Bemidji, Minnesota is a city in northern Minnesota and the county seat of Beltrami County. Beltrami County was established on February 28, 1866, and in 1874, a new community called Bemidji Township was surveyed in the area by European Americans. However, the township would not officially be organized until 1896, but after its organization was deemed illegal, the township had to be reorganized in 1897. In 1898, several railroads were established in the Bemidji area, which led to more businesses opening in town. By the turn of the 20th century, Bemidji had a population of approximately 2,000.
These days, Bemidji is known as a center for education, government, trade, and medicine in northern Minnesota. As of 2022, the city's population is roughly 15,000. Bemidji is surrounded by natural beauty, and you'll find numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation while you're in town. The city lies right on the shores of Lake Bemidji, and Lake Bemidji State Park is a popular spot for hiking, biking, fishing, and other activities. There's also Mississippi Headwaters State Forest, a 45,290-acre nature area that's perfect for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. If you prefer downhill skiing, you could head to the Buena Vista Ski Area for a fun-filled day on the slopes.
While you're visiting Bemidji, you should stop by cool landmarks like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, the Bemidji Sculpture Walk, and the Freedom Defenders Veterans Memorial. There are also several unique museums around the city, including the Headwaters Science Center and the Beltrami County Historical Center. If you want to catch an awesome live performance, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse is an excellent place to do so. When you get hungry, a few top-notch restaurants to consider are Bar 209, the Minnesota Nice Cafe, and Slim's Bar and Grill.
Campgrounds Near Bemidji, Minnesota
One campground to consider in the Bemidji area is the Balsam Beach Resort & RV Park, which contains 30 full-hookup RV campsites available for $50 per night. The campground provides recreational facilities for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and even ATV riding. There are also some wonderful amenities, such as a game room, a pool, a convenience store, and a sandy beach.
There's also the Royal Oaks RV Park, a tranquil campground featuring full-hookup RV campsites located only a short drive from Bemidji. During your stay, you'll have convenient access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking and biking the nearby trails and fishing in the many local lakes. There's also a camp store in case you need to grab any snacks or other items.
Another great campground to consider is the Bemidji KOA Journey. There, you can rent an RV campsite with 50-amp electricity, and while you're there, you'll be surrounded by pristine forests and many beautiful lakes. The campground provides guests with numerous amenities, including a pool, cable television, Wi-Fi, propane, mini golf, and firewood.
State Parks Near Bemidji, Minnesota
Encompassing nearly 3,000 square miles in central Minnesota, Crow Wing State Park is not only a recreation area, but it also has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can stop by the Old Crow Wing Town Site, which is located where the Mississippi and Crow Wing Rivers come together. There, you can learn about the interesting history of the 19th-century frontier town. While you're at the park, you can also enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, fishing, and canoeing.
Glendalough State Park is nestled near Battle Lake, Minnesota on the shores of the placid Annie Battle Lake. The peaceful reservoir is known as an excellent spot to fish for bluegill, sunfish, bullhead, and other species. Alternatively, visitors can hike the Beaver Pond Interpretive Trail, bike the Glendalough Trail, or take some time to explore the on-site historic lodge. At the lodge, you can learn about the history of the park through photos and exhibits.
If you're looking for a tranquil getaway in a beautiful natural area, Glacial Lakes State Park is a fantastic option. Featuring picturesque lakes and rolling prairie hills, the park provides a lovely setting for a wide variety of outdoor activities. For example, you could utilize one or more of the nearby lakes for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. In fact, you can even rent a non-motorized boat at the park if you don't have your own. The park is also a tremendous destination for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, with creatures like Canada lynx, weasels, beavers, timber wolves, cougars, bald eagles, hawks, and falcons inhabiting the area.
National Sites Near Bemidji, Minnesota
The Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, which protects 252 miles of river and surrounding lands, is the largest scenic riverway east of the Mississippi River. The area is home to both the Saint Croix River and the Namekagon River, and visitors to the riverway have opportunities for many recreational activities. During the summer, the area is a great destination for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. And during the winter, you can enjoy cross-country skiing. If you'd like, you can even embark on a memorable Taylor Falls Scenic Boat Tour.
Another lovely national site worth visiting is the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which features a huge variety of state and national facilities along the Mississippi River corridor. The sizable area features quite a few attractions and recreational opportunities. For example, you could stop by the Minneapolis' St. Anthony Falls Visitor Center and take a tour of the impressive dam. You could also learn about the history of the area at the Mississippi River Visitor Center and check out the vivid wildflowers at Crosby Farm Regional Park. If you feel like a hike, consider exploring the bluffs and woodlands of the Winchell Trail.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a gorgeous remote getaway situated in northern Wisconsin. The national site covers 12 miles of Lake Superior's shoreline as well as a 21-island archipelago. The area is revered as a wonderful area for kayaking and sailing, offering the opportunity to paddle into fascinating caves and under majestic rock arches. You can also make your way to tranquil beaches only accessible via boat. Other popular activities include fishing for trout, scuba diving for shipwrecks, and hiking the 50 miles of scenic trails.
National Forests Near Bemidji, Minnesota
Originally established as a reserve in 1902, Chippewa National Forest contains multiple types of watersheds and a unique area featuring majestic old-growth trees. Many of the towering trees are more than 350 years old. The forest is also home to historic sites like Camp Rabideau and the Chippewa National Forest Historic Supervisor's Office. Additionally, there are three visitor centers and numerous opportunities for outdoor fun. Visitors can partake in camping, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, hiking, and stargazing.
Superior National Forest is a diverse natural haven boasting meadows, hills, watersheds, and lush woodlands. Located on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Superior, the forest is an excellent destination for water-based recreation like boating, swimming, and fishing. Guests in the area have access to fishing piers, swimming beaches, and picnic areas. If you visit Superior National Forest during the winter months, you can enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in the snowy wonderland. And if you're a hiking enthusiast, a few of the most beautiful trails to explore are the Eagle Mountain Trail, the Bass and Dry Lake Loop, and the Kadunce River Wayside Trail.
Encompassing a whopping 1.5 million acres in northern Wisconsin, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is known for its long history and exceptional recreational opportunities. The cultural history of the forest is believed to date back roughly 10,000 years when several Native American groups called the area home. Today, the forest still contains many of the largest and oldest trees in the Headwaters Wilderness, but many were lost due to logging in the early 1900s. Many outdoor enthusiasts visit the area during winter to partake in activities like cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. During spring and summer, the most popular activities are hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and boating.
