Provided
Editor’s Note: Of course, while it’s not on this list of perhaps lesser-talked-about ideas, there’s always the Minnesota State Fair. For a calendar of iconic Minnesota events this summer, including more tried-and-true favorites, click here.
Safari North Wildlife Park in Brainerd
May through September
Visitors and residents agree, summer is magical in the Brainerd Lakes area. Known for its pristine lakes, trophy fish, and world-class golf courses, Brainerd is also home to one of Minnesota’s largest wildlife parks. Safari North Wildlife Park opened in 2014 with more than 100 animals. Since then, the park has grown in acreage and the number of animals showcased. Each year comes with new exhibits, and past exhibits are upgraded to better suit the needs of the animals. Five antelope species were added this year, and the Safari Express Train debuted in 2022, allowing passengers to travel by rail through the safari as zebras and camels walk next to the train. The Safari Express is the only way guests can access this part of the wildlife park. Back at the station, visitors of all ages can enjoy feeding giraffes, petting a century-old tortoise, and mining for gemstones. safarinorth.com
Brainerd Ski Loons at Lum Park in Brainerd and Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort in Deerwood
June through August
Water skiing has resurfaced across Minnesota as a summer sport that builds teamwork, confidence, and community involvement. The Brainerd Ski Loons began in 2014, and the group’s shows continue to grow in skill level and audience size, featuring tricks that range from multilevel pyramids to “barefooting” to ski jumps. Performances take place at Lum Park and at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort. The free shows pack large crowds, so get there early, bring a lawn chair, and settle in for a spectacular evening. skiloons.com
Photo by Julie Jo Larson
Sinclair Lewis Days in Sauk Centre
July 12-16
This four-day festival is named after America’s first Nobel Prize winner for literature, