Bemidji
State University
Bemidji State
University is located on Lake Bemidji,
200 miles north of Minneapolis, in the city of Bemidji, a regional center for northern Minnesota with excellent recreation and
shopping opportunities, and complete medical facilities.
With over 400 lakes in a 25 mile radius, Bemidji has some of the best recreation in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.
Bemidji is served by Northwest Airlines (via Mesaba AirLink) and by Jefferson Bus Lines.
Diamond Point Park
Across from Residence Halls
This city park has a swimming beach, changing house, picnic tables to sit at,
and trees to lean against. Take your journal or note pad and meet your muse at
the water's edge.
Bemidji State Park
North End of Lake Bemidji
Just a five-minute drive from campus, this excellent park offers a swimming
beach, and four walking trails, including a bog walk. Information is included
in the check-in information packet.
Itasca State
Park
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's
oldest state park. Today, the park totals more than 32,000 acres and includes
more than 100 lakes. Walk across the mighty Mississippi
as it starts its winding journey 2,552 miles to the Gulf
of Mexico. Stand under towering pines at Preacher's Grove. Visit
the Itasca Indian Cemetery
or Wegmann's Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by. Camp under the stars, or
stay the night at the historic Douglas Lodge or cabins. Explore Wilderness Drive
past the 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, one of Minnesota's seven National Natural
Landmarks.
The Lost Forty
East of Blackduck
This 400 acre park was spared the woodsman's axe by a mapping fluke: the land
was designated as a lake, so ownership was not determined, and the loggers of
the early 1900s cut around it. The half-mile walking trail leads to the edge of
a marvelous swamp, fed by a stream. Hear the wind in the high pines,identify
woodland flowers, sit on a fallen log and write in your journal. Easily worth
the 40 minute drive from Bemidji.
A map is included in the check-in information packet.
Summer
Hill Farm
Between Lake George and Park Rapids
This traditional farmstead has been converted into shops and a restaurant. Each
of the many buildings has a different theme, from kitchen goods to fine
clothes, and the restaurant features fresh entrees in an old summer kitchen and
screened porch atmosphere. The pie alone is worth the 40 minute drive. On the
way down or the way back, stop in Lake George
at the Schoolcraft Gallery and browse books and north country wares. A map is
included in the check-in information packet.
Forestedge
Winery
Specialty wines made from the fruits and berries that survive the northern
winters. Tours daily Tuesday through Sunday. "Stroll along our nature
trails, visit our gift shop, view our local art displayed in our gallery, and
taste our elegant wines. Stay for an hour or the whole day. Remember to take some
Forestedge Wine home to share with friends and family."