Park Rapids is like a dream come true for water-lovers. Surrounded by lakes, there is an abundance of water-based recreational activities around Park Rapids. Many people choose to stay in cabins as they take advantage of the opportunities to go boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Park Rapids is also known for its proximity to Itasca State Park, which is one of the state's most well known parks and the place from where the Mississippi River begins its meandering journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Park Rapids area may be a tourist destination, but it sure doesn't feel like that at the Sleeping Fawn Resort, which is an especially good option for those who want a little privacy. The resort is 12 miles from downtown Park Rapids and located on Stocking Lake, which is 112 acres. The lake has no public boat access, so resort guests may not see anyone else on the lake. The resort itself is located in 20 wooded acres on the shoreline of Stocking Lake, and includes six cabins. The cabins, which have either two or three bedrooms, also offer fully equipped kitchens and high-speed, wireless Internet. There is not a restaurant at Sleeping Fawn, though the resort does serve donuts and coffee at its main lodge on Monday mornings. The Great Northern Cafe in Park Rapids is a good choice for people who want to go to town and grab a meal.
Sleeping Fawn Resort
20097 County Rd. 24
Park Rapids, MN 56470
(877) 732-5356
(218) 732-5356
sleepingfawnresort.com
One of the main attractions of the Park Rapids area is Itasca State Park. The cabins at the Mantrap Lodge are a good option for people who have an interest in seeing the park, since the resort is between the city and the state park. Named a Minnesota Top resort by "Midwest Living" magazine, Mantrap Lodge offers 17 cabins on it's grounds. The cabins have between one and five bedrooms and while they don't offer Internet access, the resort's lodge does. There is a spa house at the resort, but not a restaurant. However, during the summer, the resort hosts such meal-time events as a pizza buffet and hamburger and hot dog potluck at its main lodge.
Mantrap Lodge
20725 Jewel Dr.
Park Rapids, MN 56470
(218) 732-5405
(800) 424-0901
mantraplodge.com
Cabin guests at Loon's Nest Resort have the best of both worlds: They can be on the lake and still be close to town, as the resort is just two miles from downtown Park Rapids. Located on Fish Hook Lake, Loon's Nest has 13 cabins (10 of which are right on the lake) that accommodate between two and 12 people. Each cabin feature high-speed, wireless Internet. For those who would rather spend their time outside, the resort rents canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. There also are picnic tables and campfire pits at various locations on the grounds. Minutes away from the resort are restaurants such as Schwarzwald Restaurant or Rocky's Pizza House.
Loon's Nest Resort
19331 Eagle Pointe Trail
Park Rapids, MN 56470
(800) 531-3477
loonsnest.com
