Summer Information For Bemidji In Minnesota






May 16, 08

Bemidji
Minnesota

First City on the Mississippi

Located near its headwaters, Bemidji has the honor of being known as the First City on the Mississippi River. Here the world's third longest river begins as a stream.

The area contains hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams along with national parks and forests, the largest of which is Chippewa National Forest. All these resources combine to make the headwaters area a prime vacation destination, especially for the outdoor enthusiast.

Fish to Your Heart's Content

Situated right on the shores of Lake Bemidji, the town boasts approximately 400 fishing and recreational lakes all within a 25 mile radius, not to mention the countless streams. These clean waters harbor a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, muskie, perch, crappie, trout and panfish.

There are many other lakes not too far away as well, including Red Lake, Leech Lake and Winnibigoshish. One of the most common catches is walleye, which predominate in lakes Bemidji, Plantagenet, Leech, Cass, Winnie, Wolf, Big, Red, Andrusia, Kitchi and Movil.

Chippewa National Forest encompasses 1.5 million acres of land that cradles more than 1,300 lakes. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, bicycling and boating. The forest contains several attractions all its own. The Lost Forty is a 144 acres of large red and white pine trees hundreds of years old. The Paul Bunyan Trail, the third longest recreational corridor in the country, is designed for hiking, biking and snowmobiling. The route connects to the Blue Ox Trail from Bemidji to International Falls.

Golfers will find four courses here that promise to challenge their skills. These diverse layouts include Bemidji Town & Country Club, the oldest golf course in the area. This club boasts a 6,535-yard 18-hole course and is the site of two annual state tournaments. Greenwood Golf Course and Castle Highlands both offer 18 holes as well, winding through trees and along the river. Maple Ridge, the newest course in the area, is a 9-hole executive course in a wooded setting.

Whether your looking for golf balls, casting for walleye or hiking along the river, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the majestic bald eagles. This area has the largest nesting population in the continental United States.

Paul Bunyan Territory

The First City on the Mississippi is famous for something else as well. Legend has it that Paul Bunyan, the world's greatest lumberjack, was born here. Paul and his pet ox, Babe, are credited by the legend with forming the Mississippi River when the gigantic tank wagon Babe was pulling developed a leak. When the water spilled out, it formed lakes Bemidji and Itasca. The lakes overflowed and the water ran down to New Orleans and became the Mississippi River. In 1937, the town honored Paul and Babe with 18-foot tall statues in their likeness.

The area has a rich Native American cultural heritage as well and that culture lives on today. The Native Americans played an important role in the history, culture and settlement of the town. Several pow wow's are held in the summertime by the Red Lake and Leech Lake Indian Reservations.

Other summer events include Art In the Park, Mid-Summer Fest and International Days.

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