Fun in the Summertime 2024

A GUIDE TO SUMMER FUN IN THE BEMIDJI AREA

Fun 2024 SUMMERTIME

Welcome to the Beautiful

AREA CONTENTS

2024 Bemidji Pioneer This

BEMIDJI

The Bemidji area is alive with the sights and sounds of the great Minnesota Northwoods.

Enjoy our region’s towns and its people while surrounded by pristine lakes and tall pine forests.

This area offers a variety of opportunities – from scenic retreats and outdoor sports to rich cultural experiences, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Jump into the water for swimming, tubing, water skiing or fishing.

Bike around Lake Bemidji for a day of historic sights and healthy recreation.

Explore Lake Bemidji State Park as it marks 101 years of adventure.

Play a game of disc golf, tennis or softball or have a picnic at one of the city or county parks. Golfers needn’t go far to find top-rated courses within a short drive in any direction.

Local art galleries and museums celebrate the history and artistic talent of our communities.

Bemidji and surrounding towns host many summer festivals with parades, music, kids games and more.

From life on the lakes to exercise on the trails, shopping the unique stores or just kicking back with a good book beneath the Norway pines, the Bemidji area offers it all.

Flip through this issue of Fun in the Summertime and you’ll find what you are looking for in lake and pine country. We just know that you’ll enjoy your stay.

A PUBLICATION OF THE BEMIDJI PIONEER

Visitors to the Bemidji area soon learn it’s the land of 10,000 things to do. To find out the latest local news and upcoming events, turn to the Bemidji Pioneer, an award-winning newspaper published every Wednesday and Saturday. We offer year-round subscriptions for Minnesotans and out-of-state visitors. For more information, call (218) 333-9200. Our office is located at 802 Paul Bunyan Drive SE, Suite 19, Bemidji. You can find us online at www. bemidjipioneer.com, on Instagram or on our Facebook page.

Take a stroll through

Bemidji’s Sculpture Walk

The Bemidji area has become a mecca for the arts, and the Bemidji Sculpture Walk has promoted public art in Bemidji since 1999. This year marks the 25th year that new sculptures are displayed throughout the community.

Along with encore or returning pieces that spend 2-3 years displayed on the Walk, most pieces in the permanent collection, murals around town, and special works like the Shaynowishkung (Chief Bemidji) statue in Library Park and Veterans Memorial in the Greenwood Cemetery may also be found on the Sculpture Walk Art Map. Sculptures are available to purchase.

The talented artists live by their work, and most of the art you see every year is available for private sale. Your visits to the Walk, your support of our business sponsors, and your personal donations allow us to bring high-quality work to the Walk and reward artists with honorariums and prizes.

There are a couple of ways to learn about the artists and sculptures on the tour.

• Pick up a brochure at the Tourist Information Center, downtown businesses, hotels or restaurants.

• Scan a free QR code on the brochure or on one of the sculptures. Visit bemidjisculpture.com for more information.

is a

It is an ancient name for God. HU can uplift people of any religion, culture, or walk of life.

• Inner peace and calm • Divine love • Healing of the

Bemidji has lots of options for family fun

LET’S GO SHOPPING

Bemidji has so many stores to choose from, many of them in the quaint downtown area just steps from the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. If you want to take a break from your busy day at the beach, on the water or at your campsite, take some time to check out the shops.

INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND

Bemidji is home to one of the few inclusive playgrounds in the state. It’s located in Paul Bunyan Park, right behind the statues of Paul and his sidekick, Babe the Blue Ox and on the shores of Lake Bemidji. There are many inclusive pieces for families to enjoy like the Omni Spin, Sway Fun, roller slide and wheelchair-accessible

decks. The park also features a custom discovery wall. It is covered with rubberized surfacing so children of all abilities can access and enjoy the play equipment.

HEADWATERS MUSIC & ARTS

A place where a wide variety of arts activities take place, from chamber music concerts and children’s theater productions to large-scale projects like clay arts, metal sculpture and mural painting. Artworks programs on Saturdays and during school vacations. Weekend workshops for children, teens and adults featuring guest artists. Ongoing group classes and private lessons for all ages in a variety of artistic disciplines. Located at 519 Minnesota Ave. NW. Details at headwatersmusicandarts.org or by calling (218) 444-5606.

Pack up the troops and head out to one of these hot spots for some family time this summer.

BEMIDJI SPEEDWAY

The Bemidji Speedway offers a quartermile oval dirt track for auto racing east of Bemidji near Roosevelt Road. Most races are Sunday evenings from May to October. Gates open at 2 p.m. and racing starts at 5:30. Check the Speedway’s calendar of events on Facebook.

CONCORDIA LANGUAGE VILLAGES

Visit the unique educational and cultural grounds of Concordia Language Villages northeast of Bemidji. Students come to live in the culture and speak the language of 15 different languages with seven permanent villages: Norwegian, German, Finnish, French, Spanish, Russian and Swedish. Special events to the tradition of the village you’re visiting are available.

GEOCACHING

Caching opportunities are growing rapidly in the Bemidji area. There are caches with easy access around downtown Bemidji or more challenging access at Lake Bemidji State Park and other beautiful locations in the surrounding forests and attraction locations. Search www.geocaching.com by zip code 56601.

MOVIE NIGHTS

The Bemidji Theater offers private showings for both current and older movies, delivering the perfect get-together for schools, businesses and other organizations. The theater offers daily matinees, stadium seating, digital sound and a full concession stand. Call (218) 759-0324 for more information.

BEMIDJI BOWL

Bemidji’s only bowling alley offers 24 lanes and includes eight boutique lanes, redemption arcade area, pool tables, simulated golf, TVs, private party rooms, a full-service bar, pizza and a lunch bar. Call (218) 751-2153 for more information.

WATERMARK ART CENTER

At 505 Bemidji Ave. N., this center provides gallery space for exhibitions, music, poetry readings and social events for many organizations. With four exhibition galleries, an art education studio and gift gallery, Watermark Art Center provides a welcoming space for rotating art exhibits, receptions, spoken word, musical performances, classes and workshops. It promotes national, regional and local artists in group and solo shows. Call (218) 444-7570 for more information.

HEADWATERS SCIENCE CENTER

An engaging scienceoriented center located in downtown Bemidji. It offers a variety of opportunities to explore the sciences through activities, an interactive exhibit floor and a unique gift shop. Call (218) 4444472 for more information or register for demonstrations, Totsin-Science, birthday parties and summer camps as well as many other programs and activities.

BELTRAMI COUNTY HISTORY CENTER

The center is located in the historic Great Northern Depot in downtown Bemidji. It features multiple interactive exhibit galleries, a gift shop and a research room and archives available to the public. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Call (218) 4443376 for more information.

LOON COUNTRY ATS

Loon Country Arts is an artist-run gallery located in downtown Bemidji where visitors

can buy art, view art, and create art. Classes, workshops, and artist showcases are regularly held at the gallery. Check out their First Saturday events held every month and their series of free Warm Your Heart Classes in the month of June and July. A special grand reopening will occur on Saturday, July 6 with door prizes and special activities planned all day.

PAUL BUNYAN ANIMAL LAND

Lions, tigers, bears, camels, lemurs, kangaroos, leopards, three species of deer, bobcats, wolves, jackals, coyotes, cavies, coatimundi, fox, reptiles, exotic birds, bugs and various small mammals are just a few of the animals who make their home at Animal Land east of Bemidji along Highway 2. Indoor learning center, gift shop, picnic areas, playground and RV parking. Wheelchair and stroller accessible. Birthday parties, group rates, traveling educational programs and more. Call (218) 759-1533 for more information.

Lake Bemidji State Park offers fun

Whether it’s a calming nature hike in the pines or a campsite to call home for a few days, Lake Bemidji State Park has something for everyone.

This year, the park will mark 101 years of family picnics, sunset boat rides, fishing trips, and days spent bird watching, hiking, camping, biking, snowmobiling and crosscountry skiing along with yearround naturalist-led activities.

More than 40 miles of hiking trails wind through the serene pine-moraine Northwoods and over bogs filled with rare orchids and lady’s slippers peeking through. The forest is calm and peaceful but comes to life in the evenings when the frogs and crickets sing. Deer, porcupines, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and the occasional black bear wander through the woods and many birds, owls and bald eagles soar above.

HISTORY OF THE AREA

Decades ago, people from Bemidji would boat to the north end of the lake beginning in the early 20th

century for picnics and other outings.

Like the land all around Lake Bemidji, its history dates back long before the development of the city. For generations, Sioux tribes used the land for hunting and fishing and later on in about 1750, the westward-moving Chippewa (Ojibwe) reached the area.

Lake Bemidji has many names — the Ojibwe called it “Pemidigumaug,” meaning “cross water” in reference to the path of the Mississippi River through the lake. Early voyageur records identify the lake as Lac Travers, which is French for diagonal.

In the late 1800s, European immigrants were drawn to the area to harvest the prime white and Norway pine trees. Lumber mills on the south shore of Lake Bemidji were the center of logging in the nation during its peak and the foundation of one of the mills is still visible today near the DoubleTree Hotel.

The land now known as Lake Bemidji State Park started as a 421-acre plot used for logging in

the late 19th century. Fortunately, a few areas within the park were untouched and the state park was officially established in 1923 by the Minnesota Legislature, which preserved the last few groves of hundred-year-old virgin trees.

The park’s landscape is a result of the last stage of glaciation in Minnesota. Soil, gravel and rock material carried by a glacier as it moved south was eventually deposited as the ice receded 10,000 years ago and the meltwater running off the surface of the glacier also played a big role in constructing the shape of the land.

