Pine River Visitor Guide 2022

Pine River M I N N E S O TA

2022

ACCOMMODATIONS • EVENTS • COMMUNITY INFORMATION • AREA MAP

1-800-7 28-6926 • www.pinerivermn.com

Life is short, let us help you buy the cabin

PINE RIVER • BREEZY POINT • EMILY • PILLAGER • NOWTHEN

www.pineriverstatebank.com

Welcome to Pine River!

Every day I come to work at the Pine River Chamber of Commerce, I am reminded of the vast history of the Pine River area. It helps that we have a lot of this history hanging on our walls. History tends to come to the surface whenever there is great change in a community. This past year, we experienced quite a bit we would love for you to see.

One of the most noticeable differences is the new bridge across the Pine River and the new rock riffle dam. While this may have interrupted our Duck Races, we are thankful to see the progress our city is making.

It still brings to mind the origins of the dam and the work it did for our area all those years ago. In 1910, the dam and a hydroelectric plant were built to provide electrical power to Pine River and outlying communities, such as Backus, Jenkins, Pequot Lakes and Nisswa. It was the first major electrical generating plant in our area and continued its operation until it was discontinued in 1946. No doubt the site of the 4

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Pine River dam has seen many historical trends, from the fur trappers to the thousands of miles of timber, in the years before the hydroelectric plant’s construction.

Pine River will continue our traditions in 2022. Our annual events span all seasons, with Happy Dancing Turtle’s Back to Basics event and the weekly farmers market kicking off early in the year. In the summer we highlight Summerfest, a Rhubarb Festival, the Lakes Area Bluegrass Festival and the Cass County Fair.

The Arts off 84 Art Crawl, Heritage Days and the Buckskinner

Encampment draw people here in the fall, and craft fairs and the Parade of Lights occur in the winter months.

There is truly an event for everyone.

We hope that near the tail end of summer we will be able to host our Duck Races again and once more celebrate the fact that we have such a lovely river to play in.

These events, and more, can be found on our website at www.pinerivermn.com and on our Facebook page.

As always, we continue to look ahead to the future and plan for the growth that has been consistently coming our way. In 2023, Pine River will be celebrating its sesquicentennial. While events are still being planned, we cannot wait to look back over the past 150 years and celebrate those who brought us to this point.

“Like” and follow the Pine River Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and find us online at www.pinerivermn.com to stay up to date on local events!

Michaela Reed, Executive Director Pine River Chamber of Commerce

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

39 Years & Still Digging It Right!

Together, we can live healthier.

In this place, we face challenges head on,

• Road Building and Repair • Basements • Black Dirt • Fill Dirt • Sand • Field Rock

• Class 5 • Dozer Work • Building Demolition • Septic Systems (design & install)

believing that with community and commitment, we can build something better. Live healthier.

Take care of each other. With top medical providers and personalized care, Essentia Health helps you realize your best health where you live.

St. Joseph’s-Pine River Clinic 280 Barclay Avenue West Suite 1100 218-587-4416 Pine River Pharmacy 280 Barclay Avenue West Suite 1100 218-587-3222

Residential & Commercial Erosion & Storm Water Management Certified State Certified, Bonded & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES!

www.SchruppExcavating.com

218-587-4038

3003 36th St. S.W., Pine River fax: 218-587-3473 • email: schruppexcavating@gmail.com 800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

5

Table of Contents Welcome Letter.......................................... 4 Calendar of Events..................................... 7 Community Events...............................8-14 Duck Races.............................................. 8 Market Square farmers/ crafters market........................................ 8 Block Party at The Warehouse................ 9 Summerfest............................................. 9 Cass County Fair................................... 10 Pine River Area Garage Sale................. 10 Rotary Ends Human Trafficking Music Festival...................................... 11 Backus Corn Fest................................... 11 Lakes Bluegrass Festival....................... 12 Arts Off 84............................................ 12 Heritage Days Pre-1840’s Buckskinner Encampment................... 13 Lutefisk dinner...................................... 13 Parade of Lights.................................... 14 Pine River History.................................... 15 Recreation & Maps............................. 16-21 Skating................................................... 16 Fishing................................................... 17 Canoeing/kayaking............................... 17 Golfing.................................................... 17 Hunting.................................................. 17 Camping................................................. 17 Area Trail Maps..................................... 18 Trails................................................ 18-22 6

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Skiing............................................... 19-20 Cut Lake Trail Map................................ 19 Goose Lake Trail Map............................ 20 Snowmobiling.................................. 20-21 Four-wheeling........................................ 21 Spider Lake Trails Map.......................... 21 Paul Bunyan State Trail............................ 22 Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway....................... 22 Bike friendly community......................... 23 Pine River Walking Tour & Map........ 24-27 Shopping................................................... 28 Dining & Map..................................... 29-31 Lodging & Map................................... 31-33 Pine River’s many offerings..................... 34 Pine River Library Foundation................ 35 Pine River-Backus Schools....................... 36 Health professionals................................ 37 Barclay Avenue bridge.............................. 38 Happy Dancing Turtle/ Hunt Utilities Group............................. 39 Community Services.......................... 40-41 Community Resources....................... 42-43 Phone numbers..................................... 42 Parks....................................................... 42 DNR license agents................................ 42 Recycling................................................ 42 Churches................................................ 42 ATMs...................................................... 43 Business resources................................. 43

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michaela Reed – Executive Director MEMBERS Jay Cline: President, First National Bank North Deb Adkins: Vice President, Pine River Good Samaritan Society Gretchen Koering: Treasurer, Hanneken Insurance Kathy Hoefs: Co-Secretary, Anderson Farm Event Barn Mackenzie Sepin: Co-Secretary, Waste Partners Craig Anderson: Trussworthy Components Kari Crimmins: North Pointe Realty Travis Grimler: Pineandlakes Echo Journal Dan Pflugshaupt: Lakeplace.com Gallery of Homes Realtors PINEANDLAKES ECHO JOURNAL STAFF PUBLISHER Pete Mohs: pete.mohs@brainerddispatch.com ADVERTISING Kathy Bittner Lee: kathy.bittnerlee@pineandlakes.com EDITOR Nancy Vogt: nancy.vogt@pineandlakes.com STAFF WRITER Travis Grimler: travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com DESIGN/LAYOUT Jamie Holte: Forum Communications Our thanks to Michaela Reed, Pine River Chamber of Commerce executive director, and the chamber board for their assistance with this project. @2022 Pineandlakes Echo Journal This publication is produced and copyrighted by the Pineandlakes Echo Journal, a division of Forum Communications.

Printed by Forum Communications Printing of Fargo, North Dakota.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

JANUARY

2022 Calendar of Events

22: Back to Basics Virtual Workshops and Virtual Keynote Kick Off 24 - Feb 25: Back to Basics In-Person Workshops at Pine River-Backus School, www. happydancingturtle.org for more details.

cob feast, parade and fireworks in neighboring Backus.

24-28: Lakes Bluegrass Festival Featuring national and regional bluegrass bands at a new site just north of Pine River with camping available. Visit www. lakesbluegrassfestival.com.

FEBRUARY

SEPTEMBER

Jan 24 - Feb 25: Back to Basics In-Person Workshops at Pine River-Backus School, www. happydancingturtle.org for more details.

26: Lions All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast

APRIL

JULY

9: Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant 17: Community Easter Egg Hunt

10 a.m. at Forbes Park, Highway 84, Pine River.

MAY

14: Fishing Opener 21: Back to Basics Outdoor Vendor Fair at Lakes Music and Event Park in Pine River.

25: Take A Kid Fishing Day sponsored by the Pine River Lions Club, youngsters are introduced to the art and science of angling.

27: FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market 2:30-5:30 p.m. featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot.

27: FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept.

23 or by appointment - Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours.

30: Memorial Day Services

JUNE

Friday afternoon Duck Races are TBD this summer following a Pine River dam construction project.

Watch for updates on the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and website.

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market 2:30-5:30 p.m. featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot.

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment - Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours.

12-18: Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre Pine River-Backus School see two performances of “Beauty and the Beast” featuring local children.

23-26: Pine River Summerfest 23-26: Cass County Fair

Midway games and rides, 4-H exhibits, animals, Lion’s Food Booth, grandstand events, music & food.

Friday afternoon Duck Races are TBD this summer following a Pine River dam construction project.

Watch for updates on the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and website.

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market 2:30-5:30 p.m. featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot.

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment - Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours.

21-24: Scamp Trailers Homecoming Rally

AUGUST

Friday afternoon Duck Races are TBD this summer following a Pine River dam construction project.

Watch for updates on the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and website.

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market 2:30-5:30 p.m. featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot.

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23 or by appointment - Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours.

5-6: Pine River Community Garage Sale Many garage sales all over town. Pick up a map at the Pine River Chamber of Commerce.

12-14: Rotary Ends Human Trafficking (REHT) Music Festival

Want to help stop sex trafficking?

The REHT (Rotary Ends Human Trafficking) Music Festival is your opportunity to help. This is a multi-district, multi-club project spearheaded by the Central Lakes Rotary. For more info: https://www. rehtmusicfestival.com 12-14: Backus Corn Fest Celebrate with Colonel Cobber by participating in fun activities, including a craft and flea market, bake sale and games, corn on the

FRIDAYS through Sept. 23: Pine River Market Square Farmers and Crafters Market 2:30-5:30 p.m. featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts along the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot.

FRIDAY AFTERNOONS through Sept. 23, or by appointment - Pine River Railway Depot is open for tours.

3-4: Arts Off 84 Art Crawl Follow the signs on Highway 84, northeast of Pine River. Visit www.artsoff84.com.

8-11: Heritage Days Pre-1840’s Buckskinner Encampment Free admission at Forbes Park, Highway 84, Pine River. Free camping for all buckskinners and voyageurs with period correct encampment. Demonstrations include primitive knife and tomahawk throwing, bow and arrow shooting, flint knapping, blacksmithing, open fire cooking and finger weaving.

OCTOBER

3: Go Pine River Dinner 8: Indoor Pine River Market Square farmers and crafters market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Warehouse.

8 - First Lutheran Church Lutefisk Dinner No upright Norwegian (or Norwegian-wannabe) would miss this event featuring lutefisk, meatballs and all the fixings.

31: Halloween Party 3-5 p.m. at the Good Samaritan Society in Pine River.

NOVEMBER

5: Firearms deer hunting opener The Pine River area boasts thousands of acres of county, state and federal land.

12: Indoor Pine River Market Square farmers and crafters market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Warehouse.

DECEMBER

3 - First Lutheran Church cookie walk 9 a.m.-noon 10: Parade of Lights events Be part of the glittering floats, cheerful carolers and spirit of the season as Pine River lights up the town with many events, including a lighted parade and movies at the Depot.

Events are subject to change; visit www.pinerivermn.com for information.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

7

Community Events Duck Races

This popular Friday event through summer will sport a new look Pine River’s famous Duck Races that are traditionally held Friday afternoons through summer took a hiatus in summer 2021 because of a bridge construction project at the Pine River Dam on Barclay Avenue where the races take place each June through August.

With the new bridge, the event will look different in 2022, but organizers pledged to find a way. The goal is to host races once again following the rock riffle dam project. Watch for updates on this fun event on the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and website (www. pinerivermn.com).

The hope is everyone will soon be able to come cheer on the ducks from the riverbank as they float down

the Pine River to the finish line.

The grand prize winner is crowned

the “Duke or Duchess of Duck” and receives a crown, scepter and a prize.

Market Square farmers and crafters market Get your fresh produce Fridays, May 27-Sept. 30, 2022 Pine River Market Square is a farmers and crafters market that’s open from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Fridays, May 27-Sept. 30, alongside the Paul Bunyan Trail in front of the Pine River Depot near the Pine River Chamber Information Center.

Vendors provide fresh produce, starter plants, bread and other baked goods, processed chickens and more, all grown within 50 miles of Pine River, as well as handcrafted items.

Indoor markets will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 8

and Nov. 12, at The Warehouse.

For more information, including vending information, visit www. prmarketsquare.wordpress.com or email prmarketsquare@gmail.com.

