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The three anchor towns along the Byway-Detroit
Lakes,
Park Rapids and Walker-all provide a memorable way to
taste the charm and uncover the character of the true
northwoods. Other Byway towns also add their cultural
contributions to the Byway experience. Whatever your
interest in visiting, be sure you don’t bypass these Byway
cities.
DETROIT LAKES
Where the lakes and hardwood forests of northern
Minnesota
blend with the prairies of the northwest, that’s where
Detroit Lakes stands ready to deliver a unique travel
destination. You can almost feel the pioneer spirit alive in
Detroit Lakes. This distinctive town offers the visitor a
northwoods vacation with a decidedly different flavor. The
Detroit Lakes area encompasses 412 crystal-clear-blue
lakes within a 25-mile radius. When you include state
parks and national wildlife areas, you’ll find Detroit Lakes
to be a scenic wonder. The Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
is here, along with abundant forest and prairie experiences.
The many natural resources provide a wonderful variety of
recreational activities...Take an early morning fishing trip,
golf on any of eight courses, go birdwatching, snowmobiling,
shopping and much more. Detroit Lakes offers unlimited
enjoyment inside and outside, year-round.
Detroit Lakes was incorporated as a village in 1880 and a
city in 1900. It was a station for the Northern Pacific
Railroad and the site of an early flour mill.
PARK RAPIDS
Park Rapids, gateway to Itasca State Park and the
Mississippi Headwaters, lies in the center of six state
forests, one state park and one national forest. A quaint,
civilized pearl surrounded by a sparkling shell of spring-fed
lakes, towering forests and endless outdoor adventures,
Park Rapids offers an intriguing parade of charming
contradictions. On one hand, everything feels like a step
back in time. You’ll be charmed by Main Street dime stores,
old-fashioned soda fountains and marvelous artists who have
chosen Park Rapids as the place to live and create their
work. On the other hand, any technical convenience or
amenity for business or recreation is available, including
the state’s fifth busiest jet airport. From the smell of
fresh-made fudge to fishing on bright, clear waters to
unique shopping, visitors find that diverse backgrounds and
common goals make Park Rapids a place where you can come
as you are...and be just who you are.
Park Rapids was incorporated as a city in 1890 and
was
named by Frank C. Rice, town site proprietor. The name was
suggested by the park-like groves and prairies, beside the
former Fish Hook River rapids.
WALKER
Take a stroll through downtown Walker and you get
a sense
that here is a sophisticated, northwoods town that preserves
the frontier spirit of the north. Walker is a town where the
new northwoods pairs with rugged outdoor beauty and
recreation. Woods and waters rule the Walker experience.
The charming town is fronted by fabulous Leech Lake and
embraced by the glorious Chippewa National Forest. In
Walker, you can shop a fashionable home furnishings store,
dine in a distinctive restaurant, observe wildlife on a deep
forest trail, boat amid the island-studded beauty of Leech
Lake or catch a trophy fish...all from one location.
Walker was incorporated as a village in 1896 and was
named after Thomas Barlow Walker, who had large lumber
and land interests across northern Minnesota.
There are four other communities
you’ll find directly on the Byway, including: Snellman, Osage,
Nevis, and Akeley. Twenty-four other towns populate the surrounding
area. Of these, the community of Akeley, on the eastern third of Highway
34, is the birthplace of the Paul Bunyan legend. The giant logger’s
famed story was created as an advertisement for the Red River Logging
Company, once located there. Just west of the Smoky Hills State Forest
on Highway 34, you’ll cross the Laurentian Divide at the little
village of Snellman. The Divide is the high point of land from which
all water flows north to the arctic or south to the Gulf of Mexico.
Town of Dorset-Near Park Rapids
Charming “Restaurant Capital of the World.”
More
restaurants per capita (22 population) than any place in
US. Quaint shopping district includes a book and coffee shop,
gift and antique photo emporium and a historic bed and
breakfast.
For more information contact the local chamber
of commerce.
Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber:
http://www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Park Rapids Area Chamber:
http://www.parkrapids.com
Leech Lake Area Chamber:
http://www.leech-lake.com
Itasca State Park:http://www.dnr.state.mn.us
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