Swamps, streams and bogs in the park were formed when ice chunks separated from the receding glacier and left depressions which later filled with water — Lake Bemidji itself is the result of two giant blocks of ice left behind by the retreating glacier.

“(The park) has a lot of variety,” Flypaa said. “It has a lot of history, a little bit of geology, but mostly glacial geology which is typical in the region. There’s a lot to cover.”

PARK AMENITIES

Lake Bemidji State Park offers both camping and cabin lodging. In the summertime, campers will find a total of 95 drive-in sites for a relaxing and private camping experience just a few miles from the bustling town of Bemidji. In the winter, the park provides many miles of snowmobile, snowshoe, hiking, cross-country and skate-ski trails.

Lake Bemidji State Park offers activities for everyone young and old. It features miles and miles of walking trails and over two miles of wheelchair-accessible trails. Another 11 miles of trails run through the forestland ranging from easy to moderate in addition to several miles of both paved bike trails and rugged mountain biking trails.

LUEKENS

The park has a variety of recreational facilities for visitors to use:

► Picnic area: Shaded with a nice view of the lake with picnic tables and fire rings.

► Picnic shelter: Located at the beach and includes fireplace, tables and electric outlets. It can be reserved by calling the park office.

► Playground: Nestled in the shade of tall pines close to the picnic area and bathrooms.

► Volleyball: Regulation court in the picnic/beach area. Guests can borrow a volleyball from the park office.

► Canoe and kayak access next to the marina.

► Boat ramp: Concrete ramp with 10 slips for guests.

► Dining Hall: The hall and surrounding lawn is a day-use facility that can accommodate up to 120 people. It can be reserved by calling the park office.

For more information, call the park office at (218) 308-2300.

the Northwoods Spend your summer in

When one thinks of northern Minnesota, what often comes to mind is its winter reputation of long cold winters and lots of snow. In the summer, though, is when the region really comes to life.

Most tourists flock to Bemidji to see the basic staples of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox and the Mississippi River but leave remembering a town rich in music, art, food and culture. And those are just the tip of Bemidji’s iceberg. If one is willing to look, they’ll find that this area is filled to the brim with unique events, activities and experiences for the whole family.

Executive Director of Visit Bemidji

Josh Peterson wants to shine a spotlight on the town’s go-to tourist attractions, as well as new events the area

has to offer. To him, Bemidji’s art and cultural happenings during summer events are what sets the town apart from others.

“Bemidji is an event-driven town, our summer events draw tourism and that is where we received an influx of people,” Peterson said. “People travel here from all over for the water carnival, Loop the Lake or the Dragon Boat Festival. Those events bring in thousands of people and without our summer events, Bemidji is just another resort town. Our events are what makes us stand out from the rest.”

Visit Bemidji’s Assistant Director Brady Laudon likes to remind people of Bemijdi’s lakes and the natural beauty of the Northwoods. As a town

known for its serene outdoor attractions and over 400 lakes within 25 miles, Bemidji is a year-round destination for fishing and boating.

“There are so many guides in the Bemidji area that are really talented and they’ll be able to get you on some fish. That’s one of the beautiful things about Bemidji, when you come here, you’re going to catch fish,” Laudon said. “You have bass, northern, walleye, crappie, perch and trout. I would highly recommend reaching out to an area guide, bait shop or renting a pontoon from Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge to get out and experience the lakes.”

Bemidji also features over 160 miles of paved bike trails throughout the area. According to Peterson, the biking industry has grown immensely over the years and they have an array of bike clubs for the community and cycling enthusiasts who travel here from all over the nation to ride Bemidji’s trails.

While Peterson, partially biased, has Bemidji at the forefront of the best place to live or visit from time to time, his job is convincing other people of what he already knows. With Laudon’s help, their presence

on social media, television, radio and print brings more tourists to town, and maybe even inspires them to make the Northwoods their permanent home.

“We’ve targeted the Twin Cities metro area as well as the Fargo and Grand Forks areas because that’s where we see our densest populations that traveled to Bemidji,” Peterson said. “I’d say the last two years have been recordbreaking lodging tax numbers and we anticipated this to potentially be another one. We’re hearing that it’s going to be very busy this summer and people are going to be traveling and wanting to come up and experience Bemidji.”

Situated in Bemidji’s Paul Bunyan Park, the Tourist Information Center sees a minimum of 300 people on an average summer day. There, people can find a whole slew of information about the town and all its upcoming happenings.

town along with the artifacts of the legendary adventures that Paul and Babe shared.

Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this summer and staffed with friendly and personable experts on the town, visitors and community members are welcome to stop in and ask questions.

Most of the time, tourists come to get photos with the Paul Bunyan and Babe

the Blue Ox statues, children play on the playground and some may check out the fishing piers. But as people wander inside the information center, they’ll find a variety of brochures and information packets filled with activities to do around

“We’re very excited for the summer tourism season, we’re excited to welcome new returning visitors. Bemidji has become a regional hub and we’re excited to see it continue to grow,” Laudon said. “I think for us, it’s seeing people that haven’t been here for 10, 20 or 30 years rediscover Bemidji and come back again which is exciting to see. We’re able to facilitate those visits and find those things they loved about it before.”

FAMILY FRIENDLY & FULL BAR AND FOOD AVAILABLE

area art festivals Celebrate creativity at

Three major art festivals are on tap in the Bemidji area this summer. The Watermark Art Festival, Anishinaabe Art Festival and Art Fair at the Winery are sure to offer plenty of popular creations from talented artists both far and near.

The 56th Watermark Art Festival, known for many years as Art in the Park, will be held on July 20-21 this year. It is one of Bemidji’s rites of summer, featuring artists from around the country in a two-day event on the shores of Lake Bemidji.

Sponsored by the Watermark Art Center, the event takes place in Library Park and on the grounds of the art center across Bemidji Avenue from the park. The juried fine art and craft fair has been a summer highlight for northern Minnesota residents and tourists since 1967.

the parking lot at the art center, and free children’s art activities will take place inside the center’s Education Studio. Live music will be performed on both days.

The Anishinaabe Art Festival will be held July 26-27 at BSU’s Beaux Arts

About 100 vendors sell a wide variety of items including hand-crafted wood items, ceramics, apparel, jewelry, photography, metalworking, greeting cards, homemade preserves, soaps, stained glass, original paintings, garden art and more.

Food vendors also will be on hand in

Ballroom. The event offers exceptional art in all types of media available for purchase directly from Indigenous artists. The festival celebrates the richness of Anishinaabe history, culture, and people, and seeks to build intercultural knowledge and respect for diversity in the

Lake Itasca FAMILY MUSIC

region through craft, visual arts, dance, food, storytelling, and fashion. The three tribes of Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth and the City of Bemidji have joined together to create pathways for more inclusion of Indigenous artists, create access to high-value markets, and to create an exchange of cultural knowledge.

You’ll find birch bark crafts, jewelry, old and acrylic painting, beadwork, sculpting, pottery, literary art, basketry, buckskin leatherwork and wearable art.

Attendees also can sample a variety of authentic Indigenous foods.

Forestedge Winery on State Highway 64 near Laporte will host its 23rd annual Art Fair at the Winery on Aug. 17-18. You’ll be able to browse booths featuring pottery, porcelain, jewelry, fiber art, leather, wood, paintings and more. Live music will be performed on both days, and visitors can shop in the retail wine store.

The Faire Art Festival will be held July 13-14 at FHL Academy in Bagley. The indoor art and artisan craft vendor show will feature live music and a food truck.

Headwaters Music Program welcomes new students at any time of the year with openings available in piano, violin, cello, viola, guitar, ukulele, percussion, voice, clarinet, saxophone and other band and woodwind instruments. • One-on-one Music Lessons

Music, Art & Pottery Classes (every day of the week) • Week long Summer Camps for Youth & Adults • Summer Youth Pottery, Fiddle Camp, Choir Camp, Teen Pottery Wheel Camp, Art Camps (just to name a few) • Scholarships available

PAUL BUNYAN PLAYHOUSE

The Paul Bunyan Playhouse kicks off its 73rd season on July 11 with the first of three productions at the historic Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji.

The Playhouse is the oldest professional summer stock company in Minnesota and draws actors from across the state, region and country. It has been entertaining audiences since 1951, and only missed the 2020 season because of the Covid pandemic.

It all starts July 11-14 and 17-20 with a play to be determined..

Next up is “The Importance of Being Earnest.” The play will run July 25-28 and July 31-Aug. 3.

The final production will be “The Pirates of Penzance.” Shows are scheduled Aug. 7-11 and 14-17.

Ticket information is available at thechieftheater.com.

BUSY SUMMER PLANNED AT BEMIDJI COMMUNITY

Catch the local talent on stage with one of Bemidji Community Theater’s many productions and activities throughout the summer. Tickets for their main stage productions can be purchased online at bemidjicommunitytheater.com or at Ken K. Thompson Jewelry or McKenzie Place. All performances are on stage at their renovated space, the BCT Performing Arts Center, 316 Beltrami Ave. NW.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Here is this summer’s schedule:

July 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21 -- “A Murder is Announced.” This familiar Agatha Christie Murder Mystery showcasing the delightful Miss Marple and her detective skills, directed by Julie Kaiser, is sure to please with its twists and turns as the villagers of Chipping Cleghorn are agog with curiosity over an advertisement in the local gazette which reads: ‘A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, Oct. 29, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.’ Is this a childish practical joke? Or a hoax intended to scare poor Letitia Blacklock? Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, a crowd gathers at

Our award-winning wines are handcrafted from the fruits & berries of the north. Stop in for

Little Paddocks at the appointed time when, without warning, the lights go out.