-4700 7 8 5 8 1 2 Bait - Tackle ■ Kerosene ■ Drive Thru Car Wash ■

On-Off Road Diesel ■ Deli ■ Self-Serve Car Wash (weather permitting) ■

HWY 371, PINE RIVER — 1 block South of the stoplights 8

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Block Party at The Warehouse A chance for family fun Wednesday, June 22, 2022 Riverview Church and The Warehouse will host the annual Block Party to kick off Summerfest on Wednesday, June 22, at The Warehouse, 307 Norway Ave., Pine River.

This family fun night from 6-8 p.m. features games and prizes, face painting, hair beading, food and entertainment, all for free.

Summerfest

Celebrate summer Thursday-Sunday, June 23-26, 2022 It’s the height of summer when Pine River throws its annual Summerfest event with a full slate of activities Thursday-Sunday, June 23-26.

Both residents and visitors flock to Pine River’s largest summer festival that features fun for the whole family. Activities include an art show along with arts and crafts displays, merchant sidewalk sales, flea market, library book sale, farmers and crafters market and, of course, music and food.

The Catholic church hosts its annual Rhubarb Fest and United Methodist Church offers walkin’ tacos. First Lutheran Church sponsors a bake sale, and pie and dessert in the park.

Saturday attractions include kids activities, a Classic Car and Tractor Show, fire department open house and the Summerfest Parade that winds its way downtown to Barclay Avenue.

The weekend concludes Sunday with the Summerfest Softball Tournament finals.

The chamber sponsors this annual fun event.

Your Hometown Full Service Jewelry Store

31067 Front Street, Pequot Lakes 218-568-4695 • www.merrittjewelers.com Family Owned and Operated Since 1984

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

9

Cass County Fair

Come to the fair Thursday-Sunday, June 23-26, 2022 Offering competition, recreation, agriculture, food and history all in one, the annual Cass County Fair will run Thursday-Sunday, June 23-26, at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River, just off Highway 371.

In operation since 1905, the fair features grandstand events, 4-H livestock and other exhibits, a midway filled with carnival rides, a talent contest, bluegrass music, lots of food and a beer garden.

Past years grandstand attractions have included bull riding, pig races and baja rallies.

Be sure to visit the livestock buildings to see chickens, rabbits, cows, pigs, goats and more on exhibit by area youth. Stick around for the livestock shows, where animals are walked out into the open air arena by their owners, examined and

SHOP ONLINE

SAVE TIME

CHOICE THE BEST NIENT E V N O C FOR SHOPPING E E R -F E L S HAS

judged. Young kids will enjoy petting animals too.

The Cass County Fair is traditionally when the annual Farm Family of the Year and Outstanding Senior Citizens are announced.

YOU ORDER

WE SHOP

YOU PICK-UP

PEQUOTLAKESSUPERVALU.COM

For All Your Travel Needs - Gas, Deli, Bakery, Fresh Produce plus an Outstanding Meat Dept — even an in-store Pharmacy

30581 Patriot Ave. | 218-568-5001 www.pequotlakessupervalu.com 10

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Pine River Area Garage Sale Shop for deals FridaySaturday, Aug. 5-6, 2022 You’ll want to visit Pine River on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5-6, for the annual Pine River Community & Merchant Garage Sale, sponsored by the Pine River Chamber. You’ll be sure to find deals on clothing, furniture, housewares and much more at oodles of garage sales in and around Pine River.

Pick up your FREE copy of the sales map in the Echoland Piper Shopper or at the Pine River Information Center at Highway 371 and Barclay Avenue.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

REHT Music Festival Help end human trafficking FridaySunday, Aug. 12-14, 2022

It’s all things corn Friday-Sunday, Aug. 12-14, 2022

Central Lakes Rotary will host the first Rotary Ends Human Trafficking Music Festival on Friday-Sunday, Aug. 12-14, at the Lakes Music and Events Park in Pine River.

Popular regional bands of varying styles will be present, including 32 Below, Kent Dudley and Bended Knee, Remedy Drive, Tim Eggebraaten, Stacy Schafer and Dawn Heath-Fiedler.

This family and music lovers’ event will feature a children’s area during the weekend.

The event will include speaker presentations.

Proceeds will go to support the Rotary’s effort to end human trafficking through awareness and education for Cass County and Crow Wing County residents. Proceeds will also go toward supporting survivors of human trafficking.

Tickets, camping prices and reservation information will be available at rehtmusicfestival.com. Various campsites are available, including those with electrical hookups. There will be a food court, vendors and a beer garden.

HENRY’S WOODWORKING

• Kitchen & Bath

Cabinets Rough Sawn • Furniture • Custom Small Batch Interior Pine Doors M-F 7:30-4:30, Sat By Appointment Only, Closed Sun

Backus Corn Fest

Celebrated since 1976, the annual Backus Corn Fest event will run Friday-Sunday, Aug. 12-14, with fun-filled activities for the entire family.

Events include a craft and vendor fair, parade and a delicious corn feed dinner with corn, ham, wild rice hotdish, potato salad and watermelon at the fire hall. There are kids games and prizes, and a fishing contest.

A corn-eating contest is part of the festivities as well. Evening activities include a street dance and beer garden, culminating in a fireworks show at dusk. For more information, visit www. backuscornfest.com.

IMPROVING THE WAY YOU

LOOK AT LIFE Daniel Clayton OD

Michael Marvin OD

David Pelowski OD

Comprehensive Eye Examinations Complete Contact Lens Care Children’s Vision Care Diagnosis & Treatment of Eye Diseases The Best in Eyewear

218-587-4899 www.henryswoodworking.com 4 miles N on Cass Cty 42, Pine River henryswoodworking@tds.net

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Baxter 218-829-1789 • 1-888-420-2015 Nisswa 218-963-2020 • 1-877-963-2010 Pine River 218-587-2020 • 1-888-970-3937 PINE RIVER CHAMBER

11

Lakes Bluegrass Festival

Come out and jam Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 24-28, 2022 The 16th annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival will take place Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 24-28, for the second year at the Lakes Music and Events Park in Pine River.

The lineup features the best in national and regional bluegrass groups, including Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out (Tennessee), Alan Bibey and Grasstowne (South Carolina), The Malpass Brothers (North Carolina), and Sarah Mae and the Birkland Boys, Shaffers Lost 40, Tim and Cindy & Friends, The Mark Peterson Band, Erics Dance Band and Kevin Wright, all of Minnesota, plus more performers.

The festival features instruction workshops taught by the musicians, impromptu jam sessions throughout the grounds, camping, food and more.

The show goes on rain or shine as the concert area includes large tents for shade or inclement weather.

Festival-goers should bring a lawn

218568.6995

Arts Off 84 chair, relax and hear some of the most accomplished bluegrass music artists in the world!

Flexible ticket packages are available (in advance or at the gate) from a single day, single evening or various weekend packages. Kids are free and teenagers are just $10 for any length stay. Camping is available for an additional fee.

For tickets and more information, visit www.lakesbluegrassfestival.com or call 844-620-GRAS (4727).

Par 3 Golf RV Park Mini Golf Driving Range Maze

www.wildwedge.com

Hwy 371, 2 miles north of Pequot Lakes, next to AmericInn

TRANSMISSIONS • ENGINES DRIVE AXLE • ELECTRICAL • AC DRIVEABILITY REPAIR Terry Aleckson Denny Aleckson 1389 State 84 SW Pine River, MN 56474 218-587-2558

www.DoubleAAutomotive.com 12

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

A

DOUBLE AUTOMOTIVE

Art lovers unite Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 3-4, 2022 What better time than Labor Day weekend to travel 25 miles of scenic, winding road for the Arts Off 84 Art Crawl. The 14th annual event will take place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3-4.

The Art Crawl stretches along Highway 84 from Pine River to Longville. More than 80 participating artists offer their artworks for sale in art forms that include painting, photography, furniture, glass, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, wood carvings, woodwork, handmade soaps and lotions, metal, wire, stone, cement, fiber, paper, leather, homemade canned and baked goods, and upcycled items.

Artists who participate in this event create high-end art, as well as quality, handcrafted items. Quality is the No. 1 priority and only handmade items are accepted for the juried event.

Signs will be posted to direct motorists to the various sites in the Art Crawl. Starting in July, artist directories are available throughout the Brainerd and Walker areas, including the Pine River Chamber of Commerce, Longville Chamber of Commerce and many area businesses. The directory also includes the map of the five artist locations.

View artist biographies and photos of their work at www.artsoff84.com.

The concept of Arts Off 84 is to celebrate a wide range of art appreciation. Artists interested in participating in the Art Crawl can email artsoff84@yahoo.com, or visit www. artsoff84.com for registration materials and more information.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Heritage Days Encampment Take a step back in time Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 8-11

Take a step back in time at Forbes Park in Pine River to see knife and tomahawk throwing demonstrations, historic camping, flint knapping, blacksmithing, rope making, finger weaving and more.

It is free and open to the public. Plus there’s free camping for all buckskinners and voyageurs with period correct encampments!

www.pequotvet.com

Lutefisk dinner

Specializing in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery, Holistic Medicine including Acupuncture

Calling all Norwegians on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 First Lutheran Church in Pine River will host its annual Lutefisk & Meatball Supper from 3:30-7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 8. Supper includes all-you-can-eat lutefisk, meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, rutabagas, coleslaw and a beverage.

There will be lefse for sale while it lasts. The church is at 309 Second St. N.

CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT 30286 Rasmussen Road • 218.568.5095

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

13

Parade of Lights

Usher in the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022 Celebrate the holiday season at the annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 10. Bundle up to watch a winter parade at 5 p.m. on Barclay Avenue featuring sparkling floats decorated in holiday lights. This festive day culminates with fireworks lighting up the crisp winter sky.

The parade features a different theme each year and Pine River Chamber of Commerce gift certificates worth $100 for Best Use of Lights in Theme and Overall Best Use of Lights.

After the parade, an open house at the Pine River Chamber Information Center offers free hot chocolate, hot apple cider and Christmas cookies.

Stay warm by a yuletide bonfire just outside the Historic Depot and

Chamber Information Center and enjoy the fireworks display crackling in the night air behind Pine River State Bank.

In early December, the Pine River American Legion hosts its annual arts and craft sale, First Lutheran Church hosts its cookie walk, and United Methodist Church hosts its Community Children’s Shopping Day, where children in sixth grade and under can choose from a variety of $1 gifts and get free wrapping. Also in December, the Pine River American Legion hosts its annual Lunch with Santa event for children.

Celebrate the holidays in Pine River at this Pine River Chamber-sponsored event!

COUNTRY DOC VETERINARY CLINIC Dr. Kyle Adkins, DVM 5508 County Road 1 Pine River, MN 56474 Phone: 218-587-4196 Fax: 218-587-2491 www.veterinariancountrydocpineriver.com

14

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Pine River is full of history

Visit the historical Railway Depot

Pine River area history has been preserved with the historic Pine River Railway Depot located near the Chamber Information Center and along the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

Owned and managed by the nonprofit Heritage Group North, the depot is the only property in Pine River to ever be listed on the U.S. Department of the Interior’s

A fr i end l y s tore to m ake you r new c ra f t i ng home !

Yarn • Alpaca Produc ts Local Ar tisan creations Unique Gif ts • Classes Needles • Accessories

National Register of Historic Places.

A plaque proclaiming this achievement hangs on the exterior of the historic depot.

Built in 1895, the original depot building underwent various additions and alterations until about 1913. Since 1913, it remained essentially unchanged, except for removal of the canopy over the open-air

waiting area that extended off the building’s south end.

A $362,000 restoration project completely restored the depot to its 1913 Northern Pacific Railroad appearance, including reconstruction of the canopy.

When built in 1894, the railroad opened much of north central Minnesota to logging, provided access to and settlement of the area, and accounted for the development of many area communities.

Today, the former rail bed is the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which runs from Brainerd to Bemidji, and right through the heart of Pine River.

