need. Check the Lodging listings above for information.

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 33

Resorts, Motels, Campgrounds & Fairways RESORTS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Heath’s Resort, Whitefish Lake Ken & Erica Meitz...............................................................218-587-2286 2. Kilworry Resort, Whitefish Lake Coughlin Family ..................................................................218-543-4587 3. Black Pine Beach Resort, Whitefish Chain Jeff and Jackie Novitsky.......................... 877-575-1455 • 218-543-4714 4. Towering Pines Resort, Whitefish Chain Jodi & Roger Nies.................................... 800-950-0267 • 218-543-4738 5. Sunset Pines MN, Pine Mountain Lake Mike & Loellen Grzeskowiak................................................218-947-4099 6. Mountain View Resort, Pine Mountain Lake Jack & Renita Tesch ...........................................................218-947-3233 7. Sandy Pines Resort, Big Portage Lake Jim and Paula Woischke......................................................218-821-3321 8. Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground, Lake Hattie Todd Malecha .....................................................................218-587-4725 9. Pleasant Pines Resort, Pleasant Lake Milo Tritz ...........................................................................320-760-1120 10. Cousins Cabins, Horseshoe Lake Lynn Edlefson & Stacey Davis ........................................... 218-947-3006 11. Hidden Haven Resort, Horseshoe Lake Andrew Ronneberg...............................................................218-820-6972 12. Whitefish Lodge and Suites, Manhattan Beach Lodge Crosslake.............................................................................218-692-2246

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

MOTELS

1. Cedarwood Motel now monthly rentals only.................................................218-587-2208 2. Pine River Inn ..................................... 218-587-4499 • 800-450-4499 3. AmericInn by Wyndham.................... 218-568-8400 • 888-312-2398

CAMPGROUNDS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Riverview RV Park and Campground, Cory Schrupp ............................................................................................218-587-4112 2. Highview Campground & RV Park, Marty & Julia Armstrong ..................................www.highviewcampground.com • 218-543-4526 3. Sunset Pines MN, Mike & Loellen Grzeskowiak..............218-947-4099 4. Mountain View Resort, Jack & Renita Tesch ................218-947-3233 5. Sandy Pines Resort, Jim and Paula Woischke................218-821-3321 6. Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground, Todd Malecha...218-587-4725 7. Pleasant Pines Resort, Milo Tritz..................................218-675-6618 8. Wildwedge Golf & RV Park...........................................218-568-6995

FAIRWAYS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Whitefish Golf Course/Proshop..................................218-543-4900 2. Wildwedge Golf & Mini Golf.........................................218-568-6995 3. Deacon’s Lodge.................................... 218-562-6262 • 888-437-4637 4. The Pines at Grand View Lodge....... 218-963-8755 • 866-801-2951 5. The Preserve at Grand View Lodge .218-568-4944 • 866-801-2951 6. The Garden Course at Grand View Lodge ................................................................ 218-963-8745 • 866-801-2951 7. Crosswoods Golf Course................................................218-692-4653 8. Emily Greens Golf Course..................................... 218-763-2169 9. Golden Eagle Golf Club..................................................218-763-4653

• Special package rates for • Swimming Pool school sports groups • Hot Tub • Free Continental Breakfast • Construction Rates Available • Truck Parking • Close to Cuyuna Bike Trails, • Flat Screen TV’s Brainerd/Baxter, BIR Raceway • Upgraded Suites CLOSE TO PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL AND NISSWA SHOPPING 24186 North Smiley Road, Hwy 371 and County Road 13• Nisswa, MN 56468

1-218-963-3500 nisswainnandsuites.com nisswainnandsuites1@gmail.com

• Free Wi-Fi • Fridge and microwave available on prior request Clean • Just across the street Comfortable to the Paul Bunyan Trail Quiet • Pet Friendly Rooms Available • Easy in/out for Trucks & RVs • Special Construction Rates available

HWY 371 SW, PINE RIVER | Next to Ford Dealership across from the to Paul Bunyan Trail 218.587.4499 • 800.450.4499 • PineRiverInn.com • pineriverinn@gmail.com

34 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

7 5 6

EAST

8 6 9

10 11

To Spider Lake OHV Trails

Pine River Riding Stable Trailrides

2 1

2 1 1

3 4

1 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

(Nisswa) 4

5 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 35

Opportunities abound at Pine River-Backus Schools

ine 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

36 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

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 River-Backus 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.

Pine River and Barclay Avenue experience a resurgence

n Pine River’s history there were a number of families that could be identified simply by their last names as the founders of important businesses that made the city a great place to live. They included: the Gardiners with their hardware store, the Andersons with their grocery store, the Grieps with their jewelry shop and license office, the Bueckers with their grocery store, the Silbaughs with their department store, Shamps with their butcher shop, Rohr’s theater, Amy’s newspaper and many more. These names were once synonymous with Pine River, and they were emblematic in shaping the city during its business heyday. Today, some of those families have moved away, some have died and others have been bought out. But that has not spelled the end for Pine River, which is experiencing a resurgence that keeps going with new, often younger, owners stepping into buildings on Barclay Avenue and beyond. The old department store is now home to Henry and Ariel Krecklau’s 218 Fitness. The former Pine River Carpet is now home to Servpro with Sam and Emalee Hedberg. Christina and Marion Linn have taken the reins of the Pine River DMV. The former clinic is now Central Minnesota Dermatology with Dr. Kristina Britton. The former Lakes Area Pharmacy is now Rob Walton’s Damsite Supper Club. Even the former ALCO building became the very popular Tractor Supply Co. This is only the tip of the iceberg with new Pine River businesses and young owners. Many spaces along Barclay Avenue that were once empty are now filled. The growth is showing little or no signs of stopping. In spring 2024, Sherwood Florist moves from Barclay Avenue to a much bigger space on Mill Street next to the Pine River Information Center. The city has gained many new entrepreneurs and unique businesses in just the last five years, as well as

new owners for existing businesses like Pine River Family Market. Over 10 years, that growth in the business community only gets more impressive. There is a glut of ice fishing manufacturers with Ice Castle, Blackline Conversions and now Polarfox Outdoors making Pine River their home.

The Pine River business community is blooming like it once did, with a business to suit most any need. The Pine River Chamber of Commerce is working to highlight these important community members more than ever before. The new Pine River Chamber website highlights businesses more proactively than ever, allowing these businesses to customize their message for the best experience and get their names in front of customers. Likewise, many businesses are in line to be featured in the chamber’s frequent Business After Hours events, which introduce businesses and their owners to community members in an open house format. Pine River has a bright future, and the chamber is determined to be a part of it.

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 37

Park space is still growing in Pine River

ine River has not stopped after the 2022 summer conclusion of its project to completely reconstruct the Norway Brook dam and surrounding park space. The new rock riffle dam was well received and proved a popular place for reprieve in the summers of 2022 and 2023. The dam is not only visually pleasing - from the attached state-ofthe-art playground, to the new sand beach, green manicured grass and sparkling water flowing down a meandering rock path - but also a big success for the city. The dam has been lauded by news media, a topic in the Smithsonian’s traveling “We Are Water” exhibit, and received an award. The American Public Works Association in 2022 gave the city an award recognizing the design of the rock riffle dam, especially for opening travel for fish to go both up and down stream, returning the waterway to a more natural part of the ecosystem. Not riding on their laurels, the city of Pine River is riding the wave of the success and community support they have received from the project to

After landscaping, the first step was to construct a foundation to relocate the Lions pavilion previously located on the opposite corner of the dam, commemorating Swede Swendsen, former Pine River police officer. The pavilion was moved from the current dam to the new space in July 2023. A memorial space commemorating Swendsen was also constructed. Not intending to leave the familiar dam park bare, the city began construction of a new, much larger pavilion with built-in bathrooms and kitchenette type space where groups can access amenities for food preparation. The new park has space for six picnic tables and is quieter, due to its distance from the playground at the other end of the park. The space will have expand park space. room for up to 15 tables and is expectIn the process of reconstructing the ed to be ready in the spring of 2024. dam and surrounding space, the state The city of Pine River continues purchased a property on the northeast to work to make the dam, once an side of Barclay Avenue, demolishing the building there and using the space important part of the logging industry to access the work zone below the dam. that built the city and surrounding cities, into a popular gathering place for Following the construction, the city purchased the property for a discount- Pine River’s community members, as ed price and began planning to convert well as those from outside who wish to sit and take in the beautiful nature. it to new park space.

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 Always looking for dedicated, dependable, compassionate employees

~ SERVING THE AREA FOR 45 YEARS ~

Pine River, MN 218-587-4888 38 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

Restored railway depot is part of Pine River’s history

ine 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. 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. 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 depot. With the Depot built in 1895, the railroad opened much of north central Minnesota to logging, provided access to the area and accounted for the development of many communities.

A fr i end l y s tore to m ake you r new c ra f t i ng home ! Yarn • Alpaca Produc ts Local Ar tisan creations Unique Gif ts • Classes Needles • Accessories

The original depot building underwent various additions and alterations between 1895-1913. Since 1913, it remained essentially unchanged, except for the removal of the canopy over the open-air waiting area that extended off the building’s south end. In 2009, a $362,000 restoration project completely restored its 1913 Northern Pacific Railroad

appearance, including moving the building to the other side of the Paul Bunyan Trail, turning it 180 degrees and reconstructing the canopy. In 2023, Heritage Group North contracted Northern Bedrock to scrape and repaint the depot. Heritage Group North’s mission statement is: Here to preserve, protect and share Pine River area history for generations to come. The depot is open on Friday afternoons May-September (or by appointment) where you can see displays, photos and local history. Pine River’s history book, “Logsleds to Snowmobiles,” is now available for sale and a second edition is being worked on. Find more information about Heritage Group North at www.heritagegroupnorth.org, on Facebook or email heritagegroupnorth@gmail.com.

• Propane • Gasoline • Diesel Fuel • Propane Equipment Sales and Service 4165 4TH STREET NW IN BACKUS

218-947-4433

Serving Backus, Pine River, Hackensack, Longville, Walker & Surrounding Areas.

A REPUTATION FOR excellence. A COMMITMENT TO value.

231 Barclay Avenue Downtown Pine River 218-587-1107 www.serenitynowalpacas.com

Pine River 587-2067 Pequot Lakes 568-7353 www.klinefuneralhome.com

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 39

COMMUNITY SERVICES All Area Codes are 218 Unless Listed

Pine River Chamber Members are listed at the beginning of the listing with a ∆ CHURCHES

GAS/CONVENIENCE STORE

∆ Pine River Family Market ........................587-2488 ∆ Station 371 .............................................587-4700 Holiday Station Store ................................587-2821

∆ 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 First Lutheran Church ...............................587-2316 Pine River Baptist Church .........................587-2684

GIFTS

∆ Black Sheep Design + Gifts....................587-1096 ∆ Gardiner’s Hardware ..............................587-2585 ∆ GuidePoint Pharmacy.............................587-2500 ∆ Serenity Now Yarn and Alpaca Shop .....587-1107 ∆ Sherwood Florist ...................................587-2802 ∆ Stella Farm - All Things Alpaca...............330-7311

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

∆ Arts Off 84 ............................. www.artsoff84.com ∆ Backus Lions Club.............. facebook/backuslions ∆ Cass Co. Faith In Action .........................675-5435 ∆ Cass County EDC...................................547-7262 ∆ Central Lakes Rotary .......centrallakesrotary.com ∆ Heritage Group North ...........................251-3475 ∆ Pine Ridge Cemetery Association .320-309-3700 ∆ Pine River American Legion ..................587-9151 ∆ Support Within Reach............................547-4892 ∆ The Warehouse.......................................587-5404 Pedal Pine River & Beyond.........................587-4000 Pine River Area Foundation ..............................www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com Pine River Game & Fish Club......................587-2637 Pine River Library Building Foundation/ Friends of the Library.................................587-4639 Pine River Lions .........................................587-2564 Pine River Market Square ..........................838-1943

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.........................................587-2567

HEALTH & WELLNESS

RETAIL AUTO & BOAT LICENSE

LEISURE

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

BOWLING

AUTO DEALERS

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

EVENTS CENTER

Pine Peaks Wedding and Event Center.....251-8800

GOLF

∆ Wildwedge Golf & RV Park Mini Golf & Par 3 .........................................568-6995

TRAIL RIDES

Pine River Riding Stable .............................587-5807

LODGING MOTELS & HOTELS

∆ AmericInn Lodge & Suites .....................568-8400 Cedarwood Motel.......................................587-2208 Pine River Inn .............................................587-4499

RESORTS/CAMPING

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

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

∆ Auto Value ..............................................587-2476 ∆ Kimber Creek Ford .................................818-8202 ∆ NAPA Auto Parts.....................................587-2900 ∆ Pine River Automotive ...........................587-2232

BAIT & TACKLE, FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES

∆ Gardiner’s Hardware ..............................587-2585 ∆ Station 371 .............................................587-4700

BARBERSHOP/SALON

∆ AC Hair....................................................587-2220 ∆ Shear Grace............................................587-2586 Jim’s Barber Shop......................................587-4984 Spike’s Barber Shop...................................587-4588

∆ Black Pine Beach Resort ........................543-4714 ∆ Hidden Haven Resort .............................820-6972 ∆ Tuck-A-Way Resort ................................587-4725 ∆ Wildwedge Golf & RV Park .....................568-6995 Riverview RV Park & Campground ............587-4112

∆ Tractor Supply.........................................587-2567 Bjerga’s Feed Store ....................................587-2887

MEDIA/ADVERTISING

∆ Sherwood Florist ...................................587-2802

∆ Discover Racks .......................................838-9804 ∆ Pine and Lakes Echo Journal .................829-4705 ∆ Hubbard Broadcasting, WJJY, KLIZ-FM, KBLB & KUAL ..................828-1244 ∆ R&J Broadcasting...................................828-9994

REAL ESTATE

∆ Gallery of Homes ...................................587-4444 ∆ Gilchrist Realty .......................................587-4466 ∆ Heartland Real Estate ............................587-4424 ∆ North Pointe Realty Advantage .............587-1054 ∆ Northern Lights Realty...........................568-4395

40 | 2024 Pine River Visitors Guide

FEED STORE

FLORIST

FOOD & BEVERAGES

∆ 218 FItness .............................................821-9392

LUMBER/WOOD PRODUCTS

∆ Dabill Mill .................................................587-2825 ∆ Henry’s Woodworking ...........................587-4899 ∆ K&K Lumber ...........................................587-2482 Christensen Forest Products ....................587-4969

MANUFACTURING/SALES/SERVICE

∆ Ballistic Vision Safety Glass...................587-2317 ∆ Pequot Manufacturing............................568-8069 ∆ Pine River Innovations............................851-4441 ∆ Scamp Trailers........................................947-4932 ∆ Trussworthy Components ....................587-8787 ∆ Voyager Industries.........................800-980-4940 Brown-Wilbert, Inc.....................................587-5209 Northern Sales & Mfg. Ice Castle Fish Houses .......................................................587-5400

OFFICE SUPPLIES

∆ Gardiner’s Hardware ..............................587-2585 ∆ The Office Shop .............................800-450-9000

PHARMACY

∆ Essentia Health Pharmacy ....................587-3222 ∆ GuidePoint Pharmacy ............................587-2500

PAWN SHOPS

∆ Tradesmen .............................................587-3277

THRIFT STORES

∆ Close-Out City .......................................587-3232 ∆ Thrifty Living ..........................................587-3451 Hidden Jewels............................................831-6445

∆ Barstock Liquors ....................................587-3166 ∆ Lifehouse Coffee ...................................587-3332 ∆ Pine River Bakery ...................................587-2545 ∆ Pine River Family Market ........................587-2488 ∆ Pine Winder Blueberries.........................587-2752 ∆ Snarky Loon Brewing..............................568-3364

∆ Bites Grill & Bar .......................................587-2564 ∆ Community Bowl & Pizzeria ..................587-3100 ∆ Damsite...................................................587-1030 ∆ Pine River Dairy Queen ..........................587-4762 ∆ Pine River Legion ...................................587-9151

FURNITURE-NEW & SECONDHAND

SCHOOL & COLLEGE

∆ Gardiner’s Hardware Furniture ..............587-2585 ∆ Henry’s Woodworking ...........................587-4899

RESTAURANTS

∆ Northwoods Forest School....................821-7557 ∆ Pine River-Backus Schools ....................587-8000

COMMUNITY SERVICES All Area Codes are 218 Unless Listed

Pine River Chamber Members are listed at the beginning of the listing with a ∆ SERVICES AIRPORT

Pine River Municipal Airport .....................587-2440

ELECTRICIAN

Pine River Electric ......................................587-2641 Prime Electric LLC .....................................587-1033

MARKETING

∆ Tamarack Creative..................................821-0919

MEDICAL

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

∆ Central Minnesota Dermatology...........454-3376 ∆ Essentia Health - St Joseph’s Hospital.829-2861 ∆ Essentia Health-Pine River Clinic ..........587-4416 ∆ Select Therapy........................................587-5022 North Memorial Ambulance ............................... 911

AUTO BODY REPAIR

FINANCIAL ADVISING

NATURAL GAS/ENERGY

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

FUNERAL HOMES

OPTICIAN

GARBAGE PICKUP

PAVING CONTRACTOR

ASSISTED LIVING

∆ Good Samaritan Riverside Assisted Living ..........................................587-4333 Brookside Assisted Living.........................587-3304 ∆ Paul’s Large Garage ...............................587-2290 ∆ Kimber Creek Ford .................................818-8204 ∆ Pine River Automotive ...........................587-2232 Double A Automotive ...............................587-2558

BANKS & INVESTMENTS

∆ Avantax Investments.............................587-4477 ∆ First National Bank North, Backus ........947-3111 ∆ Pine River State Bank .............................587-4463 ∆ US Bank ..................................................587-2772

CANVAS

EXERCISE CENTER

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

EXCAVATION

∆ Hansen Financial - Avantax....................587-4477 ∆ Kline Funeral Home ................................587-2067 ∆ Waste Partners .......................................587-8727 Grinning Bear Rolloff..................................587-4990

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING

∆ LāKō Heating and Air .............................587-1087 ∆ Plumbing Etc. .........................................587-4965 Al’s A/C & Heating, LLC.............................821-2814

CanvasTech ...............................................587-2279

CAR RENTAL

∆ Nisswa Car Rental...................................330–5584

DMV

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

DOCKS

∆ Boberg Cedar Docks..............................963-4486 Dock Guys LLC...........................................587-3625

PLUMBER

∆ Plumbing Etc. .........................................587-4965 Al’s A/C & Heating, LLC.............................821-2814 Boogs Water Solutions & Plumbing Services......................................................831-4787

RECYCLING/LANDFILL

Cass Co. Transfer Station .........................587-3500

COMMUNITY SERVICES

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

∆ Paws & Claws Rescue & Resort..............675-7297 ∆ Pinewood Lane Pet Resort.....................866-2616

∆ Station 371..............................................587-4700 ∆ Tractor Supply.........................................587-2567 Beaudry Oil and Propane...................800-637-4117 Northern Sales and Manufacturing...........587-5400 Holiday........................................................587-2821 Northern Star Cooperative.......................947-4433

∆ Northland Steam Cleaners ....................587-4155 ∆ Servpro of Brainerd and Park Rapids .....568-6923

DENTIST

PET BOARDING/ADOPTION

PROPANE

CLEANING

∆ Anderson Brothers Construction..........829-1768 ∆ Boberg Cedar Docks..............................963-4486 ∆ Fidelium Renovations.............................537-1971 ∆ North Ward Homes ................................568-6600 ∆ Red Pine Log Works................................947-3666 ∆ Start to Finish Builders ..........................828-0585 J & R Stranne Construction.......................587-3396 Knife River Redi-Mix ..................................829-4726 Multipoint Construction............................820-3153

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

∆ Crow Wing Power ...........................800-648-9401 Minnesota Power ...............................800-228-4966

Katie Trout’s Daycare.................................839-2343 Kiddi Korner - Tamara Hansen...................587-3400 Meranda Richard’s Daycare.......................232-7532 Tara Krell’s Daycare....................................330-9431 Tiny Toys Daycare - Jessica Kepper..........587-2615 Wild Roots Learning Center - Morgan Dabill...........................................................587-4200

CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING

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

POWER UTILITIES

CHILD CARE/DAY CARE

∆ Cass Co. Faith In Action .........................675-5435 ∆ Cass County EDC...................................547-7262 ∆ Pine River-Backus Family Center ..........587-4292 ∆ The Warehouse.......................................587-5404 Pine River Area DACDay Activity Center .587-2688

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

HOUSING

∆ Good Samaritan Riverside Senior Living Apartments.........................524-9657 ∆ Pine River Group Home..........................587-4888 ∆ Pine River Housing & Redevelopment Authority ........................587-4929

INSURANCE

RESEARCH/RENEWABLE ENERGY/ SUSTAINABLE LIVING

∆ Happy Dancing Turtle ............................587-2303 ∆ Hunt Utilities Group LLC .......................587-5001

ROOFING

Revival Roofing ..........................................866-0957

SEPTIC SERVICE/TANKS

∆ Cass Company Insurance ......................587-2374 ∆ Hanneken Insurance ..............................587-2722 ∆ Pine River Insurance...............................587-4777

∆ Fyle’s Satellites........................................821-4690 Brown-Wilbert, Inc.....................................587-5209

LANDSCAPING/YARD/GARDEN

SKILLED NURSING FACILITY

∆ Backyard Reflections..............................220-2785 ∆ Blonde Head Power Washing.................414-3809 ∆ Lakeview Tree Company........................838-7798 ∆ New Age Tree Service.....................507-498-3650 ∆ Pine River Property Maintenance..........820-9043 ∆ Schrupp Excavating ...............................587-4038 ∆ Sunshine Gardens ..................................947-3154

LAWYER

∆ Hendricks Law Firm................................587-4060

LIBRARY

Pine River Public Library ............................587-4060

Good Samaritan Society - Pine River

STORAGE

∆ Dabill Storage .........................................587-2825 ∆ Pine River Mini Storage ..........................587-3396 In the Pines Mini Storage...........................587-4827

TELEPHONE/CABLE/INTERNET

∆ TDS Telecom ..................................855-220-2592 Spectrum............................................855-860-9068

VETERINARY

∆ Country Doc Vet Clinic ..........................587-4196

2024 Pine River Visitors Guide | 41

Community Resources

PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency �� 911 (Fire, Police, Medical) Cass County Sheriff �� 218-547-1424

Cass County Sexual Violence Resource Center �� 800-708-2727 Crisis Line and Referral Service �� 800-462-5525 Pine River City Hall �� 218-587-2440 Jefferson Lines pick up and drop off at City Hall ��www.jeffersonlines.com

Pine River Police non-emergency �� 218-587-3333

Pine River Post Office, 330 Barclay Ave W �� 218-587-4793 Pine River Library �� 218-587-4639 Essentia Health - Pine River Clinic �� 218-587-4416 Road Report (Brainerd) �� 218-828-2460 Road Report (Minnesota) �� 800-542-0220

PINE RIVER AREA PARKS

Forbes Park (campground) May-October Over the Pine River bridge, left on Highway 84 (two blocks).

7 electrical camping sites (first come first serve - no reservations taken), free firewood available, bathrooms with running water, picnic shelter and fire rings. Forbes Log Building available for rent for events.

Pine River Dam Park Children’s playground equipment with a kids zipline, pavilion with indoor kitchen and bathrooms (completed 2024), expanded parking, swimming beach with 2 floating water rafts, fishing pier, canoe/ kayak access, along with spectacular views and seating area. East Side Pavilion (New Park) Lion’s Picnic Shelter available to rent for events. Area for outdoor events along the river, quiet area with views of the lower dam. Bathrooms with running water, parking lot.

Shamp’s Softball Field County Road 1, east of town. 2 fields with ample parking area, concessions building, picnic tables, bleachers and dugouts. Pine River Ice Skating Rink Full size outdoor skating rink with a warming house.

TO RESERVE ANY OF THE PARK AREAS: Call Pine River City Hall at 218-587-2440

DNR LICENSES

Visit DNR licenses 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 Vehicle Licenses 239 Barclay Ave * 218-587-2400 Station 371 112 Front St S * 218-587-4700

AREA ATMS 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 the 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.

Bites Grill and Bar Damsite First National Bank, Backus Holiday Stationstore Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Pequot Lakes Pine River American Legion Pine River Family Market Pine River State Bank Station 371 US Bank

RECYCLING BINS & TRANSFER SITES

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

Backus: City Hall Barclay Township: Harriet Club Cass County Transfer Station:218-587-3500 2 miles north of Pine River on Highway 371

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.

Winter hours (Nov. 1-March 31): 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Fri • 8 a.m.-noon Sat.

LIBRARY INFORMATION

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Summer hours (April 1-Oct. 31): 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri • 8 a.m.-noon Sat.

Together, we can live healthier.

AREA CHURCHES

Faith Lutheran Church 218-543-4878 • 11 mi. E. 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 mi. W. of Pine River on #2, 5 mi. S. on #26 Mildred Bible Chapel 218-587-2562 • 4 mi. N. of Pine River on Hwy. 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 • 380 Park Ave W., Pine River

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

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.

In this place, we face challenges head on, believing that with community and commitment, we can build something better. Live healthier. Take care of each other. With top medical providers and personalized care, Essentia Health helps you realize your best health where you live. St. Joseph’s–Pine River Clinic 280 Barclay Ave West | Pine River 218-587-4416 Monday–Friday: 8 am–4:30 pm

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 hangers 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.

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