Minnesota's Scenic Byways

Lake Country Scenic Byway

 
Lake Country
 

The headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park are a Minnesota Mecca, but this lake-splashed area has loads of other worthy attractions, from lodges and resorts with inviting restaurants, to excellent bird watching, golfing, miles of hiking and biking trails, art galleries, music festivals and roadside diners. Approximately 3 ½ hours north of the Twin Cities, the 88-mile Lake Country Scenic Byway travels a segment of Minnesota’s Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, and also connects three “anchor” towns: Walker, Park Rapids and Detroit Lakes.

Mississippi River headwaters, Itasca State Park


Day 1

Enjoy Leech Lake by renting a boat and making the most of these premier fishing waters. Or, explore the area by bike on either the Paul Bunyan or Heartland paved bike trails, which intersect at Walker—also home to the Cass County Historical Museum and Pioneer School. The Heartland trail winds through 27 miles of lakes and forests from Walker to Park Rapids through three small towns, each with their own unique offerings. The world’s largest Paul Bunyan statue kneels alongside Hwy. 34 in Akeley, which is also home to the Woodtick Musical Theater. Keep the camera handy to take a picture with the world’s largest tiger muskie, a roadside statue welcoming visitors to Nevis. Tiny Dorset (population 22) humorously claims itself “The Restaurant Capital of the World” with the most restaurants per capita in the nation.

Day 2

Spend the morning shopping Park Rapids for crafts and gifts. Enjoy an old-fashioned soda fountain along Main Street, then check for a show at the Jaspers Jubilee Theater. Or, plan a trip around the Lakes, Loons and Legends Festival there in August. From Park Rapids, be sure to take the spur of the byway north to explore the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park, Minnesota’s oldest state park. Itasca is home to some of the state’s tallest red and white pines, which can be seen along the park’s scenic 17-mile Wilderness Drive. Enjoy abundant wildlife on a hiking or bike trail; rent a canoe, kayak, pontoon, or take an excursion boat to get out on the lake; and consider an overnight in the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins.


Day 3

Continue on to Detroit Lakes to fish for popular walleye and trophy-sized muskie. There’s a mile-long sand beach right in town, complete with a fishing pier. Then enjoy an afternoon of golfing at one of the area’s eight courses, or take an easygoing tubing trip down the nearby Ottertail River. For bird lovers, the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail passes through the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has a nesting population of trumpeter swans with migrations of songbirds in May and waterfowl in late fall. Before the day is through, be sure to check for a variety of performances at the Historic Holmes Theater. The city is also home to WE Fest, Minnesota’s largest outdoor music festival, held every August.

More Info:
800-247-0054 www.lakecountryscenicbyway.com

 

 
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