Collision Repair • Insurance Claims Auto Glass Replacement

218-587-2290 Open: Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm Hwy 371 South, Pine River

JASON MEYERS Master Lic. #PM062566

001655204r1

218-587-4965

231 Barclay Avenue Downtown Pine River 218-587-1107 www.serenitynowalpacas.com 800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

15

Outdoor activities are plentiful

From waterways to trails, you’ll find lots to do Pine River is a haven for outdoors enthusiasts. The city’s namesake Pine River offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating and swimming, while the Paul Bunyan State Trail conveniently goes right through town for snowmobilers, walkers, runners, bicyclists and inline skaters.

The area is home to other trails for these activities, as well as cross-country skiing, mountain biking and four-wheeling.

Those who love the outdoors can also golf and hunt in the Pine River area, as well as use the city skating rink.

The Pine River flows through many lakes, including the Whitefish Chain of 14 lakes. Public accesses are conveniently located in Pine River.

Each spring, you can watch the Department of Natural Resources set up at the mouth of the river at Whitefish Lake to collect eggs from

spawning walleye.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail stretches from Brainerd to Bemidji, traveling right by the Pine River Chamber of Commerce Information Center.

Swimmers and anglers can also visit the city beach and dock on Norway Lake. Outdoor opportunities abound in Pine River.

SKATING The city of Pine River has a public ice skating rink located just west of the post office. Skaters can park on the plowed parking lot at the site and skate from daylight until 10 p.m.

The rink includes a 16- by 16-foot heated warming house to accommodate large groups. The warming house has shelves and outlets for coffee or hot chocolate makers or roasters. The rink also has a portable toilet.

A REPUTATION FOR excellence.

A COMMITMENT TO value.

Pine River 587-2067 Pequot Lakes 568-7353 www.klinefuneralhome.com

Pine River Auto Value We’ve got the parts.

We’ve got the smarts.®

Pine River Auto Value 300 Front Street North Pine River, MN 56474

16

M-F 7:30am-6pm Sat 8am-4pm Sun 8am-12pm

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

(218) 587-2476 www.autovaluestores.com 800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

in Emily and Golden Eagle Golf in Fifty Lakes.

Donations and advertising on the rink boards helped contribute to the project. Donations are still sought for more planned improvements. For updated information on the rink, visit Friends of the Pine River Ice Rink on Facebook. Free skates and helmets are available through Pine River-Backus Community Education.

HUNTING Pine River is the hub of thousands of acres of public land just made for hunters.

Whitetailed deer, bear, ruffed grouse, geese and ducks are always abundant and you’ll find it easy to access public land.

Hunting licenses are available at several Pine River Chamber members’ stores throughout the hunting season.

FISHING The Pine River area boasts more than 430 lakes of various sizes, all teeming with game fish.

Anglers will find walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and panfish, all abundant and ready to take your bait.

Public accesses are available on almost all area lakes, making it easy to get your boat into the water.

Visit the Pine River Information Center for all area public access maps.

CANOEING/KAYAKING The Pine River is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated canoe route, with nearly 60 miles marked as a water trail for travel. The DNR offers free maps for its water trails that show campsites, mileage, obstructions and portages, and any rapids. Free maps of the Pine River system are available at the Information Center in Pine River.

Check at the Information Center for river conditions.

The Pine River has only Class I and II rapids, which are easily navigated. The local river is great for both beginning and experienced kayakers and canoeists.

Originating north of Backus, the Pine River flows through the city of Pine River, the Whitefish Chain of Lakes and the city of Crosslake enroute to the Mississippi River.

Dams are located in Pine River and Crosslake. Along the way, the river drops 85 feet, an average of 2.3 feet per mile. The river’s width varies from 25 feet to 150 feet.

Canoe and boating guide maps are available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ canoeing/pineriver.

Other easily accessible courses are Whitefish Golf Course, Crosswoods Golf in Crosslake, Emily Greens

CAMPING Plenty of camping opportunities exist in and near Pine River: • DNR campground at Spider Lake in the Foot Hills State Forest.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground/Recreation Area in Crosslake.

• Riverview RV Park at Highway 371 and County Road 44.

• Forbes City Park on Highway 84 in Pine River, across from the dam.

• Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground on Lake Hattie.

The area’s premier provider of services for persons with disabilities

Private, non-profit organization Our Board of Directors is comprised of local community members Provider of both residential and community supports for about 50 persons with disabilities Employs 74 local residents already

GOLFING The area abounds with golf courses, including Wildwedge Golf and Mini Golf in Jenkins. Wildwedge is a 9-hole golf course and fun mini golf course. Wildwedge is seven miles south of Pine River on Highway 371.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Always looking for dedicated, dependable, compassionate employees ~ SERVING THE AREA FOR 42 YEARS ~

Pine River, MN 218-587-4888 PINE RIVER CHAMBER

17

• Paul Bunyan • Heartland • Mi-Gi-Zi • Itasca Wilderness

Area Trail Maps Heartland Trail Distances in Miles

See larger map on page 23

Paul Bunyan Trail Distances in Miles

18

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Cut Lake Skiing/Mountain Bike Trail

Beautiful trails abound around Pine River Take a hike, grab a bike, rev an ATV or jump on skis

Pine River is surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts who like to hike, bike, walk, snowmobile, ski or ride an all-terrain vehicle.

Pine River is the “Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail,” with the former railroad bed turned recreation trail traveling directly through Pine River along the west side of Highway 371.

This trail runs from Brainerd to Bemidji and is the perfect choice for walking, biking and inline skating in spring, summer and fall, as well as snowmobiling when the snow flies.

Pine River anchors the northwest corner of the popular Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway, a 54-mile route through 14 area jurisdictions that offers scenic beauty and informational kiosks. You’ll find a couple of hiking venues along this route as well - the Veterans Hiking Trail off County Road 16 and the Uppgaard Wildlife Management Area off

County Road 11.

The Spider Lake area is just 10 miles west of Pine River and is known for its miles of ATV and snowmobile trails that wind through the Foot Hills State Forest.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

SKIING The Cut Lake cross-country ski trail lies just 10.5 miles west of Pine River on County Road 2, offering 16.5 kilometers of trails that range from easy to difficult.

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

19

Goose Lake Ski Trail

Benches are located throughout the trail system, along with a couple shelters and fireplaces.

Other Cass County cross country ski trails include: • Hiram Trail: 8 miles west of Hackensack on County State Aid Highway 6.

• Goose Lake Trail: Halfway between Hackensack and Longville near the Woodtick Trail.

• Washburn Trail: Southeast of Washburn Lake near Outing.

The Lake Country Nordic Ski Club grooms cross country ski trails when adequate snow is available.

Skiers can also visit the groomed Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center ski trails and the Shingobee Recreation Area trails. These trails are not managed under the state’s Grants-in-Aid program and do not require a ski pass.

To contact the Lake Country Nordic Ski Club, email lakecountrynordic@gmail.com. Visit http://

chitwood1.wix.com/lcnskiclub or http://www.skinnyski.com/trails/ ski/ for grooming information. Follow the club on Facebook at Lake Country Nordic Ski Club.

Maps for area cross country ski trails are online at www.co.cass. mn.us/maps/map_trails.html.

SNOWMOBILING Pine River is the center of some of the greatest snowmobiling in

Pine River Mini Storage

4 sizes and 4 locations Jeff and Reneé Stranne, Owners 2876 28th Avenue SW, Pine River, MN 56474 218-587-3396

CUSTOM CANVAS WORK • AUTO & BOAT INTERIORS 218-587-2279 • Hwy 371 in Pine River 20

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Spider Lake Trails PINE RIVER 10 MILES Spider McKinley Forest Road

north central Minnesota. The Paul Bunyan Trail travels through Pine River, and snowmobilers use this trail to access other area trails and Snowway One, 10 miles west of Pine River.

You’ll find several area snowmobile clubs grooming trails often during the winter when adequate snow is available.

Snowmobile maps are available at the Pine River Information Center.

FOUR-WHEELING The Spider Lake trails west of Pine River travel 29 miles through the Foot Hills State Forest.

From smooth and sandy to rough and rocky, the trails provide a challenging ride as they curve around lakes and ponds, follow ridges and traverse several hills and slopes throughout the forest.

ATV trails are open yearround, except on groomed, signed snowmobile trails and during spring thaw.

Parking and trail access are located 12 miles west of Pine River to south on Spider McKinley Forest Road.

Camping sites are available along the trails as well.

36th St. SW

PARKING: From Pine River: go 12 miles west on Co. Rd. 2, then south 1.5 miles on Spider McKinley Forest Road.

From Leader: go north on Co. Rd. 64 for 11.8 miles. Turn east on 36th St. SW and go 1.3 miles to the parking area.

Foot Hills State Forest at a Glance TRAILS: 8.6 miles cross-country skiing Hiking Mountain Biking 40 miles Class I ATV 40 miles Class II ATV 40 miles off-highway motorcycling 11 miles off-road vehicles

Recreation Boat Ramp Nearby Dispersed Camping Canoe/Kayak Picnic Shelters Swimming

Doug Zaske Broker/Owner 218-587-4424 • Cell: 218-820-8688 PO Box 152, Pine River, MN 56474

heartlandltd.com

Sept. 31 - 4, Sept.

2, 2022 2018

Labor Day weekend Longville to Pine River www.artsoff84.com

Welcome Home to Heartland

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

21

Enjoy the Paul Bunyan State Trail The ideal place to walk, run, bike, skate, snowmobile

The Paul Bunyan Trail has been part of the Pine River community since the first 50 miles were paved in 1992. Named after the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan, this is the longest continuously paved trail in the United States, traveling through the heart of area towns like Backus, Pine River, Pequot Lakes and Nisswa.

The trail covers more than 100 miles that wind around the shores of 21 lakes and over nine rivers or streams. Very little of the trail crosses open fields or immediately borders highways; most of the route

snakes through gently rolling landscapes covered in stately pine forests and populated by an abundance of diverse flora and fauna.

Towns are situated at comfortable 8-10 mile intervals, with state parks at both the north and south ends of the trail. The Paul Bunyan Trail intersects with several planned or proposed connecting trail routes, including a network of more than 1,200 miles of snowmobile trails.

This family-friendly trail is ideal for snowmobilers, bicyclists, inline skaters, walkers and runners.

Travel the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway ‘Explore the lore’ of 13 interpretive panels

Be sure to travel the 54 miles of county roads in northern Crow Wing County and the very southeast side of Cass County for a beautiful drive on what’s known as the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.

The scenic byway communities of Breezy Point, Crosslake, Jenkins, Pine River, Manhattan Beach and Pequot Lakes - plus eight townships - are filled with resorts, restaurants, golf courses, retail stores, and local events and fun in all seasons.

Paul Bunyan himself put his folksy, bigger-than-life spin on interpretive panels at 13 kiosk locations along the scenic byway. Spend a

day or two Exploring the Lore! Each panel presents just the right mix of Paul Bunyan lore and local historical

218-587-2900 Hwy 371 • Pine River 22

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

truth, cleverly blended together for a tall tale scenic byway adventure.

From the history of the Crosslake Corps of Engineers site to a rendition of how the area resorts started, the panels provide travelers and residents with a fun day trip or an enjoyable quick stop if they want to read just one or two.

All original stories written by Dave Skyberg highlight the significance of each location while weaving in the winking wit of the legendary logger, Paul Bunyan, along with a concluding invitation to visit the next panel because there’s more “Lore to Explore.”

Crow Wing County and several local businesses and residents sponsored the panels housed in roofed and framed wooden kiosks. Many of them are beautifully landscaped by local Master Gardeners. Ask for a Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Map and Welcome Brochure from any local Chamber of Commerce office.

And while you’re exploring, keep your eyes sharp for the seven sets of Paul Bunyan’s giant footprints!

Hint: look in Barclay Township, Ideal Township, Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, Pine River, Jenkins and Crosslake. Can you find them all?

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Pine River works to be bike-friendly Goal is to increase bike usability in city

to those spotted wearing helmets.

Among those working to get the plan rolling is Randy Noodrmans, owner of Wheels and Things, a business that repairs bicycles and constructs custom tandem tricycles.

In the summer of 2021, Noordmans started organizing weekly trail rides going north or south from the Information Center in Pine River. Noordmans is dedicated to organizing a bike club.

