Experience the heart of Park Rapids

Discover up north hospitality and a friendly hometown spirit when you stroll and shop downtown Park Rapids.

The extra-wide street is lined with shops filled with gifts, vintage finds, boutique clothing, books, arts, crafts and much more as well as diverse options for dining.

Relax on one of the many benches and enjoy gourmet coffee, ice cream and snacks.

If you seek evening entertainment, take in a movie at the Art Deco theater and sample a variety of cuisines and bar scenes at our locally owned establishments.

One reason Park Rapids’ Main Street was named one of Minnesota’s Top 10 and the state’s most charming small town that you have to visit is the profusion of flowers that decorate store fronts and hanging baskets on the carriage lights in the summer months. Handsome decor enhances the experience in other seasons.

Whether you’re lucky enough to live here, stay at the cabin, experience the trails or visit Itasca State Park, you’re invited to experience downtown year-round.

A new event, the Easter Egg Chase, invites kids downtown March 30, March 31 and April 1 to collect eggs stuffed with candy and have their picture taken with the Easter bunny.

Join the great community get-together for the summer music series, 2nd Street Stage, Thursday nights June 15 through Aug. 17. Each week brings a new band, social hour, beer garden, kids’ activities and more.

Crazy Days dates will change in 2023. Make finding bargains fun Friday, Aug. 4 and Saturday, Aug. 5. Businesses go all out with sidewalk sales and staff dressed in crazy costumes.

Water Wars on Main, planned for Thursday, Aug. 10, matches local teams who battle it out for a trophy and bragging rights. The contest kicks off Legends & Logging Days fun downtown Saturday, Aug. 12, celebrating our logging heritage with activities, including the Backyard Barbecue Challenge.

Main Street is the perfect place for the Run to the Rapids classic car show, Aug. 11-12. Car buffs will see beautifully restored classic cars and trucks and can meet with their proud owners.

For Halloween, hundreds of princesses, Ninja turtles, goblins and other cute costumed characters come downtown for Trick or Treat Park Rapids Oct. 31.

Downtown businesses herald the holiday season the Friday after Thanksgiving, hosting a Yuletide Sampler with hot cider, hot chocolate and treats in their stores. The Yuletide Sampler is a prelude to the annual Community Tree-Lighting Ceremony with a Christmas carol sing-along, Santa’s arrival, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and the countdown to lighting the beautifully decorated tree on Main Street. The annual event is best described as living in a Hallmark movie. A downtown walking map will help you explore what downtown Park Rapids has to offer and can be found in park kiosks, local businesses and in the Chamber Discovery Guide. Or visit www.parkrapidsdowntown.com to see the webcams on Main, on the Fish Hook River and at the Mississippi headwaters. The website also provides updates on events, promotions, a member directory and much more. Or follow Park Rapids Downtown on Facebook.