Aug. 9 and 10 -- “Out of the Hat.” Feeling adventurous? Then sign up to become part of the creative team that will write, direct, and act in totally new, yet-to-be-written scripts using only the prompts of a place, a time and a first line drawn from out of a hat. Writers spend the entire evening of Aug. 9 penning a new short play of approximately 15 minutes that is then taken over by the directors, designers, costumers, prop people, and actors on Saturday, Aug. 10, to finalize into a performance for the stage in just a few hours. Even if you don’t want to partake in the creative antics of creating a show, share the adventure of watching those same creations as part of the audience

Aug. 23 and 24 -- “Hats Off to Broadway.” This specially curated Bemidji Community Theater production features an evening of show tunes from favorite hit Broadway shows. From the classical musicals of the 1940s to contemporary Broadway offerings, there’ll be a bit of magic in the air for everyone. Join us as we sing and dance our way down Broadway.

Boardwalk Mini Golf and Snack Shack

Golf, pizza and ice cream? Can’t go wrong there.

Boardwalk Mini Golf and the adjacent Snack Shack offers 18 holes of miniature golf and plenty of snack options on the south shore of Lake Bemidji.

The 18-hole course is open seven days a week, weather permitting. Adults can go for $9 a round, while children ages 4-12, seniors, military veterans and first responders can go for $8. At the end of the course, a “19th hole” also acts as the ball collector, and those who sink a hole-in-one on it receive a free round of golf their next time out.

The all-season Snack Shack features wood-fired pizza, calzones, salads, ice cream and patio seating.

Owners Carrie and Todd Strassburg were thrilled to revive the town’s mini golf scene.

“(It’s so) gratifying to see people out here and enjoying it,” said Carrie Strassburg, who owns the business with husband Todd. “That was our endgame. That’s what we wanted. … This community hug is super nice.”

Bemidji Jaycees Celebrate 80th Water Carnival

The 80th Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival will be held July 3-7, with rides and food vendors in the Sanford Center parking lot, a tent and activities at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront, a Medallion Hunt, Color Run, Kiddie Parade, the Grand Parade through downtown and a fireworks display over Lake Bemidji.

“New to the Carnival events this year is a veteran’s picnic with a flag ceremony, entertainment and food to recognize and celebrate our veterans and their families,” said Bemidji Jaycees board member Eva Fisher. The picnic will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, in the Entertainment Tent at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront.

The giant fireworks display will begin at dusk on July 4 over Lake Bemidji, with the best views at South Shore, Paul Bunyan and Diamond Point Parks.

The Color Run will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 6. Registration is available online.

The Kiddie Parade will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 6.

Registration will start at 10 a.m. The parade will start at the BSU Bangsberg parking lot on 12th Street and go down Lake Boulevard to Sixth Street and end at the Entertainment Tent on the Waterfront.

The carnival will conclude with the Grand Parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. It will start at the intersection of 15th Street and Beltrami Avenue, travel south on Beltrami, turn west on Fifth Street for one block and then head north along Minnesota Avenue, ending again at 15th Street.

Bemidji’s Tourist Information Center, located next to Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can find all kinds of information about things to do and see in the Bemidji area. The TIC also houses some of Paul Bunyan’s memorabilia and has items for sale along with bike and kayak rentals.

Biking Bemidji is a treat

Pedal off in any direction on one of Bemidji’s eight varied trails, ranging from 6 to 160 miles. Explore a city route around downtown Bemidji, or try a more challenging ride at an area park. There are a lot of reasons for you to Bike Bemidji, and the League of American Bicyclists agrees. Since 2012 Bemidji has been distinguished as a Bronze level “Bicycle Friendly Community,” one of the first Mississippi River Trail communities in Minnesota to be so awarded.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail is the longest paved rail-to-trail in the country. It takes you 121 miles, traveling from Bemidji to Brainerd via the Heartland Trail, the Blue Ox Trail and the Cuyuna State Trail. The trailhead begins at Lake Bemidji State Park, thought to be the most scenic section of the trail as it winds through the forested park, crossing the Mississippi River, and skirting the east shore of Lake Bemidji.

NATURE’S EDGE GARDEN CENTER

Gardening

Bemidji’s most popular biking event is Loop the Lake, an annual ride that will be held on Saturday, June 15, this year.

The 17-mile route starts at the South Shore Park and loops around Lake Bemidji. Stops are set up along the way. Enjoy music and food at Lake Bemidji State Park, a quick little snack break at Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge and other stops along the route to take great photos. Registration includes food, music and photo ops on a scenic route.

The Mississippi River Trail, a world-class bicycling route, travels from the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca all the way to the Delta at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is a 3,000-mile system of bicycle-friendly roads and multi-use pathways that connects 10 states.

For rugged bikers, the Movil Maze north of Bemidji features a network of mountain bike trails constructed utilizing varying terrain features and man-made structures. These single-track trails are regionally recognized as being challenging to all skill levels.

BIKES ARE AVAILABLE TO RENT AT SEVERAL PLACES IN BEMIDJI:

• Rentals are available at the Tourist Information Center located in Paul Bunyan Park, 300 Bemidji Ave. N, open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visitor rentals are $10 an hour or $8 for Beltrami County residents. Bunch bikes are $18 for visitors and $16 for county residents and include children’s helmets.

• Lake Bemidji State Park has bikes for rent for $5 per hour or $25 for the whole day.

• Itasca Sports located in Itasca State Park offers adult and youth bikes for $7 per hour, $35 for 24 hours and $25 for each additional day. Helmets are provided with rental. Weehoo child seats and Burley child carrier attachments are also available for $7 per hour, $35 for 24 hours and $25 for each additional day.

• Northern Cycle, located on the Heartland Trail, offers rental bikes in many sizes and styles. Reservations are suggested to make sure they have a bike in your size. Rates are $14 for two hours, $25 for four hours, $40 for the day or $135 a week.

Northern Minnesota’s premier choice for perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, vegetables, fruits and more!

Landscaping

The area’s preferred landscaping team for plantings, sod installation, pavers, firepits, commercial businesses and new comstruction homes.

There’s summer music for everyone

Music lovers can mark their calendars for plenty of performances during the summer in Bemidji. The Bemidji Area Church Musicians’ Summer Recital Series, Mississippi Music at the Waterfront, the Bemidji Area Community Band and Music Under the Pines at Lake Bemidji State Park all have full schedules for the season. The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops Concert is also on tap.

Bemidji Area Church Musicians Summer Recital Series

Concerts are from noon to 12:30 on Wednesdays. A free-will offering will be accepted to support the organization’s music scholarship program. Each recital will be followed by a luncheon with prices to be announced.

June 5: St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal

June 12: St. Mark’s Lutheran

June 19: Trinity Lutheran

June 26: Evangelical Free

July 3: Church of Christ

July 10: First Baptist

July 17: Evangelical Covenant

July 24: United Methodist

July 31: New Salem Lutheran

Aug. 7: Calvary Lutheran

Aug. 14: Aardahl Lutheran

Aug. 21: First Presbyterian

Aug. 28: First Lutheran

Lake Bemidji State Park

Music Under the Pines

Saturday and Sunday concerts are sponsored by the North Country Snowmobile Club and the Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park. Park permits are required, but there is no charge for the concerts.

Sunday concerts are at

2 p.m. and Saturday concerts are at 7 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will be held in the Visitor Center.

Sunday, May 26: Doyle Turner

Sunday, June 2: Caleigh

Sunday, June 9: Mike and Tom

Sunday, June 16: Lou Samsa

Sunday, June 23: Not Your Average Family Band

Saturday, June 29: Lance Benson

Sunday, June 30: Dean and Peggy

Saturday, July 6: Antonio Arce

Sunday, July 7: Bluebird

Saturday, July 13: Bemidji Bogtrotters

Sunday, July 14: Acoustofiddle

Saturday, July 20: No Rest For The Pickers

Sunday, July 21: The Fogelsons

Sunday, July 28: Bemidji Bogtrotters

Sunday, Aug. 4: Lou Samsa

Saturday, Aug. 10: Antonio Arce

Sunday, Aug. 11: Rachel Kultala

Saturday, Aug. 17: Bemidji Brass

Saturday, Aug. 24: Mike and Tom

Sunday, Aug. 25: Natalie and Vivi

Sunday, Sept. 1: Donna and Greg Gaston

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront

This popular series of concerts includes performers from around the region. Concerts start at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront. There is no admission charge. Food and beverage trucks will be on site. There is no concert scheduled for July 31, when the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival takes place.

June 19: PK Mayo

July 10: The Good Time Gals

July 17: Teague Alexy & the Common Thread

July 24: Corpse Reviver

Aug. 7: The Honky-Tonk Troubadours

Aug. 14: Trapper Schoepp

Aug. 21: Known Only Locally

Aug. 28: Dilly Dally Alley

Bemidji Area

Community Band

Concerts are on four Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. on the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. There is no charge for the concerts; freewill donations are accepted. In case of inclement weather, concerts are moved indoors at Bangsberg.

June 16: Father’s Day concert

June 30: Patriotic concert

July 21: Third concert

Aug. 4: Final concert

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra

The BSO kicks off its 2024-25 season with a fun Summer Pops Concert on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Bemidji High School Auditorium. Beverly Everett leads the talented group in a family-friendly performance, and hands the baton to a celebrity guest conductor for “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Tickets are available at Lueken’s Village Foods north and south locations, at the door or online at bemidjisymphony.org.

Golfers have lots of options

If you love golf, you have plenty of options in the Bemidji area. Even disc golfers are not left out of the fun.

There are four golf courses in and near Bemidji and three more just a short drive away.

The oldest and best-known local course is the Bemidji Town and Country Club, located on the north shore of Lake Bemidji. The 18-hole layout is open to the public and also features the North Shore Grille restaurant. BTCC is a 6,545-yard par72 course.

The course hosts the annual Birchmont Tournament, which draws golfers from

all over the country. Spectators enjoy following the action in a week-long event. This year’s tournament will be held July 22-27.

Another popular 18-hole course is Castle Highlands just north of town. It’s carved from an expansive natural setting featuring the Turtle River that winds through the course, scenic wetlands, ponds, rolling hills, abundant wildlife and lots of beautiful trees. Castle Highlands is a 6,030-yard, par-72 layout.

Just east of Bemidji is Greenwood Golf Course, an 18-hole executive course that is fit for golfers of all abilities.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE PRESTIGIOUS BIRCHMONT GOLF TOURNAMENT

This is a special year for the Birchmont Golf Tournament, a six-day event that has drawn some of the top golfers in the Upper Midwest and beyond to Bemidji every year since 1925.

The beautiful Bemidji Town and Country Club plays host to the Birchmont, which has gained national recognition and delighted golf spectators every summer. This year’s tournament will be held July 22-27.

It features divisions for golfers of all ages, from juniors ages 12 and under to masters ages 65 and over. After opening rounds of qualifying play, golfers square off in a match-play format, culminating in the championships on Friday and Saturday. Most divisions fill up early in the spring each year.

Located on the north shore of Lake Bemidji, the BTCC is an 18-hole layout, open to the public and also features the North Shore Grille restaurant.

As Birchmont organizers put it, “It’s not just golf; it’s a century-old tradition.”

And south of town is the 9-hole Maple Ridge Golf Course, an executive layout that the whole family can enjoy.

If you’re willing to take a short drive, there are three challenging 9-hole courses: Sandtrap Golf Course in Cass Lake, Blackduck Golf Course on Blackduck Lake and Twin Pines Golf Course in Bagley.

Disc golfers will certainly be tested at the 18-hole Bemidji Disc Golf Course located in City Park along 23rd Street NW. It’s beginner-friendly yet still exciting for more experienced players. Multiple tee pads, wooded holes and water hazards give each hole a new and different challenge.

Here are locations and contact information for area courses:

BEMIDJI TOWN & COUNTRY CLUB

2425 Birchmont Beach Road NE (218) 751-9215 | bemidjigolf.com

MAPLE RIDGE GOLF COURSE

24907 Beltrami Line Road (218) 751-8401 | mapleridgebemidji.com

CASTLE HIGHLANDS GOLF COURSE

13848 Gull Lake Loop Road NE (218) 586-2681 | golfcastles.com

GREENWOOD GOLF COURSE

1361 Swenson Road NE (218) 751-3875 | Greenwoodgolfcourse.com

SANDTRAP GOLF COURSE

6355 Golf Course Road NW, Cass Lake (218) 335-6531 | sandtrapgolfmn.com

TWIN PINES GOLF COURSE

531 7th St NE, Bagley (218) 694-2454 bagleymn.us/twinpinesgolfcourse

BLACKDUCK GOLF COURSE

20857 Blackduck Lake Rd NE (218) 835-7757 | blackduckgolf.com

MAY

Music Under the Pines:

Doyle Turner

May 26

SUMMER CALENDAR of events

Lake Bemidji State Park

JUNE

First Saturday: Scott Fadness

June 1

Loon Country Arts

Music Under the Pines: Caleigh

June 2

Lake Bemidji State Park

Ride For The Troops

June 2

Marketplace Foods

Bemidji Area Take A Kid Fishing

June 5

Lake Bemidji

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 5

St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal

Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic

June 8

Lake Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: Mike and Tom

June 9

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 12

St. Mark’s Lutheran

Loop the Lake Festival

June 15

Start/finish at Sanford Center

First City Cruise In (Car Show)

June 15

Lueken’s Village South

B-25 History Flight Experience

June 15-16

Bemidji Regional Airport

Music Under the Pines:

Lou Samsa

June 16

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

June 16

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 19

Trinity Lutheran, Bemidji

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: PK Mayo

June 19

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Northwoods Writers Conference at Bemidji State

June 24-29

Bemidji State University

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

June 26

Evangelical Free

Music Under the Pines: Lance Benson

June 29

Lake Bemidji State Park

Fishing Has No Boundaries

June 29

Lake Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: Dean and Peggy

June 30

Lake Bemidji State Park

Aaron Lewis: The American Patriot Tour

June 30

Sanford Center

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

June 30

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

JULY

Bemidji Jaycees

Water Carnival

July 3-7

Bemidji

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 3

Church of Christ

Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival Fireworks

July 4

Lake Bemidji

First Saturday: Brennen Hill

July 6

Loon Country Arts

Music Under the Pines: Antonio Arce

July 6

Lake Bemidji State Park

Music Under the Pines: Bluebird

July 7

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Jaycees

Water Carnival Parade

July 7

Downtown Bemidji

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 10

First Baptist

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: The Good Time Gals

July 10

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Play to be determined

July 11-14, 17-20

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

Babe’s Burnout Car Show

July 12-13

Sanford Center

“A Murder is Announced”

July 12-14 and 18-21

Bemidji Community Theater

Music Under the Pines:

Bemidji Bogtrotters

July 13

Lake Bemidji State Park

Faire Art Festival

July 13-14

FHL Academy in Bagley

Music Under the Pines: Acoustofiddle

July 14

Lake Bemidji State Park

Unicon 21 (Unicycle World Championships)

July 14-26

Bemidji

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 17

Evangelical Covenant

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Teague Alexy & the Common Thread

July 17

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

THE GARDEN HAS IT ALL

OUTDOOR

First City Cruise In (Car Show)

July 20

Lueken’s Village South

Bemidji Corvettes Show & Shine

July 20

Dondelinger Chevrolet

Music Under the Pines: No Rest for the Pickers

July 20

Lake Bemidji State Park

Watermark Art Festival (Art in the Park)

July 20-21

Downtown Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: The Fogelsons

July 21

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

July 21

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 24

United Methodist

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Corpse Reviver

July 24

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

“The Importance of Being Earnest”

July 25-28, 31-Aug. 3

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

Anishinaabe Art Festival

July 26-27

Bemidji State University, Beaux Arts Ballroom

JULY

Lake George

Blueberry Festival

July 26-28

Lake George

Blackduck Woodcarvers Festival

July 27

Blackduck Wayside Park

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

July 27

Buena Vista Ski Area

Music Under the Pines: Bemidji Bogtrotters

July 28

Lake Bemidji State Park

VBS: Start the Party

July 28-31

Evangelical Free Church Bemidji

Lake Bemidji

Dragon Boat Festival

July 31-Aug. 3

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Sanford Health Taco Fest for United Way

July 31

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

July 31

New Salem Lutheran

Clearwater County Fair

July 31-Aug. 4

Bagley

AUGUST

Lake Itasca Family Music Festival

Aug. 2-4

Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers

First Saturday: Carole Euerle

Aug. 3

Loon Country Arts

First City River Duck Race

Aug. 3

Mississippi River between lakes Irving and Bemidji

Music Under the Pines: Lou Samsa

Aug. 4

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Community Band Concert

Aug. 4

On the lawn south of Bangsberg Hall (indoors if inclement weather)

QFM Radio’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Concert featuring TobyMac

Aug. 4

Sanford Center

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 7

Calvary Lutheran

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: The Honky-Tonk Troubadours

Aug. 7

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Beltrami County Fair

Aug. 7-11

County Fairgrounds in Bemidji

“The Pirates of Penzance”

Aug. 7-11, 14-17

Paul Bunyan Playhouse (Chief Theater)

Sanford Niimi’idiwin (Powwow)

Aug. 8

Lot near Sanford Bemidji Medical Center

We are situated in historic downtown Bemidji one block down from Paul & Babe. Tutto Bene offers the freshest seasonal ingredients we can get our hands on and we truly mean that! As we cook everything to order we are happy to accommodate any and all dietary preferences and have many gluten free options.

Thank you for

Music Under the Pines:

Antonio Arce

Aug. 10

Lake Bemidji State Park

“Out of the Hat”

Aug. 10

Bemidji Community Theater

Star Monster

Aug. 10

Sanford Center

Music Under the Pines:

Rachel Kultala

Aug. 11

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 14

Aardahl Lutheran

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Trapper Schoepp

Aug. 14

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers

Aug. 16-18

Adjacent to Itasca State Park north entrance

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra

Summer Pops Concert

Aug. 17

Bemidji High School Auditorium

Music Under the Pines:

Bemidji Brass Quintet

Aug. 17

Lake Bemidji State Park

First City Cruise In (Car Show)

Aug. 17

Lueken’s Village South

Backwoods Bash

Aug. 17

Blackduck

Forestedge Winery Art Fair

Aug. 17-18

Laporte

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 21

First Presbyterian

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Known Only Locally

Aug. 21

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

“Hats Off to Broadway”

Aug. 23-24

Bemidji Community Theater

Music Under the Pines:

Mike and Tom

Aug. 24

Lake Bemidji State Park

Music Under the Pines:

Natalie and Vivi

Aug. 25

Lake Bemidji State Park

Bemidji Area Church

Musicians Recital

Aug. 28

First Lutheran

Mississippi Music at the Waterfront: Dilly Dally Alley

Aug. 28

Lake Bemidji Waterfront

SEPTEMBER

Music Under the Pines:

Donna and Greg Gaston

Sept. 1

Lake Bemidji State Park

First Saturday: Colleen Hilts

Sept. 7

Loon Country Arts

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Around 1,500 unicyclists will descend on Bemidji this summer when the Unicycling Society of America hosts its 21st Unicycle World Championships.

Set for July 14-26, Unicon 21 is the biennial unicycling world championships. This major event is the largest unicycling gathering in the world with 1,200 to 2,000 participants.

Each Unicon covers all facets of the sport with competitions in mountain unicycling; road and track races; freestyle; urban; and team sports. The convention portion features workshops, cultural mashups and social events where participants gather, reconnect with familiar faces and make new friends.

Previous host countries include South Korea, Spain, Canada, Italy, New Zealand and more. Most recently, the convention was held in France. The last Unicon in Minnesota was held in 1994, in Minneapolis. Unicon 21 is the first time the convention has been held in the U.S. in 22 years.

Organizers chose Bemidji over major cities around the U.S. for its local support

of the event and the community’s excitement to host this convention.

The Northwoods of Minnesota was also selected for its ideal climate for summer outdoor recreation. Unicon is traditionally hosted every other year in the summer months; most places around the U.S. are not a suitable climate for athletes during this time.

“Bemidji has many features that make it the ideal city to host a Unicon,” organizers said when the location was announced. “Its size allows international unicyclists to gather and foster community while enjoying all the city has to offer. Because so many of Bemidji’s locations are within unicycle riding distance, such as the university and downtown, participants will be able to compete in events and partake in the convention while maintaining a strong sense of community with one another.”

Kirsten Goldstein, Unicon co-director and president of the Unicycling Society of America, was part of the bid process for Unicon 21 to be held in Bemidji. A Bemidji State University alumnus and

resident of the Brainerd/Baxter area, Goldstein has rallied the local community to prepare to host the convention.

“We were looking at every possible location across the U.S. going region by region — coasts were too expensive, the mountains were too expensive,” she said. “The Midwest has a lot of (unicycle) clubs, so we were like ‘Alright, we’re going to stick to the Midwest.’”

Once Unicon co-director Connie Cotter suggested Bemidji as a possible location, it was practically a done deal.

“Connie suggested Bemidji and I said, ‘Well, I know half the town so I think we can get this going,’” Goldstein said with a laugh. “My undergrad experience (at BSU) really paid off and now I’m working with my old bosses from the rec center. I called them up and said ‘How do we make this happen?’ They started putting my name to the right people and conversations kept going.”

Cotter, also a Minnesota native, was excited about the idea of holding Unicon in Minnesota for the second time. While participants got a taste of city life

when the event was held in Minneapolis in 1994, unicyclists will soon experience all that Bemidji has to offer.

“We’re excited to show our community what Minnesota is,” Cotter said, “and Bemidji is such a cool example of some of the best of Minnesota.”

Goldstein echoed that sentiment, expressing that Bemidji has a culture that is unique to other small towns in the state.

“I think our community is going to be really surprised by the culture here. We take it for granted because it’s our

everyday,” Goldstein said. “It’s so different to an outsider. To Europeans, this is going to be different, to the Japanese, this is going to be very different. And being surrounded by tribal nations, I don’t think they’re going to realize how interesting that is, and how fascinating and welcoming that is.”

For Goldstein, giving 1,500 unicyclists from around the world the opportunity to experience Bemidji’s culture is one of the more exciting aspects of preparing for Unicon 21.

“(Bemidji) is so much more than just a small Minnesota town,” she remarked, “and we’re excited to show that to our international community that is ready to say ‘It’s just a small Minnesota town.’” Unicon 21 is sponsored by the Sanford Center. For a complete schedule of events or to register as a competitor or non-competitor, visit unicon21.us. Most Unicon events are open to spectators, but some will require tickets for viewing by the public.

Itasca State Park is a jewel of Minnesota

BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

If you’re looking for a late spring or early summer adventure at Itasca State Park, consider an overnight trip at a backcountry campsite.

These campsites can only be accessed by foot and require that you carry all of the gear you need in a backpack, hiking some distance into the wilderness

MINNESOTA’S OLDEST STATE PARK IS 133 YEARS OLD

Itasca State Park was established on April 20, 1891, to preserve the old-growth pine trees that were in danger of being logged. Many visitors to the Bemidji area make a point to drive to Itasca State Park. There are two entrances to the park, one from U.S. Highway 71 and one from State Highway 200. Both are about 32 miles from downtown Bemidji.

Itasca State Park encompasses Lake Itasca, the official source of the Mississippi River, and a scenic area of northern Minnesota that has remained relatively unchanged from its natural state.

Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes more than 100 lakes. Stand under towering pines at Preacher’s Grove. Visit the Itasca Indian Cemetery or Wegmann’s Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota’s seven National Natural Landmarks.

But the main attraction will continue to be walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi River on stones at the mouth of Lake Itasca. Other outdoor activities include taking an excursion boat on Lake Itasca, exploring along Wilderness Drive, biking or hiking along more than 30 miles of designated trails, fishing in one of the many lakes, observing the wildflowers in season as well as birding.

Itasca State Park draws over 500,000 visitors each year from all over the world.

For more information about the park events and schedules, call Itasca State Park headquarters at (218) 699-7251, email itasca.statepark@state.mn.us or go to dnr.state.mn.us/state_ parks/itasca.

to your campsite. This form of outdoor recreation is known as backpacking.

Itasca State Park has 11 backcountry campsites, each of them a hidden treasure in their own right, but none of them quite so spectacular as backcountry campsites No. 3 and No. 4, located along the shore of beautiful Hernando DeSoto Lake and offering total tranquility deep in the Itasca forest.

GETTING THERE

The Hernando DeSoto Lake campsites can be reached in multiple ways, allowing you to choose your own adventure.

Map of Itasca State Park Summer Trails and Facilities

One option is to park at the DeSoto Trail trailhead, located on Wilderness Drive, and hike four miles to your campsite, enjoying a long stretch of the old-growth, red and white pine forests Itasca State Park was established, in part, to preserve.

Another option is to hike a section of the famed North Country National Scenic Trail, a rugged, single-track trail that takes you on a moderately hilly journey through the forest and culminates in a winding path along the shorelines of Morrison and Hernando DeSoto Lakes. Park at the NCT trailhead on County Highway 113, hike three-quarter miles on connection trails before intersecting with the NCT, then continue another two miles to your campsite for a total hike of approximately 2.75 miles.

The third option is to harness your inner explorer and portage your watercraft 0.5 miles on the DeSoto Lake Trail. This trailhead is also located along County Highway 113 on Itasca’s southern boundary. Paddle across Hernando DeSoto Lake to your campsite on the opposite shore.

Minnesota fishing facts

The fishing opener refers to the start of fishing for walleye, northern pike, bass and trout in lakes on inland waters of Minnesota.

About 500,000 people were expected to fish on Saturday, May 11. Seasons for some other species, including sunfish, crappie and channel catfish, are open all year. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources:

• Although not every kind of fish lives everywhere, 162 species of fish can be found in Minnesota waters.

• Minnesota has 11,842 lakes that are 10 or more acres in size, 4,500 of which are considered fishing lakes. There are more than 16,000 miles of fishable rivers and streams, including 3,800 miles of trout streams.

• Fishing supports 28,000 Minnesota jobs, according to the American Sportfishing Association.

The purchase price of every fishing license goes into the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that can only be used for fish, wildlife, law enforcement and certain other outdoor-related activities.

More information on fishing in Minnesota is available at mndnr.gov/ fishing.

in the Bemidji area Water recreation

Tips for getting out on the water in the Bemidji area

There are approximately 60 designated public water access points available around Beltrami County. Six concrete-style ramps offer access to Lake Bemidji, as well as concrete and carry-in ramps affording access to Lake Irving.

Boat rentals are available at Lake Bemidji and Itasca State Parks, as well as a number of resorts and lodges throughout Bemidji. Sailboats and windsurfers are available

through Bemidji State University. The Mississippi River offers paddlers a wild and intimate setting in the Bemidji area. In the first 90 miles of its 2,384 to the Gulf of Mexico, the river winds through ancient lake beds and occasionally rushes through narrow valleys of spruce. In Bemidji, the river flows through the first of several large lakes. This is the most scenic and the most remote of the Mississippi’s Minnesota miles.

RENTAL OPTIONS

Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats are available for rent at several locations in Bemidji:

• Rentals are available at the Tourist Information Center located in Paul Bunyan Park, 300 Bemidji Ave. N, open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Options include single-person kayaks for $13 per hour or tandem kayaks for $18 per hour, paddleboards for $14 per hour, and paddle boats with pricing available at the TIC. All rentals include paddles and life jackets. On-site staff will assist with the equipment, provide advice on navigating Lake Bemidji and ensure a safe launch onto the water.

• Lake Bemidji State Park has two single-person kayaks, one tandem kayak, two canoes and two rowboats without motors for rent. Each are $15 for up to four hours or $25 for the whole day.

• Latitude 218, located at 6616 Bemidji Ave. N Suite 1, offers boat rentals of all kinds. Pontoons are $350 for eight hours, jet skis are $400 for eight hours, 18.5-foot fishing boats are $300 for eight hours, 18-foot ski boats are $350 for eight hours, kayaks are $50 for eight hours, paddle boards are $40 for eight hours and canoes are $50 for eight hours.

• Itasca Sports located in Itasca State Park offers a variety of rentals, each of which come with life jackets. Canoes are $15 per hour or $55 for the day (10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.) Single-person sit-on-top kayaks are $9 per hour or $45 for the day. Fourperson paddleboats are $20 per hour or $100 for the day. Stand-up paddleboards are $18 per hour or $75 for the day. Rowboats are available on Mary, Elk and Oziwindib Lakes for $10 per hour or $40 for 24 hours.

Relax & Unwind

• Cabins offer comforts of home

• Relax by the lake

• Fish off the dock

• Swim, kayak or paddleboard

• Fire rings and grills available

• Picnic tables

• Close to walking and biking trails

• Laundry on-site

Where is Bemidji located?

• 90 miles south of Rainy River, Ontario

• 112 miles southwest of Fort Frances, Ontario on US Highway 71

• 113 miles east of Grand Forks on US Highway 2

• 143 miles west of Duluth on US Highway 2

• 211 miles northwest of Minneapolis

What does “Bemidji” mean?

• Bemidji is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) phrase ‘Bay-me-ji-gamaug’ meaning “flowing through or across,” designating the course of the Mississippi River through Lake Bemidji.

How big is Lake Bemidji?

• Lake Bemidji has 14.8 miles of shoreline, covers 6,420 acres and is 76 feet at its deepest point.

How was Lake Bemidji formed?

• Local legend claims the lake is Paul Bunyan’s footprint; however geologists claim it was formed from glacial activity. The Mississippi River flows through the southern portion. The power dam downstream helps control the water level.

Where is the headwaters of the Mississippi River?

• 31 miles southwest of Bemidji on US Highway 71. The headwaters is located in Itasca State Park.

How tall is Paul Bunyan and how old is he?

• Paul is 18 feet tall. The statue was constructed in 1937.

When does Lake Bemidji freeze over?

• The average date is December 10. The average date of ice-out is April 26.

When do the leaves turn color?

• Average peak season for fall colors is the week of September 22.

What is the population of the city?

• 115,277 in 2020, according to factfinder.census. gov. But that number can be deceiving, because so many people live in nearby townships and still consider Bemidji home. According to the 2010 census, the populations of the

six adjacent townships (Eckles, Northern, Turtle River, Grant Valley, Bemidji and Frohn) and the city of Wilton totaled 14,058. Add that to the city of Bemidji and you get 27,489. Bemidji is a regional hub. According to the most recent ESRI Community Profile, the population within a 15-mile radius of Bemidji was 39,396; within a 30-mile radius it was 62,885.

How does the Mississippi River flow “north” to Bemidji?

• The continental divide is located in the area. Water flows north to Hudson Bay and south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River flows north into Lake Bemidji, then east with the northernmost point of the river east of Lake Bemidji. It continues to the southeast to Grand Rapids, Minn., before it takes a more southerly direction.

There’s nothing like a county fair for family fun, and the Bemidji area features two of the best fairs around … on backto-back weeks in August.

The Clearwater County Fair in Bagley will run July 31-Aug. 4, and the Beltrami County Fair in Bemidji will run Aug. 7-11.

Both feature grandstand shows, midway rides, live musical entertainment, exhibitors, 4-H competition and much more.

Differences Spot the

With Lake Bemidji no longer frozen and frigid, anglers young and old are sinking their hooks into its pristine open waters once again. Can you spot five differences between these two photos taken at last year’s Take a Kid Fishing event?

Answers: 1) Lumberjack Logo removed from pants; 2) Lochn Ness Monster in water; 3) Mustache on guide;

4) Glass of milk by driver; 5) Splash in water below fish.

State parks, forests offer range of camping experiences

There are many options to consider when planning a recreational trip to the Bemidji area. Camping is an option that taps into the region’s natural beauty.

Three camping areas are the popular Itasca State Park, at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Lake Bemidji State Park and the newer La Salle Lake State Recreational Area, featuring the deepest natural inland lake in Minnesota, a coldwater stream and a stretch of the Mississippi.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, both parks feature forests and woodlands, cabins, campgrounds, fishing spots, research facilities and a unique ecosystem, including Itasca’s unique

intersection of the coniferous forest, deciduous forest and prairie biomes.

Make a reservation at reservemn. usedirect.com/MinnesotaWeb/Default. Purchase a year-round state parks vehicle permit at dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ permit.

State forest campgrounds

CONCORDIA

The surrounding area also boasts several state forests, including the Paul Bunyan and Mississippi Headwaters state forests. Located in the heart of Hubbard County, the Paul Bunyan forest encloses the Gulch Lake Campground and Lake 21 Day-Use Area, with nine campsites, one group site and a well, within a game refuge and nonmotorized recreation area between Lake 21 and Bass Lake. It provides hiking, water access and picnic sites, plus carry-in boat accesses on both lakes as well as nearby Nelson Lake.

The Mississippi Headwaters State Forest is located one mile south of Wilton on Beltrami County Highway 14 on Grant Lake. After the Mississippi River leaves Itasca State Park, it flows through the Mississippi Headwaters State Forest. This part of the river is considered the most remote and pristine.

This state forest has 95 lakes and ponds within its boundaries; 8,500 acres of public land open for your enjoyment are within 1,000 feet of one of these lakes and ponds.

Chippewa National Forest Campgrounds

Reservations for developed campgrounds can be made up to six months in advance via the Recreation. gov website or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Make your reservations at least four days in advance of your camping trip. The Norway Beach picnic shelter may be reserved for $75 per day. There is a fee charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services and is non-refundable.

Developed campgrounds have overnight fees ranging from $14 to $26 per

night, with reservable and firstcome, first-serve campsites in most of the campgrounds. Sites are accessible and some have drive-through parking. Electricity (30 amp) is available at the Chippewa Loop, Onegume and Stony Point campgrounds. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring and parking spot.

Looking for something even quieter? There are nearly 70 backcountry-managed campsites located throughout the forest. Campers can access these sites via car, boat or on foot. These sites are nonreservable and require no fees. Backcountry maps for different areas of the Forest are available. Before your adventure in the backcountry, please check with the ranger district in Deer River, Walker or Blackduck.

Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

MAPLE CHERRY GRANOLA

minnesotagrown.com

2-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup wheat germ

1/3 cup roughly chopped almonds

1/2 cup coconut flakes (or shredded)

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg white

1/2 cup chopped dried cherries

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine all of the ingredients except the egg white and dried fruit in a large bowl, tossing to coat evenly.

Whisk the egg white in a small bowl until frothy. Add to the granola mixture, stirring to distribute it throughout. Spread the mixture evenly over the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the cherries in. Use a large spatula to turn over sections of the granola that may be cooking faster, breaking them up as little as possible. Place back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the mixture turns golden. Serve as a snack or use to top breakfast yogurt.

Store granola in jars or airtight containers in a cool, dry place. It will keep for about two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

fishing guides Bemidji area

There are plenty of fish in the lake. But sometimes they’re difficult to locate and catch. But a day on the water with an experienced fishing guide can ensure better success. Here’s a list of some of the guides in the Bemidji area, courtesy of Visit Bemidji:

Dick Beardsley Fishing Guide Service dickbeardsleyfishingguide.com dick@dickbeardsley.com (218) 556-7172

Kevin Cochran’s Musky Guide Service kevincochranguide.com kevincochranguide@gmail.com (507) 456-9023

Northcountry Guide Service & Promotions northcountryguides.com mjbreuer@midco.net (218) 766-1814

Chad’s Guide Service chadsguideservice.com chadben9@paulbunyan.net (218) 556-0823

Bemidji Area Guide Service Bemidjiguide.com coachklasen@gmail.com (763) 670-6033

Brady Laudon Fishing Guide Service blaudon15@gmail.com (218) 280-2941

Bros Guide Service brosguideservice.com (218) 340-6051

10,000 Lakes Guide Service 10000lakesguideservice.com (218) 760-8822 or (218) 407-0000

First City Guide Service firstcityguide.com (218) 689-5550

EyeCrazy Guide Service wpappenfus@yahoo.com (320) 360-5333

Devoted Outdoors Guide Service & Promotions (218) 242-3636

Prevent the spread of AIS in our pristine waters

While out on the water this summer, boaters should think about their own practices and the impact that each individual can have on our lakes and rivers.

In order to preserve these valuable natural resources for future generations to enjoy, Beltrami County operates a comprehensive aquatic invasive species (AIS) program.

Boaters and public water users should use AIS best management practices and should expect to see watercraft inspectors at many public accesses across Beltrami County.

Clean, drain, dispose

Public water users can cut down on the risk of spreading invasive species by simply remembering to clean, drain and dispose.

That means boaters must clean their watercraft of all aquatic plants, mud and prohibited invasive species; drain all water by lowering the motor, removing drain plugs and keeping them out during transport, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

To keep live bait, a fisherman can drain the existing bait water and refill the container with bottled or tap water.

Remember, that it is the law.

In Beltrami County, eight self-serve, solar-powered boat cleaning stations are available at boat access to help prevent the spread of AIS, including Big Turtle Lake,

Lake Beltrami, Wolf Lake, Cass Lake, Moose Lake, Pimushe Lake, at West Wind Resort on Upper Red Lake and Oak Haven Resort on the Mississippi River.

Know the law

Boaters may not do the following:

• Transport watercraft without removing the drain plug.

• Arrive at lake access with drain plug in place.

• Transport aquatic plants, zebra mussels, or other prohibited species on any roadway.

• Launch a watercraft with prohibited species attached.

• Transport water from Minnesota lakes or rivers.

• Release bait into the water.

Boaters and public water users should use AIS best management practices and should expect to see watercraft inspectors at many public accesses across Hubbard County.

Free decontamination station

Department of Natural Resources Infested Waters List, decontamination is a highly recommended protocol.

The decontamination process consists of three possible components: hand removal, hot water treatment and high-pressure treatment.

Organisms that are too small to see, such as young zebra mussels, can be killed by flushing with hot water ranging from 100 to 140 degrees.

As a courtesy to the public, the county operates a free decontamination station May through September, seven days a week, by appointment. Call (218) 760-8519 to set up a time. The cleaning location is at 2400 Middle School Drive in Bemidji. The station is staffed by watercraft inspectors who have special training and certification from the DNR. A typical decontamination is pretty quick, usually about 15 minutes.

In addition, decontamination is an important step in preventing the spread of AIS. If trailering a watercraft from a waterbody that is listed on the Minnesota

We roast our own meats & use our fresh baked breads for our hearty sandwiches.

If you have questions about the Hubbard County AIS Program or have a suspicion of a new AIS infestation, call the Beltrami County Environmental Services Department at (218) 333-8281.

Made from

Buttermilk Pancakes

Veggie Omelets

Egg Salad on a Croissant

Grilled Rueben

These places can help Hungry? Thirsty?

We encourage our readers to support the many Bemidji area restaurants and bars that are advertising in Fun in the Summertime magazine. Whether you want to wet your whistle, grab a quick snack, scoop up some ice cream, order a hearty breakfast or dine with a view, these establishments have what you’re looking for.

Hatchet House is a place where you can throw an axe and grab some grub and drinks. See ad on Page 11. Corner Bar in Nymore has been a popular place for food and drink for many years. See ad on Page 13.

Lucky Dogs offers a wide variety of hot dogs at a hopping downtown location. See ad on Page 6.

Bar 209 has an extensive menu of food and drinks, and its adjacent Red Stu Breakfast Bar is a hot morning spot.

The Garden Grill & Pub in Nymore is a place “where neighbors dine and unwind.” See ad on Page 21.

Mi Rancho is known for its madefrom-scratch Mexican delights. And the Mi Taqueria food truck specializes in street tacos. See ad on Page 32.

Los Tapatios is a family-owned and operated restaurant featuring Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. See ad on Page 35.

Harmony Foods Co-op is more than a downtown grocery store. You can grab a meal at The Good Food Deli. See ad on Page 23.

Pizza Ranch & FunZone Arcade serves so much more than pizza … plus a helping of fun. See ad on Page 37.

Raphael’s Bakery & Cafe is a hopping downtown gathering place for meals and fresh-baked treats. See ad on Page 37.

Boardwalk Mini Golf & Snack Shack makes wood-fired pizzas, ice cream and soft serve. See ad on Page 43.

Tutto Bene specializes in Italian fine dining with outdoor seating available. See ad on Page 22.

The Paul Bunyan Sub Shop serves hot and cold sandwich creations. See ad on Page 20.

The Tavern on South Shore features great food and delightful views of Lake Bemidji. See ad on Page 20.

Lueken’s Village Foods has several dining and snack options, including sushi, baked goods and popcorn. See ad on Page 9.

Kin Poke offers Hawaiian-style poke bowl meals. See ad on Page 45.

Dairy Queen has all of your favorite cold treats. See ad on Page 29.

Little Caesars serves up pizza, wings and a variety of sides. See ad on Page 29.

Countryside Restaurant just west of Bemidji serves up meals all day long and has Red Lake Walleye specials on Friday nights. See ad on Page 31.

Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, pastries and ice cream. See ad on Page 23.

Elevation: 1,342 feet

Area: 853.45 acres

Littoral Area: 513 acres

Shore length: 9.25 miles

Maximum depth: 50 feet

ABOUT THE LAKE

Movil is an 853-acre lake with a maximum depth of 50 feet located 10 miles north of Bemidji. Lake Movil can be accessed from a launch site that was built recently on the south shore in 2020, as well as via water from Turtle Lake to the north. The new access is located off South Movil Lake Road and offers a paved parking lot, concrete ramp, and four parking spaces.

Movil Lake also can be accessed via a navigable channel from Big Turtle Lake, located just upstream on the Turtle River chain of lakes. The DNR public water access for Big Turtle Lake is located on the west side of the lake off County Road 15.

Some facts about

Lake Movil

FISH SPECIES

Lake Movil is managed for northern pike, walleye, bluegill, black crappie, and largemouth bass. A special regulation for northern pike consisting of a protected slot limit from 24 to 36 inches with one fish over 36 inches allowed in the daily possession limit of three fish is in effect.

Big Bog is Minnesota’s ‘last true wilderness’

Take a trip about an hour north of Bemidji, and you’ll encounter a world both rugged and serene, a contradictory fusion of nature called the Big Bog.

It’s a spongy moss-covered land of carnivorous plants, rare species of birds and dazzling orchids that spans more than 500 square miles, boasting a vast landscape that has been in the making for 5,000 years.

The relatively undisturbed Big Bog — technically known as the Red Lake Peatlands

— has been dubbed Minnesota’s last true wilderness. Yet in a far grander sense, the geological and ecological gem ranks as the largest peat bog in the Lower 48.

It’s found in Big Bog State Recreation Area, a designated area of about 9,000 acres located along the eastern shore of Upper Red Lake near the small town of Waskish, Minn.

Although the bog is typically inaccessible a no man’s land of sorts a mile-long

56th Watermark Art Festival

boardwalk was installed in 2005, permitting curious visitors to get a first-hand glimpse of a natural resource brimming with oneof-a-kind plant and animal life.

While inhospitable to most creatures, the bog — in an ironic twist — is home to a variety of uncommon and endangered ones, including bird species such as the Northern hawk-owl and Connecticut warbler. For years, this element of the bog has attracted birders from around the country.

Visiting the bog

When traveling to the Big Bog Boardwalk, chances are your GPS will take you to the southern section of the two-part Big Bog State Recreation Area. This unit includes a campground with 31 campsites, winterized camper cabins, a sandy beach and picnic grounds.

However, this isn’t where the boardwalk is located; the peat bog is found in the northern unit, which is a few miles past the southern one.

Once parked, an easily accessible trail guides visitors to the boardwalk entrance. And after stepping foot onto the level, perforated boardwalk, you soon realize that you are floating above a sea of sphagnum moss.

Surprisingly, there are few mosquitoes along the boardwalk as the sphagnum moss absorbs water and provides limited spots for mosquitoes to breed.

provides a habitat for a diversity of birds not commonly found in other parts of the state, and at least 289 species are found in this area, according to a report from the National Audubon Society.

There is an abundance of greenery along the boardwalk, but in a sense, it is just a facade. The bog’s water is only slightly less acidic than a cola beverage, and coupled with nutrient-poor soil, the environment makes for a challenging place for plants to thrive.

Along the way, interpretive signs introduce the bog’s plant and animal life as well as its geological and human history.

In Minnesota, 42 orchid species have been documented, and some -- such as the small purple-fringed orchid, dragon’s mouth orchid, rose pogonia -- make their home in Big Bog.

The area is also home to moose, whitetailed deer, black bears, gray wolves, foxes and bobcats, among other mammals. It

As a result, some meat-eating plants, such as bladderworts, sundews and pitcher plants, can be found in the bog: they lure, trap and digest insects for the extra nutrients they contain. If you look closely at some plants when visiting, you may even see black specks on their tiny leaves -- those are insect skeletons.

Further along the boardwalk, a bounty of tamarack and black spruce make an appearance; yet these are “scrappy, stuntedlooking” bog trees, a sign

Much older than they appear, they have evolved to survive the peatland’s poor conditions, and a lack of nutrients makes them grow slowly.

While the boardwalk is only one mile long, the trip can easily become an all-day affair, depending on one’s observation of things.

Toward the end, the landscape of the bog suddenly widens, and visitors are greeted by the boardwalk’s terminus. It consists of a viewing platform, benches and a binocular viewer, which allows one to take in the Big Bog’s otherworldly expanse.

INTERESTED IN VISITING BIG BOG?

Here are some things to know before you go:

• Bring your walking shoes. Big Bog Boardwalk is a two-mile round-trip experience, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

• Leash your pet. Pets are allowed on the Big Bog Boardwalk, but they must be leashed. Also, small dogs can get their feet caught in boardwalk grates, so owners may prefer to carry them.

• Bring water and sunscreen. There’s not too much shade in the bog, so be sure to bring essential supplies, especially when visiting on a hot day.

• No smoking. Peat fires are some of the most serious wildfires, so smoking is not allowed in the bog.

• The boardwalk is wheelchairaccessible. It is also relatively level and visitors are encouraged to proceed into the bog at their own pace. Multiple benches can be found along the boardwalk as well.

• Stay on the boardwalk. Don’t try to walk in the bog. Reportedly, your footprint could last a year and you could fall into a flark, which is a depression or hollow within a bog.

Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival

The Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival has become one of the community’s biggest summertime draws since its inception in 2006. This year’s festival will take place July 31 to Aug. 3 at the Lake Bemidji Waterfront.

Co-sponsored by the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bemidji Rotary Club, the festival attracts hundreds of paddlers, dozens of volunteers and thousands of spectators. Funds raised from the event benefit several local causes.

The festival includes live music under the big tent each night, the annual Sanford Health Taco Fest, children’s activities, food trucks, a cornhole tournament, a beer garden, a team parade, a Friday night sprint cup competition and an action-filled race day on Saturday.

Love cars? Bemidji’s the place for you

Car lovers can count on several events to take part in throughout the summer months in Bemidji.

The Paul Bunyan Vintage Auto Club will host First City Cruise-Ins from 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21, at Lueken’s Village Foods South, 609 Washington Ave. S.

The events will include antiques, collectors, new electric and late-model vehicles and many more. There is no cost to attend or participate, all are welcome.

The Boy Scouts of America will provide brats, chips and soda.