Noordmans is not alone. For years, Pine River-Backus Community Education has had a fleet of bicycles for rent to the general public, and Pine River-Backus teacher Michelle Holden has taught a unit on bike riding, bicycle safety and maintenance, culminating in a classroom bike ride on the Paul Bunyan Trail using all that they have learned.

Various other events have been promoting bicycles over the years, including maintenance workshops where volunteers teach students to do bicycle tune-ups while providing maintenance to residents who arrive during the workshop.

For those who might not have all the tools, there is a quick repair rack right off the trail at the Pine River Information Center complete with wrenches, allen keys and an air pump to help those who need just a little

Bicycling has been a big part of Pine River’s identity since it opened in 1992. It has been the source of countless visitors to the lakes area and beyond, including visitors of the two-wheel variety. Today, bicycle enthusiasts from across the nation stop in or pass through Pine River via the trail.

Lately a dedicated group has come together to work toward not only increasing the city’s presence on the trail, but to enhance the bicycling lifestyle and fitness among city residents.

The new Bike Friendly Pine River group has its eyes set on increasing the bike usability of the entire city.

Goals include: • Making Barclay Avenue more user friendly for bicyclists, possibly through bike lanes.

• Working with the school to develop safe routes to school for nearby students.

• Installing more bike racks near businesses.

• Further educating the public on bicycle safety and maintenance.

• Organizing additional bike related events throughout the community.

• Recruiting police assistance in promoting good bike safety, such as through giving Dairy Queen coupons

help getting to where they are going.

All of this is part of an effort that’s been growing for years to increase Pine River’s bike friendliness. A new group formed in September 2021 with help from Simon Whitehead, the Cass County State Health Improvement Partnership educator.

Whitehead held a meeting to lay the groundwork to get Pine River recognized on a state “Bike Friendly Community” list.

Whitehead, Pine River’s dedicated volunteers and a representative of Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota discussed using other communities as inspiration for becoming bike friendly, especially when it comes to getting support from MnDOT for a bike lane and being approved for grant funds to help with necessary developments.

Pine River’s enthusiasm for two wheels is only growing, and with that enthusiasm the city may soon be even more of a bike destination. A prime destination it is, too.

When the weather just isn’t right to bike, there’s always River Fitness, a 6,000 square foot fitness center with two upright stationary bikes and one recumbent stationary bike to keep in shape during the off season.

Find out what solar can do for your home or business! We’ve been building solar in the Lakes area since 2000!

Call REAL Solar for a solar estimate today!

(218) 947-3779 • • • • • •

Secure your electric costs for 30+ years Reduce your energy footprint Support a local business Federal Tax Credits Available.

Residential, Commercial, Off-Grid, & Utility Scale Also, ask us about EV Chargers and their rebates!

(218) 947-3779 | info@real-solar.com | www.real-solar.com | 3963 8th St. SW Backus, MN

Licensed MN Building & Electrical Contractor #BC693420 & # EA693891 | NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional PV-062420-031325

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

23

Pine River Walking Tour Pine River began in 1873 when George Barclay opened a trading post on the Leech Lake Trail.

In 1894 a logging railroad built north through “Barclay’s Ranch” attracted many

1. PINE RIVER RAILWAY DEPOT C. 1895 • 102 BARCLAY AVE. W. It is appropriate that the walking tour begins and ends here. The depot, erected in 1895, is the oldest building in Pine River and the only one in town deemed eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A frame structure of simple utilitarian design, the depot underwent several changes through 1913 when a canopy and women’s waiting room were added and the station platform was paved with bricks. The depot was abandoned in 1985, and in 2009 it was relocated to a new site just across the track (the Paul Bunyan Trail) from where it stood for 114 years. The railroad played an active role in attracting immigrants and encouraging settlement.

2. COZY THEATER/NEWSPAPER OFFICE C. 1915 • 109 FIRST ST. S. The Cozy Theater, the town’s first theater, occupied the small, “cozy,” upper floor of this concrete-block building before the era of talkies (movies with soundtracks). In its day the Cozy hosted theatrical performances and recitals and showed silent films. Privies flanked the alley-side of the building. An early town newspaper, the Pine River Sentinel-Blaze, had offices and a print shop in the basement. From 1917-20, classes for third and fourth grades of the Pine River 24

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Sponsored & Organized by Heritage Group North, Inc., Pine River, MN

settlers and led to the formation of a city.

Pine River’s original business district, near the railroad depot, has a rich and colorful history. The walking tour highlights some of the town’s more prominent downtown

structures, several of which no longer exist. Few of the buildings were designed by architects or built in a particular architectural style, yet people took pride in their buildings.

School were taught here. The building’s more recent use as a Masonic Lodge hall and Eastern Star chapter ended in 2009.

after showing its first talking film and reopened in 1934 as the Marlow Theater.

Over the years, the large theater building also housed a funeral parlor, beauty shop, pool hall, realty office, Laundromat and the offices of the Pine River Journal. The owners occupied an apartment behind the stage. The Marlow Theater was gutted by fire in 1980.

3. FIRST STATE BANK BUILDING C. 1903 • 200 BARCLAY AVE. The brick building was erected in 1903 for the First State Bank of Pine River, the town’s first bank. The bank later got a national charter before hard times led to its merger with a competing bank in 1924. For more than 100 years this building also housed a series of drugstores, early on in the same room as the bank! The building also hosted a basement barber shop and Pine River’s post office. The large pillars originally at the front of the building now form the entry of the old Pine Ridge Cemetery south of town.

4. HILL HARDWARE BUILDING C. 1916 • 204 BARCLAY AVE. Hill’s Hardware began in a nearby lumber yard in the early 1900s, and later moved to a wood frame structure on Barclay Avenue. When that building burned in 1916, it was replaced by a modern masonry building on the adjacent lot.

The hardware store operated until 1971, and in 1973 the building became part of Silbaugh’s Department Store. The building now houses River Fitness.

5. MEMORIAL HALL/MARLOW THEATER C. 1920 • 240 BARCLAY AVE. Memorial Hall was built in 1919-20 to provide rooms for meetings, stage shows and dancing, and showing silent movies (accompanied by a lively piano). The site was previously a boat shop and lumberyard. The hall closed in 1931 shortly

6. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH C. 1902 • 348 BARCLAY AVE. The Methodist Church was the first church organized in Pine River. Lots were purchased from city founder Ammarilla Barclay in 1902 for $2, and a missionary grant was secured for church construction. Building the wood-frame church took several years and was hampered when lightning twice struck the bell tower, the second time cracking the bell. The church was dedicated in 1907.

The belfry was refurbished in 2009. The beautiful stained glass windows are best viewed from the church interior.

7. PINE RIVER DAM C. 1910 • RIVER STREET Pine River’s homes and businesses were originally lit by oil or gas lamps.

In 1910, a dam and hydroelectric plant

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

were built at the head of Barclay Avenue (replacing a bridge that formerly stood there). It was the first major electrical generating plant in rural Cass and Crow Wing counties, and by 1920 it provided electrical power to other outlying communities including Backus, Jenkins, Pequot and Nisswa. Use of the plant was discontinued in 1946 and the equipment and powerhouse were later removed. The swimming facilities above the dam were developed as a W.P.A. project in 1938.

8. PINE RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL/ PINE RIVER CLINIC C. 1903 • 403 BARCLAY AVE. In 1903, a two-story, wood-frame school house was built on this corner lot to accommodate Pine River’s high school and elementary classes. Although enlarged in 1905, the school was just too small for the rapidly growing population. The school was razed in the late 1920s after a new and much larger school was built two blocks to the northwest. In 1950, a one-story stucco medical clinic opened on the site of the old school. After years of service, the clinic was torn down in the early 2000s.

9. LINDBERG BUILDING C. 1911 • 303 BARCLAY AVE. This two-story concrete-block building was built in the 1910s as a general merchandising store. Such new-fangled department stores were typically housed in large buildings and sold almost every product imaginable from clothes and furniture to groceries and toys. Later owners ended the handling of food products to concentrate on the sale of soft goods.

Over the years businesses here were affiliated with Skogmos and V-Stores. Until recently, the building was home to NAPA automotive. Apartments occupy the second floor.

A project funded by the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Grants Program.

Supplying Wood for Over 4 Generations ■

Birch Oak Maple

■ ■

Backus, MN

218-947-4032

Available in 8’ Lengths or 24” Used for Outside Wood Boilers Delivery Included

• Propane • Gasoline • Diesel Fuel • Propane Equipment Sales and Service BACKUS-PINE RIVER 10. BERT MICHENER’S AUTO GARAGE/HOUSTON MOTOR c. 1920 • 245 Barclay Ave. Michener’s garage was built here in 1920. The “grand opening” featured a

218-947-4433 OR 218-947-3537 WALKER

218-547-1688

Serving Backus, Pine River, Hackensack, Longville, Walker & Surrounding Areas.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

25

Japanese operetta presented by the Pine River School. After the garage burned in 1950, it was replaced by a Ford-Mercury dealership and garage run by the Houston Motor Co. In the late 1950s, Houston’s also sold diving gear and filled SCUBA tanks. Houston’s relocated south of town after 1973. The remodeled building is now occupied by small businesses and the Pine River-Backus Family Center.

11. FARMERS STATE BANK BUILDING C. 1917 • 203 BARCLAY AVE. When this two-story brick building was built in 1917, the street-level corner of the building was occupied by the Farmers State Bank. Later, the Pine River State Bank conducted business in the same space until 1974. Among original occupants was a pharmacy on Barclay Avenue, and a furniture store and funeral parlor on the First Street side. The second floor once contained professional offices and apartments.

The Gardiner family has operated businesses at this location since 1935. The original back addition to the building was destroyed by fire in 1973.

12. PINE RIVER ARMY RESERVE ARMORY C. 1921 • 200 FRONT ST. N. In 1921 Pine River was home to one of the first Army Reserve armories in Minnesota, and it was the smallest town in the United States to have an armory.

The armory was constructed of concrete blocks made onsite by the resourceful and legendary local builder “Pop” Evans.

Almost 2,000 people attended the dedication in May 1922 that featured an address by Minnesota Gov. J.A.O. Preus.

The state ceded the armory to the city of Pine River in 1939. The upper floor of the armory contained a stage and a basketball court flanked by bleachers.

During the 1950s the basement level held sixth-grade classrooms and the school lunchroom. The city office and fire hall occupied the north end of the building. The armory was razed in 1974.

26

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

13. HORSE-DRAWN FIRE ENGINE C. 1919 • 102 BARCLAY AVE. W. This vehicle, a horse-drawn Waterous #6 Class B gasoline fire engine with a Waukesha motor, was built for the city of Pine River in 1919. Until 1940 this was the sole engine for the village. It remained in use as an auxiliary engine until its retirement in the mid-1950s.

The display shelter was erected by Heritage Group North in 2010.

14. PINE RIVER LEGION CLUB C. 1947 • 400 FRONT ST. S. The Fraser-Nelson Post 613 of the American Legion was organized on March 11, 1947, at the Marlow Club rooms in the Marlow Theater. Col. Robert Miller of the 147th Field Artillery of Brainerd, a prisoner of war in the Bataan, urged the organization of a Legion Post in Pine River. An American Legion Post had been organized in the early 1920s but had been disbanded before World War II. No information about this group was located.

15. BILL DAY’S WELDING SHOP C. 1947 • 206 FRONT ST. S. Bill Day’s Welding Shop occupied this site for many years. The original blacksmith shop that once stood on Barclay Avenue to the north of the Livery and later the Spurrier Hotel was built by Dave Jones in 1902. Succeeding owners were Al Seper, Bill Rohr, Christensen, W.C. (Bill) Day. The original building was later moved to this site and was torn down in 1947.

16. PINE RIVER LOCKER PLANT C. 1928 • 200 FRONT ST. S. The Pine River Locker Plant and Kouba’s Souvenir shop sat on this location.

The Locker Plant was built in 1928 by H.I. Davies as the Pine River Seed House.

