Info Please: Moving to Park Rapids, Minnesota (Brainerd, Bemidji: for sale, rental)

[project921]

Hello All!

I'm brand new to this forum and was hoping to seek some guidance and/or get some tips about the Park Rapids area. My father just accepted a position in Park Rapids and I just wanted to get an idea of the area for them. If anyone could give me better insight I'd really appreciate it. How's the shopping? Area attractions? Where is the best place to live in or around the Park Rapids area? Thanks in advance for your help.

[golfgal]

I love the Park Rapids area. The biggest "attraction" is Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mississippi. As for shopping, it is fairly remote there. You will find your daily necessities but for other things you will probably have to drive to Bemidji or shop online. It is a BEAUTIFUL part of the state though.

[DowntownStPaulRich]

Everything you need is in Park Rapids. There is no need to go to Bemidji or any of the other surrounding areas. I lived there, In PR, when there were less people in the town than I had in my High School in California. Everything I needed then was there, now that the population has quadrupled I am sure, with a Wal-Mart, and a Pamida with 3 large grocery stores anyone will be fine. I am actually considering a move back up there. Just remember, What you see in Park Rapids may not excite you, what you hear, will make up for it.

[kuan]

The Schnitzel at the Schwarzwald Inn is the best.

[DowntownStPaulRich]

I am glad you brought up the dining in Park Rapids, (PR). The first time I went to Schwarzwald's I was completely taken by the "little house on the prairie" type of an atmosphere. It took me off guard after coming from So. Cal. There are a couple other logging restaurants that seat you on a bench at a very long picnic style table along side everyone else. That was another culture shock for me. I was surprised to find how incredibly nice people are as well as helpful. I was extremely happy to get there after a long journey across 1/2 of the USA. And yes, back to the point, Schwarzwald restaurant has one of the best buffet style breakfast and lunches I have ever seen.

[kuan]

And that train which goes around the perimeter of the restaurant is pretty cool too isn't it?

I disagree on your assessment that everything you need you can find in Park Rapids. One good reason to go to Bemidji is that Bemidji is the curling capital of America. Did you know that?

[Mike Mead]

I would have to say that everything you need is here in Park Rapids. I have lived here my most of my life and love it. Yes town is growing and some people are worried about all the changes and growth while others welcome it. I meet people all the time that comment on how friendly everyone is here and what a beautiful place this must be to live. Town is the summer gets a little busy, but still far from the city like traffic of Brainerd. Overall I think this is a wonderfull area to live, just take some time to enjoy the area resources and you will know what I mean. Let me know if you need any help or have any questions.

[slamont61]

Originally Posted by project921

Hello All!

I'm brand new to this forum and was hoping to seek some guidance and/or get some tips about the Park Rapids area. My father just accepted a position in Park Rapids and I just wanted to get an idea of the area for them. If anyone could give me better insight I'd really appreciate it. How's the shopping? Area attractions? Where is the best place to live in or around the Park Rapids area? Thanks in advance for your help.

I think your Dad is going to LOVE the PR. It's a wonderful area and the Main Street is one of my favorite destinations in the area.

I can't say enough good about Park Rapids. Where to live? There is no bad area there. Where will your Father be working? Does he want to live in walking distance to Main Street or is remote neighborhoods more his speed?

When I moved to Park Rapids, I stayed at the Come'on Inn. The accomodations were excellent and within two weeks I'd found a place to move too.

My mode of moving wasn't the easiest but it worked. We had some local comany load up a U-Haul and we drove to the PR and put the stuff in a local Storage Bin that was convenient to town. 218-732-4815 is the phone number of the Storage Company. That owner also has seveal rental units in PR. We lucked out and one of his newly re-conditioned units was available to us.

I just loved living in the PR. Walks were GREAT and there's a bicycle/jogging/walking trail that goes from there in the Main City park all the way to Walker MN with hook-up to the Paul Bunyon trail. You can walk forever. It's just great there.

Any questions or if there is anything I can help with, let me know. I live currently in a Small Town half an hour's drive South of PR. PR has about 3500 residents and I was looking for an even smaller town. We still drive up to Park Rapids every week at some point, why? Because we love it!

[browneyedlady]

Hi Mike, I'am coming to PR wed to check out homes for sale. I have been a bit worried about making a move with the economy, but reading your thread just made me more excited about a new change. I had to laugh at the thread about PR not having much to offer for conveniences, they should live in Aitkin we have 1 stop light,1 grocery store and only Pamida for the main convenience! Take care,Victoria

[slamont61]

Hey, the PR has a brand new Grocery Store at your disposal. They closed both the J&B stores and build a brand new store right on 71 a block off Main Street.

The housing market is HOT right now. Several properties can be had at pretty good prices. This is a good time to be buying..