Also, the second annual Babe’s Burnout Car Show is returning to the Sanford Center parking lot after a successful inaugural show last July, which hosted more than 3,000 people and 130 cars. This year’s show promises even more.

The event starts on Friday, July 12, with activities from 4 to 10 p.m. It will feature live music in the beer tent and the first round of a cornhole tournament.

Festivities continue on Saturday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Babe’s Burnout Car Show will feature numerous vendors and food trucks, the

OPEN FOR MINI GOLF, FOOD AND FUN!

return of the Kid Zone, live music and a beer tent, a cornhole tournament, an awards ceremony, a dyno, and a burnout pit.

This is a free event for the community to gather, listen to music, check out hundreds of cars, shop vendors, and enjoy the Bemidji summer with friends and family.

All car spaces for participants will be on a first-come, first-serve basis this year with a full parking lot anticipated. Car load-in for the show will run from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, with a $10 entrance fee, which includes a complimentary swag bag.

CHALET CAR WASHES

Birdwatching in the Bemidji area

Birding is a popular activity in the lakes region, with wildlife viewing options galore here are some times for birdwatching in the Bemidji area.

Where to go

Bemidji has numerous options for birdwatching. From the purple martin houses along the shoreline of Lake Bemidji on the BSU campus to the eagle nests in Diamond Point Park, the options are endless. The DNR also has everything you need to know for Minnesota birdwatching, including birding checklists.

What to bring

Wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to be prepared for anything, especially during the rainy season and don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray.

Binoculars can improve your experience by giving you an up-close look at the birds you’re spotting. There are lots of options at all kinds of price points. There are also birding kits that include binoculars, guidebooks and parkspecific bird lists for free at most Minnesota state parks. If you enjoy photography, don’t forget your camera to capture the birds you spot as well.

Birding ethics

Being familiar with the ethics of birding is an important part of the process. This includes respecting birds and their environment by not getting too close to birds or their habitats — especially during spring to mid-summer as birds are nesting. The American Birding Association’s Code of

Ethics calls for respecting and promoting the birding community and its individual members

Identification options

Audubon offers an identification tool where you can identify birds by appearance and song with the app. Merlin is another good app for identification, sort of like the “Shazam” app of birding, You can use the BirdCast app to track migration patterns and other information. A lot of people like to keep a life list to record all of the species they see over the course of their life. You can purchase a simple notebook or just bring your phone to keep track of what you see.

BY LORIE SKARPNESS Forum News Service

There are two eagle species living in Minnesota.

Bald eagles are the easiest to spot, while golden eagles are seen less frequently.

Erik Thorson, Park Rapids area wildlife supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, says that eagles are one of the earliest nesters in the state.

“We have a healthy population of eagles, so it’s pretty common to see them in this area,” he said. “Bald eagles make their nests out of large sticks, most often in the canopies of large, white pine trees. They often use the same nest year after year, building them up each year. Sometimes the nests go down in storms or because of the weight.”

While driving through the Northwoods motorists should be on the lookout for eagles.

“Watch for bald eagles feeding on roadkill deer along ditches,” Thorson added. “They’re quite active in the spring and early summer. Be careful, because a lot of times, they have a full belly and have a hard time

Meet Minnesota’s eagles

getting off the ground.”

He explained how eagles are not as agile as smaller birds, so it’s important to watch out for them along the roads and be aware an eagle might be flying off a carcass.

“A fair amount of eagles get hit along roads while feeding on deer carcasses,” Thorson added. “If there is a deer carcass in a ditch near your property, drag it farther away from the road if possible.”

Special protections and programs

Christine Herwig, northwest assistant regional manager of the DNR’s ecological and water resources division, explained that an executive order by President Jimmy Carter who served from 1977 to 1981 directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to send eagle carcasses in decent condition to the National Eagle Repository to be used by Native American tribes for ceremonial purposes.

“The feathers and bones are cleaned and distributed to tribes nationally, by request,” she said. “Until all of those requests are filled, the eagles can’t be used for scientific or educational purposes. We also have a federal law that protects both bald and

golden eagles. Their nests, eggs and chicks are also protected. We’re not supposed to do anything within 330 feet of a nest in terms of habitat management during the nesting period to minimize disturbance of the birds.”

Bald versus golden

Herwig said bald eagles are not mature until they are four years old.

“Bald eagles go through a feather molt,” she said. “When they are in the nest, they are a dark chocolate brown all over. They acquire more of their white feathers and the white head and tail over time. There is a period when they look a lot like a golden eagle. We get a lot of people seeing slightly older bald eagle chicks and thinking they’re golden eagles.”

She said golden eagles have a dark head and golden feathers at the back of their neck as well as a light white area at the base of their tail.

“These are subtle features to look for,” she said. “The golden eagle is also a little bit bigger than the bald eagle. It’s hard to tell them apart when they’re flying. Also, the male bald eagles are about a third smaller than the females. That’s because the females have to defend themselves in the nest.”

She said the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a good source of information about eagles.

Bemidji area church directory

Assembly of God

CROSSROADS CHURCH

3354 Laurel Drive NW 444-8205 crossroadsnorth.org

FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1015 Fourth St. SE 751-2485 bemidjiag.org

MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP 1016 Clausen Ave. SW 751-4400 assemblyofgodbemidji.com

Baptist

BEMIDJI BAPTIST CHURCH 2130 Paul Bunyan Drive SE 751-9311 bemidjibaptist.com

FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 2531 Roosevelt Rd. SE 751-4506 faithbaptistbemidji.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 1555 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-6556 fbcbemidji.org

NORTHWOODS BAPTIST 216 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-7142 northwoodsbaptist.org

RIDGEWOOD BAPTIST (SBC) 2795 15th St. NW 444-4723

Catholic ST. PHILIP’S PARISH 702 Beltrami Ave. NW  444-4262 stphilipsbemidji.org

SACRED HEART CHURCH 135 Third St. NW Wilton 751-8446 sacredheartwilton.com

Episcopal

ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S EPISCOPAL 1800 Irvine Ave. NW 444-7131 episcopalbemidji.org

Evangelical

EVANGELICAL COVENANT 5405 Hart Lane NW 751-3699 bemidjicovenant.com

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH 115 Carr Lake Rd. SW 751-8834 efcbemidji.org

Lutheran

AARDAHL LUTHERAN CHURCH 2920 Van Buren Ave. SE 444-8865 aardahllutheran.com

BETHEL LUTHERAN (NALC) 5232 Irvine Ave. NW 444-4746 bethelbemidji.org

CALVARY LUTHERAN (ELCA) 2508 Washington Ave. SE 751-1893 calvarybemidji.org

FIRST LUTHERAN (ELCA) 900 Bemidji Ave. N 444-5302 flcbemidji.org

LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY 1221 Birchmont Drive NE 751-5326 lcmbemidji.org

MALVIK LUTHERAN 27689 474th St. Laporte 444-4112

NEW SALEM LUTHERAN 7491 Island View Drive NE 586-2262 newsalemlutheran.org

OUR REDEEMER’S

LUTHERAN CHURCH 1214 Durand Drive NW Puposky 243-2358 ourredeemers.blogspot.com

PEOPLE’S CHURCH (ELCA) 824 America Ave. NW 444-8240 peopleschurch-elca.org

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN (WIS. SYNOD) 2220 Anne St. NW 444-3939 stmarksbemidji.org

TRINITY FREE LUTHERAN CHURCH 12886 Highway 89 NW 751-7272

Find your place of worship from a variety of churches in the Bemidji area.

TRINITY LUTHERAN (MISSOURI SYNOD) 123 29th St. NE 444-4441 trinitybemidji.org

TRINITY LUTHERAN DEBS 26685 Debs Road NW 243-2935

Methodist UNITED METHODIST 924 Beltrami Ave. NW 751-3503 bemidjiumc.com

Mormon

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 3033 Birchmont Drive NE (701) 587-3150 comeuntochrist.org

Presbyterian FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 501 Minnesota Ave. NW 444-5016 firstpresbji.com

Unitarian

HEADWATERS UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP Headwaters Peace Center 1826 Mikrantip Rd. SW huuf@headwatersuu.org headwatersfellowship.weebly.com

Others

ABBEYA FOUNDATION Zen Buddhism abbeya.org

ALL SAINTS OF NORTH AMERICA (719) 989-7612 ocobmn.org

BAHA’I FAITH Interfaith spiritual gatherings find.bahai.us/community/ minnesota/bemidji

BEMIDJI SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST 4400 Eckles Rd. NW 333-7322 bemidjisdachurch.com

CALVARY CHAPEL

500 Irvine Ave. NW 751-9192 calvarybemidji.com

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SOCIETY 1324 Beltrami Ave. NW 209-1682 christiansciencebemidjimn.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST BEMIDJI 692 Mag Seven Court SW 444-7895 bemidjichurch.com

CHURCH OF CHRIST TEMPLE LOT 14748 Wilderness Drive NE 586-2743 churchofchrist-bemidji.org

HOUSE OF PRAYER 1701 Birch Lane NE 368-7998 bemidjihop.com

KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES 1659 Adams Ave. NW 333-0841 www.jw.org

MIKDASH MIKEVEH (MESSIANIC)

Hope Temple Messianic Fellowship 3117 15th St. NW 444-7862

MOUNT ZION CHURCH 414 Lincoln Ave. SE 751-8000 mtzionbemidji.org

NORTHERN BIBLE CHURCH 8648 Irvine Ave. NW 444-2654 northernbible.com

NORTHERN LIGHT FRIENDS (QUAKER)

2048 Agate Lane NW, Solway 467-3584 fgcquaker.org

REAL LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 5097 Scribner Road NW 444-7150 rlcf.net