Originally it had been the site of the old Wideman Brothers store. The building was sold in the early 1930s but continued to serve as a feed store under Frank Marsh and Homer Fraser until 1945 when Arvid Lundin bought the building.

Siefert and Gartner bought out Lundin in 1948 and established the locker business.

17. BARCLAY HOTEL “WHITE ELEPHANT” C. 1894 • 112 FRONT ST. S. The original Barclay Hotel was the hub of activity for passengers arriving by train. The Hotel Barclay or Barclay House, also known as the “White Elephant,” was built for George Barclay in 1894. It burned in December 1915 in a fire that threatened the whole town.

18. FIRST “FILLING STATION” C. 1920 • 100 FRONT ST. S. Pine River’s first “filling station” was built by Vic Sauer. Though gasoline had been available at the village garages, Sauer’s Pyramid station was the original “filling station” in town. The Pine River Oil Company Phillips 66 occupied the same corner for many years. Later a new building was constructed and occupied

by Tom Thumb.

19. SPURRIER HOTEL C. 1917 • 103 BARCLAY AVE. The Spurrier Hotel, later called the Lake Region Hotel, was built in 1917 and stood until 1964 when it was torn down to make way for the eventual Highway 371 widening.

20. DURKEE MANUFACTURING CO. C. 1940 • 173 BARCLAY AVE. W. Durkee’s Manufacturing Plant, built in 1940, as well as a feed store established in 1916 occupied this location. “Working at Durkees” was a solid career for many local men from 1940 to 1985, with about 150 employees benefiting from the town’s largest local industry. The plant manufactured Wooden Spools for telephone cable, etc.

21. WEFELMEYER PICKLE FACTORY C. 1918 • 201 PARK AVE. W. The Wefelmeyer Pickle Factory once sat on this site. By 1925, which saw “the biggest cucumber crop ever” harvested in the region, Wefelmeyer and Thiessen had main offices in Pine River and “salting stations” in many surrounding communities. Under the name “Queen Brand,” pickles were sold in railcar load lots to local packers throughout the United States.

22. OUR LADY OF LOURDES C. 1910 • 205 PARK AVE. This was the original location of Our

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church, established in 1910. The parish moved into its current location across the alley in 1958.

23. PINE RIVER SCHOOL C. 1913 • 309 JEFFERSON AVE. The Pine River School, both elementary and the high school, were housed in a building on this location beginning in 1913. The combination elementary/high school building was built in 1920. This location was the “home of the Pine River Tigers” until 1961 when the new high school was built in its current location.

27. DAMSITE BAIT AND TACKLE C. 1914 • 417 BARCLAY AVE. The Damsite Bait and Tackle shop sat on this location, established in 1914. The A&W Root Beer Stand, which originally sat on Highway 371 next to the Lake Region (Spurrier) Hotel, was moved to this location in 1963 when the Highway 371 widening project began. Stand quietly here a minute and you can almost hear the sound of the 1960s — the Beatles, the muscle car engines and the car-hop orders of “Two root beers and an order of fries!”

milk to the creamery and grain to be weighed at the feed store were daily/ weekly activities for the local farmers.

29. CITY PARK RECREATIONAL FACILITY C. 1938 • 304 FIFTH ST. Forbes Park was established here in 1916, named for Eugene Forbes. The log building was a WPA project completed in 1938. The cornerstone tells the details of this project, a great example of Craftsman Style building, popular at that time.

28. PINE RIVER CREAMERY COMPANY C. 1913 • 409 NORWAY AVE. The Pine River Creamery, later Land O’Lakes Creamery, was established in 1913. The Pine River Feed Store sat on the opposite side of this corner. Bringing

The Pine River Walking Tour is a project of Heritage Group North

Heritage Group North, Inc P.O. Box 266, Pine River, MN 56474 www.heritagegroupnorth.org Mail $10 to join HGN

24. FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH C.1907 • 300 NORWAY AVE. This building was originally the Pine River Lutheran Church. When the Lutheran congregation built its new church and moved to its location at 309 Second St. N., this building was converted for apartment usage.

25. TABERNACLE CHURCH C. 1954 • 304 NORWAY AVE. The original Tabernacle Church was housed in a small log-sided building. The history of the Riverview Tabernacle goes back to about 1935 when interested Pine River residents met at the Mae Davis home for fellowship and prayer.

26. COMMUNITY OIL C. 1936 • 400 BARCLAY AVE. Moulster’s Service Station, which later became Community Oil, was established here in 1936. This is the original building.

Contact Us For All Your Real Estate Needs!

218-587-4444

Pineriveragent@gmail.com GalleryOfHomesMN.com

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

27

Find everything you need at our stores From retail to services, we’re sure to have it

When you take a break from all the outdoor activities in Pine River, we suggest you spend time visiting our retailers. We know you’ll find what you’re looking for, and even some surprises.

Buy flowers or a homemade baked good for your hosts if you’re staying with or visiting friends. Find other gifts or any needed items at our hardware store or auto parts stores.

Find new and secondhand furniture in Pine River, as well as special services such as glass and pipe cutting and everything from soup to nuts!

Pine River offers specialty shops such as an alpaca yarn and knitting goods shop.

If you’re looking for a car or other vehicle - or parts, full service, body work or tire replacement for a vehicle - you can shop for those

Your Local Florist Offering Unique & Custom Floral Arrangements, Plants, Home & Garden gifts for all Seasons!

businesses right here in Pine River!

You can also renew your license plates or purchase ATV or boat licenses at an official Department of Motor Vehicles business downtown.

Check Out Our Veggies, Herbs, Annuals & Perennials in the Garden Center Deliveries Available

sherwoodfloristmn.com

(218) 587-2802 240 SE Barclay Ave., Pine River Follow Us On Facebook

Find great bargains at thrift and antique shops in the city.

Spend time shopping in Pine River.

You’ll be certain to find something for everyone.

Now Open and Serving you in Pine River

200 Barclay Ave • Pine River MN 56474 218-587-2500

Gardiner’s 3 Businesses In One Convenient Location

Gardiner’s Hardware Hank FOR ALL YOUR HARDWARE NEEDS

Gardiner’s Appliance MAYTAG • CROSLEY

Gardiner’s Furniture QUALITY BY LANE • MARSHFIELD

SENIOR DISCOUNT THURSDAYS!

218-587-2585

Downtown Pine River

28

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

A hometown pharmacy with world-class service PHARMACIST

Lisa Struss

www.guidepointpharmacy.com

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

KE

WIN

N OR

R VERI

H RD

NORWAY LAKE RD

LINDBERG AVE

KINLER AVE

F RS TI ST N

OX SFT

GILLESPIE AVE

SNELL AVE

HALL PL

S

E

S

S

8

ST

S

AV E

ST

ST

E

IL L

3

ND

RI DG

M

ST 4 S

CO

E

T

SE

FI RS T L

O N

M AP

10

FR

AV

NO

AR L AV IN E A

RC LA

Y

9

KENT ST

I DTENL RL STW

BROOK P ARK RL STW

AY

12

WINDSOR ST

AY

AV E

NO AV RW E

AV E

ST

6

SW

6. Pine River Family Market

2

11TH 5 IRD

ST

218-587-3332

ROOSEVELT AVE

N

RW

371

YORK ST

AV E

N

SO

R

7

BARCLAY AVE W

5. Lifehouse Coffee

ST

AV E

N

AR AV LIN E A W

218-587-2821

N

ND CO SE

OOD LEATHERW 4. Holiday Station LN SW

ST

OXFORD AVE

You’ll be sure to satisfy any food craving

TH IR D

BA

218-587-4762

N

PARK AVE W EVELYNE AVE W

ST

FI RS T

ST

FF E

W

M

IO

3. Dairy Queen

T

ND

JE

A

IN

CO

PA RK

N AV ES E O

AVE

TA

DOTY DR SW

218-587-2588

O N

PINE ST N

DR IVE

2. Cozy Cottage Café

FR

24 H AVTE SW

R D SW

218-587-2564 24TH ST SW

GERMAIN ST N

ND

2

1. Bites Grill & Bar

T ES W

SE

ST

WI

Following is a listing of Pine River food and beverage establishments:

R RIVE

G IN NC DA

DOTY AVE W

FIFTH ST

Pine River offers lots of dining options PARKER AVE

1 FR ON T

218-587-2488

7. Pine River Bakery

ST

218-587-2545

218-587-9151 218-587-4700

10. Barstock Liquors

CASUAL DINING AND FAMILY FUN IN A NORTHWOODS ATMOSPHERE BITES - SALADS1- PASTAS - BURGERS FORMAL PATIO WITH FIREPLACE AND GAME PATIO RIGHT ON THE PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL

218-587-3100

Open 7 Days a Week Reservations Required

12. GuidePoint Pharmacy Vintage Soda Fountain 218-587-2500

1

SEAFOOD & PRIME RIB FRI & SAT.

218-587-3166

11. Community Bowl & Pizzeria

371

SW

9. Station 371

S TOWN DR SW 2 4 T H AV E

8. Pine River American Legion

218-587-2564

www.BitesGrill.com

Relax and stop in for a special treat.

Don’t forget to order your DQ cake!

Find us on DQcakes.com

NISSWA 25312 South Main St. 218-963-2163

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PEQUOT LAKES 30699 State Hwy 371 218-568-5440

PINE RIVER 306 Front St. 218-587-4762

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

29

Come join us for a cup of coffee & hang out.

We encourage laughter, conversation and of course coffee drinking. #comecheckusout

PINE RIVER

AMERICAN LEGION FRASER -– NELSON NELSON POST 613 FRAZER POST 613 218-587-9151 • Hwy. 371, Pine River • Bar Open at Noon Mon-Sun

• Bar Bingo - Tues. & Sat. Starting at 6:30 pm • Drinks & Beer Specials • Mexican Tuesdays • Pizzas Best Around • Full Kitchen • Burgers • Pull Tabs Always Available • Meat Raffle Friday at 5:30

FREE HALL RENTAL TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS 30

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Whether you want a quick bite to eat or a leisurely sit-down meal, a good cup of coffee or an ice cream dessert, you can satisfy any craving in Pine River.

Start your day with fresh bread, doughnuts, cookies and more at the town’s bakery on Barclay Avenue. If you want a traditional, home-cooked breakfast, try the cafe, also on Barclay Avenue, or the restaurant on the southern edge of town.

If you’re out for a good burger, try the already mentioned restaurants as well as the American Legion. Are you craving pizza? Try any restaurant, as well as the community bowling alley!

Indulge your sweet tooth at the bakery, or if it’s ice cream you want, Pine River is home to Dairy Queen. Try a vintage soda on the corner building at Barclay Avenue downtown.

Pine River has a coffee shop if you’re looking for a hot cup or a fancy coffee. The city also is home to convenience stores and a grocery store with a deli department for snacks and meal planning, as well as a liquor store if you’re looking for adult beverages.

There’s no need to venture from Pine River when you’re hungry. We have options from snacks to tide you over to major meals to fill you up.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

f the Located right of

Paul Bunyan Trail!

Come by bike, side by side or 4 wheeler...

WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS! Open Everyday 10-10, Offering Full Menu -- Enjoy Cool Indoor Dining or Our Outdoor Patio! Meat Raffle Wednesday 5:30 pm.

– OFFERING LIMITED OFF-SALE –

Lots of lodging options

PINE RIVER BAKERY Voted Best Bakery in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

Downtown Pine River

218-587-1121

Pine River has plenty of places to stay within 15 miles of downtown No matter what event or circumstance brings you to Pine River, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay that will satisfy your preference.

Book a stay at one of our area hotels and motels, or choose to stay at one of our famous lakes area resorts.

We have resorts and campgrounds that cater to RVs, and we have many, motel, resort and camping options within easy driving distance.

So when you come to enjoy all Pine River has to offer - from our recreational trails and tall pines to our retail and dining options to our exceptional events - you’ll enjoy pleasant overnight accommodations to suit any need.

Check the Lodging listings above for information.

Dedicated to Customer Service Remarkable Wine Selection

BEER • WINE LIQUOR

OPEN SUNDAYS 11AM - 5PM

MONDAY-SATURDAY 9AM -10PM • HWY. 371, PINE RIVER • 218-587-3166

CUSTOM PROCESSING & SMOKING • Beef • Pork • Lamb • Goats • Fish • Bear • Elk • Moose • Venison

HOME CURED & SMOKED

• Ham • Bacon • Turkey • Snack Sticks • Jerky • Lunchmeats • Sausage & Links • 50 Varieties Brats • Marinated Pork Chops

Backus Locker

218-947-4220 I 111 Front St., Backus I www.backuslocker.com

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Monday-Saturday 8am - 5pm

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

31

Resorts, Motels, Campgrounds & Fairways

RESORTS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Heath’s Resort, Whitefish Lake David & Carole Heath .................................................... 218-587-2286 2. Kilworry Resort, Whitefish Lake Coughlin Family ............................................................. 218-543-4587 3. Black Pine Beach Resort, Whitefish Chain Bob & Lynn Scharenbroich ....................877-575-1455 • 218-543-4714 4. Towering Pines Resort, Whitefish Chain Judy & Roger Nies ................................800-950-0267 • 218-543-4738 5. Ruttger’s Pine Mountain Camping Resort, Pine Mountain Lake Bill & Candy Ruttger ...................................................... 218-947-4099 6. Mountain View Resort, Pine Mountain Lake Jack & Renita Tesch ....................................................... 218-947-3233 7. Pine Mountain Resort, Pine Mountain Lake Jay Schmidtke ................................................................ 218-947-4047 8. Sandy Pines Resort, Big Portage Lake Scott Oldre..................................................................... 218-947-4467 9. Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground, Lake Hattie Todd Malecha ................................................................. 218-587-4725 10. Pleasant Pines Resort, Pleasant Lake Milo & Joanne Tritz ....................................................... 218-675-6618 11. Ada Pine Beach Resort, Lake Ada Pat & LeRoy Invie .......................... www.adapine.com • 218-587-2848 12. Hidden Haven Resort, Horseshoe Lake Skip & Wendy Hanson .................................................... 320-293-7591 13. Cousins Cabins, Horseshoe Lake Lynn Edlefson & Stacey Davis ......................................... 218-947-3006 14. Whitefish Lodge and Suites, Manhattan Beach Lodge, Crosslake ........................................................................ 218-692-2246

• Swimming Pool • Hot Tub and Sauna • Free Breakfast • Truck Parking • Flat Screen TV’s

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

MOTELS

1. Cedarwood Motel, monthly rentals only .........................218-587-2208 • 800-390-2208 2. Pine River Inns..................................218-587-4499 • 800-450-4499 3. AmericInn Lodge & Suites .............218-568-8400 • 888-568-8400

CAMPGROUNDS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1. Riverview RV Park Jeff & Marilyn Chelbecek ............. 218-587-4774 2. Highview Campground & RV Park Terry & Sherry Klungseth .................................www.highviewcampground.com • 218-543-4526 3. Ruttger’s Pine Mountain Camping Resort Bill Ruttger ..... www.pinemountaincampground.com • 218-947-4099 4. Mountain View Resort Jack & Renita Tesch .............. 218-947-3233 5. Sandy Pines Resort Scott Oldre.................................. 218-947-4467 6. Tuck-A-Way Resort & Campground Todd Malecha .218-587-4725 7. Pleasant Pines Resort Milo & Joanne Tritz .............. 218-675-6618 8. Wildwedge Golf & RV Park...................................... 218-568-6995

FAIRWAYS

Look for this symbol with its corresponding number to find location on the map

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Whitefish Golf Course/Proshop............................... 218-543-4900 Wildwedge Golf & Mini Golf .................................... 218-568-6995 Deacon's Lodge .................................218-562-6262 • 888-437-4637 The Pines at Grand View Lodge ..........218-963-3146 • 800-432-3788 The Preserve at Grand View Lodge ........ 218-963-3146 • 800-432-3788 The Garden Course at Grand View Lodge ..............................................................218-963-3146 • 800-432-3788 7. Crosswoods Golf Course ........................................... 218-692-4653

• Upgraded Suites • Special package rates for school sports groups • Construction Rates Available

CLOSE TO PAUL BUNYAN TRAIL AND NISSWA SHOPPING 24186 North Smiley Road, Hwy 371 and County Road 13 Nisswa, MN 56468

1-218-963-3500 • nisswainnandsuites.com

• Free HBO/Wi-Fi • Fridge/Microwave available upon request • Just across the street Clean to the Paul Bunyan Trail Comfortable • Pet Friendly Rooms Available Quiet • Easy in/out for Trucks & RVs • Special Construction Rates available

HWY 371, PINE RIVER | Next to Ford Dealership across from the to Paul Bunyan Trail 218.587.4499 • 800.450.4499 • PineRiverInn.com 32

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

6

10 7

8 5 6

4

11

Campgrounds

7

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

Motels

5

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

3

Golf Courses

9 6

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

12

Resorts

Corresponding Numbers Page 36

13

To Spider Lake OHV Trails

Map courtesy of E. & M. Consulting, Chaska, MN 800-572-0011

Pine River Riding Stable Trailrides

2 1

14

2 1 1

3 4

7

1

2 3

8

2 3

4

5

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

6 PINE RIVER CHAMBER

33

Find lots to do year-round

No matter what the season, Pine River is open Pine River offers a wide array of services that both residents and travelers require.

You’ll find a medical clinic, pharmacies, public school, churches of all denominations, an airport, ambulance service, car repair centers, hardware store, banks, barbers and hairstylists, dry cleaning drop-off, florist, insurance agents, real estate agents, carpet business, optometrist, library, funeral directors, manufacturing, lawn service, tree service, physical therapists, fitness center, senior citizen care, restaurants, caterers, baker, coffee shop, excavators, contractors, plumbers, electricians, builders, laundromat, feed store, bowling alley and more.

As a bonus, you’ll discover that most - if not all - of these services are available just about every day of the year.

Pine River is truly a self-contained community that welcomes customers new and old and is ready to service any need you have. Please check out all the Pine River Chamber member businesses listed in this guide. You’ll see what we mean!

We’re proud to have a community that is able to offer reliable services that you can depend on. Pine River is ready to serve you, no matter what the season.

Here are some of our top things to do while in Pine River: • Stop at the Information Center to pick up maps and brochures.

• Pick up a bag of doughnuts at the bakery or grocery store.

• Hike or bike or snowmobile the Paul Bunyan State Trail.

• Attend the weekly duck races on Fridays from late June to mid-August (TBD 2022).

• Bowl up a storm at Community Bowl and Pizzeria.

• Shop for local and Minnesota themed apparel and unique merchandise at GuidePoint Pharmacy.

• Enjoy a picnic beside the Pine River.

• Camp at the city park and area campgrounds.

• Stop in at Thrifty Living or Hidden Jewels for fun, thrifty finds.

• Ride your ATV or snowmobile on Spider Lake trails.

34

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

• Take a car/bike tour of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.

• Hike or mountain bike the Cut Lake Trails.

• Buy your fishing and hunting and ATV licenses.

• Fish at the dam or on one of 430 lakes within 30 miles.

• Canoe or kayak the Pine River (maps are available at the Information Center).

• Swim at the public beach above the dam.

• Play bingo, cribbage, meat raffle at the Pine River American Legion.

• Practice your basketball shots in the Pine River-Backus Schools lot.

• Play disc golf at the Pine River-Backus Schools grounds course.

• Check out the geocaching trail along the Paul Bunyan Trail.

• Watch the Summerfest Parade (last weekend in July).

• Attend the Cass County Fair (last weekend in June).

• Visit the farmers market downtown on Fridays (late Maylate September).

• Check out a book at the Pine River Public Library.

• Play ball at fields east of Pine River (County Road 1 East).

• Watch birds on the river and in wooded areas.

• Pick out unique crystals and stones at Thrifty Living.

Shop downtown stores and Highway 371 stores.

• Exercise or take in a class at River Fitness Center.

• Fly your airplane into the Pine River Regional Airport.

• Eat at local area cafes and restaurants.

• Enjoy a vintage soda at GuidePoint Pharmacy on Barclay Avenue.

• Shoot trap at the Fish and Game Range.

• Hunt thousands of acres of public land.

• Take the historic walking tours through Pine River.

• Check out the Historic railroad depot (open Friday afternoons in summer).

• Take a horseback trail ride (Pine River Trail Rides).

• Enjoy the annual lutefisk dinner (second Saturday in October at First Lutheran Church).

• Attend the Lakes Bluegrass Festival (weekend before Labor Day).

Check out the Community Garage Sale Days (first Friday-Saturday in August).

• Take in the activities of our Fall Festival in September.

• Take a trip up Highway 84 for the Arts Off 84 Art Crawl (Labor Day weekend).

• Skate at the community open air ice rink.

• Attend the Parade of Lights and fireworks (second weekend in December).

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Library and its Foundation work together for the community Foundation has mission to add space to library

PINE RIVER LIBRARY BUILDING FOUNDATION The Pine River Library Building Foundation was formed in 1996 in response to a need for a new library building. The foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that owns and maintains the facility and is governed by a board of volunteers.

Pine River State Bank generously donated the current building in 1998 for use as a public library. Through grants and funds raised, as well as with help from volunteers, the building was remodeled and the library reopened in 2002.

Through fundraisers, donations and grants, the foundation raises money to help maintain the building and to provide a safe and comfortable space for Pine River Public Library patrons.

Foundation members are currently raising funds to put toward a goal of

adding space to the building.

The foundation also oversees the local Friends of the Library group, which hosts fundraisers to help provide funding for programs, such as the Kids Summer Reading Program and the adult Snow Time to Read program. As a part of the nonprofit organization, all donations made are tax deductible.

Follow the Pine River Library Building Foundation on Facebook to stay informed of upcoming events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities.

HOURS Monday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The library is closed most federal holidays

LIBRARY INFORMATION Phone: 218-587-4639 Address: 212 Park Ave. Email: pineriver@krls.org

ay

The Pine River Public Library is located just a block off Barclay Avenue at the corner of Park Avenue and Second Street.

Our library was established in 1965 and joined the Kitchigami Regional Library System when it formed in 1969. The library was credited in “Logsleds to Snowmobiles” history book as helping to “put Pine River on the map.”

It is one of nine branches in the Kitchigami System, and patrons can use their library card at any of these branches: Pine River, Walker, Wadena, Brainerd, Bemidji, Blackduck, Cass Lake, Longville, Park Rapids, as well as the Mobile Library.

Your card also gives you access to the library 24 hours a day online. Just visit www.krls.org and click on “Search the Catalog.” There are online resources such as ELM, links to the state catalog at MN Link, and many more.

Access eBooks, eAudios, music and movies through the Cloud Library and Hoopla services.

w Ne

Old Way

W

Radiant Floors Made Simple!

• SIMPLIFIES INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE • MINIMIZES LABOR • SUPPORTS MULTIPLE HEAT SOURCES • GREAT FOR DUAL-FUEL APPLICATIONS

www.HUGhydronics.com

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

35

Pine River-Backus School community is like family

Programs offered for every age Pine River is the proud home of the Pine River-Backus Tigers, a small-town school district with the comforts of a neighborhood school and the opportunities of a large school district.

At PR-B, we are a family and we welcome you all to be a part of it.

We are working hard to improve the education of our students and enrich the lives of our area residents.

PR-B schools and Community Education partner with parents, families, businesses, organizations and community members to create opportunities and programming to fit our entire community - our family.

The school district covers approximately 500 miles and employs about 170 people. PR-B has between 850 to

900 students in pre-K through 12th grade and about 7,300 residents within our district.

• Early childhood programs include birth to age 3 in-home special education services, early childhood family education for age 3 and toddlers, two full days of voluntary

Competitive Rates Superior Service

001655195r1

Pine River Brainerd Little Falls Pierz www.hannekeninsurance.com

218-587-2722

GILCHRIST REALTY Michael Jorgensen Broker • • • •

Lakeshore Residential Farms Recreational Land

Don Norman Broker

218-587-4466 www.gilchristrealty.com

PO Box 364 Pine River, MN 56474 36

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Pre-K Preschool programming for 4 year olds with transportation and meals included, free school readiness and parent education classes.

• Pine River-Backus Elementary School continues the educational mission with small class sizes, personal connections with staff, daily physical education, music and assisting with the social/emotional needs of all students. PR-B Elementary School promotes positive social interactions through the Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) implemented school wide. Students are energized to be recognized for their positive choices at the monthly Roar Rallies.

• Pine River-Backus High School students have the opportunity not only to obtain a diploma, but also to earn more than 20 college credits.

Many students have earned their Associate Degree before leaving PR-B. This is a great educational and financial benefit to our students and families.

The course offerings at PR-B include industrial technology opportunities, foreign language, sciences and medical terminology, business and the arts (visual, vocal and instrumental).

COMMUNITY EDUCATION ACTIVITIES Our Community Education programs and activities are available to everyone in our community and we strive to provide opportunities for everyone. We create partnerships to share opportunities to grow, educate, enrich and entertain all our residents. We have many ways for our community to be involved. If you would like to be a part of our family and PR-B, stop by.

If you haven’t seen the Pine River-Backus School District recently, take the time to turn off of Highway 371 by the Cass County Fairgrounds, follow the sign and check out the “Proud Tigers” of Pine River-Backus.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Pine River offers health care from head to toe Experts are here to cure what ails you As of December 2020, Cy and Lisa The city of Pine River has long Struss have converted it back into a been home to medical professionals going back to the locally famous pharmacy, serving all of Pine River’s Dr. Charles Pelzl and continuing to needs. In addition, the front half of today’s physicians at the Essentia the store holds a rustic gift shop, Health St. Joseph’s-Pine River Clinic and soon the ice cream and sodas prominently located on the southwill once again flow. west end of Barclay Avenue, west of Pine River is equipped to deal the stoplights. with virtually all other health needs, GuidePoint Pharmacy is one of Today, the city is home to nine starting with Select Therapy, a two pharmacies in Pine River. buildings full of experts who can physical therapist office opened by help cure what ails you.

Trevor Harting in 2018 near the Avenue are yet more health proThe original Pine River Clinic hails dermatology clinic. fessionals, including Associates in back to 1950. Since then, the faces A short jaunt north of Barclay Eye Care just before the dam, where have changed, and the independent Avenue on Park Avenue is Pine patients may have their eyes checked clinic has since become an Essentia River Dental Arts, home to Dr. and find their perfect frames.

Health property.

Jaime Preble, a 2016 recipient of For ailments of a more mental Most recently, at the start of 2020, the national 40 Dentists Under 40 nature, there’s Oakheart Therapy, the clinic moved to a new location, a award by “Incisal Edge Magazine.” operated by therapist Angela Jedi17,000 square foot facility with state Preble and the team of experienced nak. Jedinak has been working in of the art equipment, more staff and dental professionals there continue her field for more than a decade. She expanded services. a service offered in Pine River since offers many types of therapy with For those who need more pressing 1966, with the opening of Dr. Gerald special training and experience in help at a hospital, Pine River has had Fields’ dental clinic. play therapy, an approach to help an ambulance service since 1934.

On the southeast side of Barclay young patients with traumatic pasts.

Today, this service is provided by North Memorial Ambulance Service, which has a garage in the center of town.

In the meantime, the city’s firefighters are also trained first responders.

The former clinic building near the northeast end of Barclay Avenue did not remain empty for long with the August 2021 opening of Central Minnesota Dermatology, a new clinic occupied by Dr. Kristina M. Britton.

Britton is making good use of the clinic space, which she considers Your Trusted Bank Since 1902 ideal for her industry.

No clinic is complete without a Your Trusted Bank Since 1902 * pharmacy, and Pine River has two WE FINANCE IT ALL with history going back generations.

Purchases - Construction Loans The Pine River-based clinic is WE FINANCE IT ALL-- Remodel Home Equity Loans Land/Acreage Refinance home to what was known as Lakes - Commercial Loans - Lake Lots - VA Loans - Purchases - Construction - Remodel Loans Area Pharmacy until 2019, when Home Equity Loans Land/Acreage Refinance Essentia Health bought the locations Local Lending Team - Fast Approval Process - Commercial Lake Lots - VA Loans in both Pine River and Pequot Lakes.Loans --Purchases - Lake Lots The operation was moved into the - Home Equity Loans Process - Remodel Loans Local Lending Team - Fast Approval www.fnbnorth.com new clinic building.

Commercial Loans - Refinance For many years starting in 1947, there was another pharmacy known - Construction - VA Loans as Pfeiffer Drug. In the 1990s, the Land Acreage druggist ceased to exist, and for years the old building was occupied Local Lending Team - Fast Approval Process by food establishments, complete *Subject to approval. with the classic ice cream and soda fountain counter.

Your Trusted Bank Since 1902

WE FINANCE IT ALLwww.fnbnorth.com www.fnbnorth.com

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

37

Bridge and dam undergo overdue reconstruction City has new bridge, rock riffle dam

There were big changes in Pine River over the course of the 2021 summer and winter. Almost unmissable are the newly constructed bridge and rock riffle dam near Kater Park on the northeast end of Barclay Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare.

A project many years in the making, the work began in June when the Minnesota Department of Transportation initiated their portion of the project, the replacement of the bridge crossing over the top of the historic, but obsolete dam.

Construction continued throughout much of the summer, with work wrapping up ahead of the Sept. 3 anticipated deadline.

The area was again busy with construction starting at the end of November when Landwehr Construction began prepping the dam site for the removal and replacement of the existing dam, which was long ago deemed obsolete by a survey of dams and bridges in Minnesota following

38

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Landwehr Construction crew members use heavy machinery to drive a support into the ground in Pine River in late 2021 as part of construction of a rock riffle dam. the Interstate 35W bridge collapse in 2007 in Minneapolis. The new rock

riffle design was scheduled to conclude in February 2022.

Visitors will notice many changes with the new bridge and dam. The structures are no longer connected, but instead are separate structures entirely. The new bridge features streetlights and wide sidewalks for added safety for pedestrians and a possible optimal location to dump ducks for the summer duck races.

The bridge was also realigned during construction to allow a smoother ride for vehicles towing long trailers.

The new dam is a rock riffle design, featuring several rows of large boulders that serve to direct the water in a serpentine water course that drops a short distance with each row. Unlike the old dam, the new dam is equipped with a pathway for fish to traverse the water in both directions and a route for kayaks to paddle from Norway Lake and downstream without ever having to portage.

These changes will likely result in new opportunities for area anglers and kayakers alike.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Resilient and sustainable living made real

Pine River is home to Happy Dancing Turtle/Hunt Utilities Group

Happy Dancing Turtle, a nonprofit, and Hunt Utilities Group, a research and development company, are based in Pine River on the Hunt Utilities Group Resilient Living Campus.

Hunt Utilities Group (HUG) endeavors to create products for living resiliently. Their research has ranged from water reprocessing to energy-efficient building designs heated primarily by the sun.

Most recently HUG created a home heating device that may revolutionize the typically complex in-floor heating market. This new product, HUG Hydronics(™), is designed to be an efficient alternative that is easy to install and requires limited maintenance.

Happy Dancing Turtle (HDT) is dedicated to growing good stewards of the planet by providing education, programs and experiences for all

Tiny Turtles is an outdoor program for preK students. ages. These inspiring and empowering offerings include the annual event, Back to Basics (B2B).

In 2022, B2B features a virtual keynote and virtual and in-person workshops in January and February.

Then on May 21, the B2B Spring Fair

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

will feature free workshops, family activities and a variety of vendors offering services and goods of a sustainable nature.

Other regular HDT offerings include Tiny Turtles, outdoor programming for preK students; EcoCamp, week-long environmentally focused day-camps; trial and production gardens; education about and support for resilient farming systems; and much more.

Beyond the Pine River campus, Happy Dancing Turtle has a hub serving the Driftless Region, southeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Visit www.happydancingturtle. org for program details, schedules and information.

Visit www.hugllc.com for HUG Hydronics product information and other HUG projects past, present and future.

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

39

Community Services — All Area Codes are 218 Unless Listed —

CHURCHES

Emmanuel Lutheran Church................ 947-4182 New Life Community Church............... 587-2109 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. 587-4203 Riverview Church.................................. 587-2021 United Methodist Church..................... 587-4091

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

Ada Lake Association............................ 587-4983 Arts Off 84............................. www.artsoff84.com Cass County Faith In Action................. 675-5435 Cass County EDC.................................. 547-7262 Central Lakes Rotary.......centrallakesrotary.com Crow Wing/Cass County United Way.. 829-0228 Heritage Group North.......................... 587-4357 Pine Ridge Cemetery Association........ 587-4941 Pine River American Legion................. 587-9151 Pine River Area Foundation Pine River Art Club............................... 587-5282 Pine River Game & Fish Club............... 587-2637 Pine River Lions Club............................ 587-2564 Pine River Library Building Foundation/ Friends of the Library........................... 587-4639 Pine River Market Square..................... 838-1943

LEISURE BOWLING Community Bowl & Pizzeria................ 587-3100

CASINOS Northern Lights Casino................ 800-252-PLAY

EVENTS CENTER Anderson Farm Event Barn.................. 851-7670

GOLF Wildwedge Family Park/Par 3.............. 568-6995

THEATERS Bear Pause Theater................................ 675-5357

TRAIL RIDES Pine River Riding Stable....................... 587-5807

LODGING

Sandy Pines Resort............................... 947-4467 Tuck-A-Way Resort............................... 587-4725 Whitefish Area Lodging Association............... www.whitefish.org Whitefish Lodge & Suites/ Manhattan Beach Lodge....................... 692-2246 Wildwedge Golf & RV Park................... 568-6995

Pine River Bakery.................................. 587-2545 Pine River Family Market..................... 587-2488 Barstock Liquors................................... 587-3166

MEDIA/ADVERTISING

GAS/CONVENIENCE STORE Holiday Stationstore............................. 587-2821 Pine River Family Market..................... 587-2488 Station 371............................................ 587-4700

REAL ESTATE

Pine River Family Market..................... 587-2488

Close-Converse Commercial Properties.828-3334 Eagle Lake Realty.................................. 839-7700 Heartland Real Estate........................... 587-4424 Lakeplace.com - Gallery of Homes....... 839-7700 North Pointe Realty Advantage............ 232-2237

Pine River Dept. of Motor Vehicles...... 587-2400

AUTO DEALERS Kimber Creek Ford................................ 818-4419

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS Auto Value............................................. 587-2476 Kimber Creek Ford................................ 818-8204 NAPA Auto Parts.................................. 587-2900

BAIT & TACKLE, FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES Gardiner’s Hardware............................. 587-2585 Station 371............................................ 587-4700

BARBERSHOP/SALON Spike’s Barber Shop............................... 587-4588

FEED STORE

FLOORING

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

Gardiner’s Hardware............................. 587-2585 Serenity Now Yarn and Alpaca Shop.... 587-1107 Sherwood Florist................................... 587-2802

GROCERY STORE HARDWARE Auto Value............................................. 587-2476 Barnum’s NAPA..................................... 587-2900 Gardiner’s Hardware/Furniture........... 587-2585 K&K Lumber......................................... 587-2482 Select Therapy....................................... 587-5022

AUTO & BOAT LICENSE

Bjerga’s Feed Store................................ 587-2887

40

GIFTS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

RETAIL

AmericInn Lodge & Suites.................... 568-8400 Northern Lights Casino.................866-652-4683 Pine River Inn........................................ 587-4499 Ada Pine Beach Resort.......................... 587-2848 Black Pine Beach Resort....................... 543-4714 Cousin’s Cabins..................................... 947-3006 Hidden Haven Resort....................320-293-7591 River View RV Park............................... 587-4112

Gardiner’s Hardware & Furniture........ 587-2585 Henry’s Woodworking.......................... 587-4899

Brainerd Dispatch................................. 829-4705 Discover Racks...................................... 838-9804 Echoland-Piper Shopper................800-432-3703 Echo Journal..................................800-432-3703 Hubbard Broadcasting, WJJY, KLIZ-FM, KBLB & KUAL.......... 828-1244 R&J Broadcasting USA Northland Directory..............866-944-8777

MOTELS & HOTELS

RESORTS/CAMPING

FURNITURE NEW & SECONDHAND

LUMBER/WOOD PRODUCTS Christensen Forest Products................ 587-4969 Dabill Mill.............................................. 587-2825 Henry’s Woodworking.......................... 587-4899 K&K Lumber......................................... 587-2482

MANUFACTURING/SALES/SERVICE Pequot Tool & Manufacturing.............. 568-8069 Prososki All Care Services..................... 947-4518 Stromberg’s Chicks & Game Birds....... 587-2222 Trussworthy Components.................... 587-8787 Voyager Industries, Inc............... (800) 980-4940 Whitefish-Bertha Boatworks................ 543-4100 Wippler Precast & Concrete................. 587-5209

OFFICE SUPPLIES Gardiner’s Hardware............................. 587-2585 The Office Shop..............................800-450-9000

OPTICAL Associates In Eyecare............................ 587-2020

Pine River Carpet.................................. 587-4154

FLORIST

PHARMACY Essentia Health Pharmacy.................... 587-3222 GuidePoint Pharmacy........................... 587-2500

Sherwood Florist................................... 587-2802

PAWN SHOPS

FOOD & BEVERAGES

Tradesmen............................................. 587-3277

American Wild Rice Co..................651-302-3095 Lifehouse Coffee.................................... 587-3332

THRIFT STORES Close-Out City....................................... 587-3232

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Community Services — All Area Codes are 218 Unless Listed —

Dar-BBs Lotsa Stuff Bargain Store....... 838-8947

RESTAURANTS Bites Grill & Bar.................................... 587-2564 Community Bowl & Pizzeria................ 587-3100 Cozy Cottage Cafe................................. 587-2588 Pine River Dairy Queen........................ 587-4762 Pine River Legion.................................. 587-9151

SCHOOL & COLLEGE Pine River-Backus Schools.................... 587-8000 Pine River Education Association........ 587-2510

SERVICES ACCOUNTANT Michael Clayton, CPA ........................... 587-2616

AIRPORT Pine River Municipal Airport............... 587-3420

ASSISTED LIVING

Pine River Day Activity Center............. 587-2688

MEDICAL

CONSTRUCTION

Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center (Brainerd hospital)................................ 829-2861

Anderson Brothers Construction LLC.................................. 829-1768 C-B Movers............................................ 568-8241 J & R Stranne Construction................. 587-3396 Knife River Redi-Mix............................ 829-4726 North Ward Homes............................... 568-6600 Start to Finish Builders......................... 828-0585

CREDIT UNION

North Memorial Ambulance.......................... 911 Essentia Health-Pine River Clinic........ 587-4416

NATURAL GAS/ENERGY Xcel Energy.....................................800-895-4999

OPTICIAN Associates In Eyecare............................ 587-2020

MidMinnesota Federal Credit Union.......................................... 568-8450

PAVING CONTRACTOR

DENTIST

PLUMBERS

Anderson Brothers Construction......... 829-1768

Pine River Dental Arts.......................... 587-4437

APH Plumbing and Heating................. 839-3060

DEVELOPER

Comfort Air Plumbing & Heating........ 820-4328

Moser Enterprises................................. 587-2223

Plumbing Etc......................................... 587-4965

DOCKS

POWER UTILITIES

Prososki All Care Services..................... 947-4518

ELECTRICIAN

Crow Wing Power...........................800-648-9401 Minnesota Power...........................800-228-4966

Prime Electric LLC................................ 587-2193 ............................................................... 232-2901

PROPANE/FUEL OIL

Good Samaritan Society....................... 587-4423 Pine River Group Home........................ 587-4888

EXERCISE CENTER

RECYCLING/LANDFILL

Day Activity Center............................... 587-2688

Riverside Villas...................................... 587-4433 Riverside Memory Care........................ 587-4333

AUTO BODY REPAIR Paul’s Large Garage............................... 587-2290

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Kimber Creek Ford................................ 818-8204 Master Care Auto Repair...................... 587-2232 Black Bear Outdoor Power Specialties................................... 513-4704

BANKS & INVESTMENTS Avantax Investments............................ 587-2476 First National Bank North, Backus...... 947-3111 Pine River State Bank........................... 587-4463 US Bank................................................. 587-2772

River Fitness...................................612-390-1081

EXCAVATION Schrupp Excavating, LLC...................... 587-4038

FINANCIAL ADVISING

Northern Star Cooperative................... 947-4433 Cass County Transfer Inc...................... 587-3500

RESEARCH/RENEWABLE ENERGY/ SUSTAINABLE LIVING Happy Dancing Turtle........................... 587-2303

Hansen Financial - Avantax.................. 587-4477

Hunt Utilities Group LLC..................... 587-5001

FUNERAL HOMES

ROOFING/SNOW REMOVAL

Kline Funeral Home.............................. 587-2067

GARBAGE PICKUP Waste Partners...................................... 587-8727

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING APH Plumbing and Heating................. 839-3060 Comfort Air Plumbing & Heating........ 820-4328 Plumbing Etc......................................... 587-4965

Revival Roofing..................................... 866-0957

SEPTIC SERVICE/TANKS Wippler Precast..................................... 587-5209

STORAGE Dabill Storage........................................ 587-2825 In The Pines Mini Storage..................... 820-9011 Pine River Mini Storage ....................... 587-3396

HOUSING

Prososki All Care Services..................... 947-4518

CanvasTech............................................ 587-2279

Pine River Housing & Redevelopment Authority.................... 587-4929

TELEPHONE/CABLE/INTERNET

CHILD CARE/DAY CARE

INSURANCE/INVESTMENTS

CANVAS

Stepping Stones Childcare Learning Center.................... 568-5299

Cass Company Insurance...................... 587-2374 Hanneken Insurance............................. 587-2722

CLEANING

LANDSCAPING

Servpro, Pequot Lakes.......................... 568-6923

TDS Telecom.......................................... 568-4115

TRAVEL Jolaine Johnson World Ventures Travel......................... 820-7114

VETERINARY

Cass County Faith In Action................. 675-5435

Lakeview Tree Company....................... 838-7798 Schrupp Excavating............................... 587-4038 Sunshine Gardens................................. 947-3154

Pequot Lakes Animal Hospital ............ 568-5095

Cass County EDC.................................. 547-7262

LAWYER

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

Pine River-Backus Family Center......... 587-4292

Hendrick’s Law Firm............................. 587-4060

Omega Solutions............................860-276-8504

COMMUNITY SERVICES

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Country Doc Vet Clinic ........................ 587-4196

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

41

Community Resources PHONE NUMBERS Emergency ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 911 (Fire, Police, Medical) Cass County Sheriff �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������218-547-1424 Cass County Sexual Abuse Crisis Line (collect calls accepted) ������������������������������������������218-547-3939 Crisis Line and Referral Service �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������800-462-5525 Pine River City Hall ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������218-587-2440 Pine River Public Transportation for appointments ��������������������������������������������������������� 866-925-7433 Jefferson Lines pick up & drop off at city hall �������������������������������������������������� www.jeffersonlines.com Pine River Police non-emergency ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������218-587-3333 Pine River Post Office 330 Barclay Ave. W. ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������218-587-4793 Pine River Library �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������218-587-4639 Essentia Health-Pine River Clinic ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������218-587-4416 Road Report (Brainerd) ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������218-828-2460 Road Report (Minnesota) �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������800-542-0220

PINE RIVER AREA PARKS Liberty Park Next to the Pine River American Legion Club on Highway 371. Playground, volleyball courts, picnic table.

Forbes Park Over the Pine River bridge, left on Highway 84 (two blocks). Camping, picnic shelter, restrooms, running water, fire rings. Forbes Park Building available for rent.

Pine River Dam Park Children’s playground equipment, Lions picnic shelter, fishing pier, new children’s swimming beach, DNR canoe/kayak access. To reserve the Lions log shelter house, call the city of Pine River at 218-587-2440.

Softball Park Highway 1, east of town. Concessions building, picnic table, bleachers and dugouts.

DNR LICENSES

AREA CHURCHES

VISIT DNR LICENSE AGENTS IN PINE RIVER: Gardiner’s Hardware 203 Barclay • 218-587-2585 Holiday Stationstore #164 300 Front St • 218-587-2821 Pine River Dept. of Motor Vehicles Licenses 239 Barclay Ave • 218-587-2400 Station 371 112 Front St. S. • 218-587-4700

Faith Lutheran Church 218-543-4878 11 miles east of Pine River on CR 1 First Lutheran Church (ELCA) 218-587-2316 • 309 Second St. N., Pine River Maple Hill Lutheran Church (ELCA) 218-587-2093 • 4 miles west of Pine River on #2, 5 miles south on #26 Mildred Bible Chapel 218-587-2562 • 4 miles north of Pine River on Highway 371 New Life Community Church 218-587-2109 • 510 First St. N., Pine River Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 218-587-4203 • 203 Second St. N., Pine River Pine River Baptist Church 218-587-2684 • 285 CR 2 W. (2 blocks W. of 371) Pleasant Hill Community Church 218-568-5289 • Southwest of Pine River on CR 1 Riverview Church 218-587-2021 • 310 Norway Ave., Pine River United Methodist Church 218-587-4091 • 348 Barclay Ave., Pine River Whitefish Community Church 218-543-6779 • 6876 CR 1 (7 miles east of Pine River on CR 1)

RECYCLING BINS & TRANSFER SITES Backus: City Hall Barclay Township: Harriet Club Cass County Transfer Station: 218-587-3500 or 888-910-2425 ext. 1 2 miles north of Pine River on Highway 371 Summer hours (April 1-Oct. 31): 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Winter hours (Nov. 1-March 31): 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-noon Saturday

42

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Your

home town grocer.

50 years

for more than

Quality Meat Fresh Produce Full Service Deli ADDITIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES

Fresh Bakery

Cass County Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit that provides confidential assistance to new or expanding businesses in Cass County. Contact CCEDC Executive Director Mike Paulus: 218-547-7262 or email cass.edc@co.cass.mn.us.

Central Lakes College Small Business Development Center assists small business start-ups or expansions. The SBDC features business training seminars and a number of services available to small businesses. Contact SBDC Director Greg Bergman at 218855-8145 or email gbergman@clcmn.edu.

Gas

A Full Service Grocery & Convenience Store

The Pine River Area Economic Development Group meets monthly in Pine River to support cooperative business relationships and advocate for businesses in the community. Call 218-587-4000.

FAMOUS RIBFESTS • May 20th, June 24th, July 29th, August 26th

The city of Pine River has a revolving loan fund for new and existing businesses located in the city of Pine River. For more information, contact Pine River City Hall at 218-587-2440.

BI-ANNUAL HUGE 3-DAY MEAT SALES • May 5, 6, 7 & October 6, 7 , 8

Region 5 Development Commission in Staples assists communities and organizations with economic development, including research and business plan creation. For general inquiries, email info@regionfive.org or call 218-894-3233.

AREA ATMS

INDOOR PRODUCE SALES • June 20-26th & July 25th-31st

Bites Grill and Bar Cozy Cottage Cafe First National Bank, Backus Holiday Stationstore Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Pine River American Legion Pine River Family Market Pine River State Bank • Station 371 U.S. Bank

ON-LINE SHOPPING

PINE RIVER AIRPORT

Available for Curbside Pick-up or Delivery, More Details at pineriverfamilymarketdelivers.com

Pine River is home to a regional airport located just east of the city.

The airport offers a 3,000-foot by 75-foot paved runway with 44 hangars and 24-hour/seven-days-a-week fuel pumps.

Since 2016, the airport has also been home to Pine River Aeromotor where pilots can come to have repairs made on airplanes and helicopters by mechanic Ron Sieling.

800-PBUNYAN OR 800-728-6926 | WWW.PINERIVERMN.COM

Hwy 371 South, Pine River • 218-587-2488 www.pineriverfamilymarket.com STORE HOURS: Monday-Saturday 6am-8pm, Sundays 7am-6pm

PINE RIVER CHAMBER

43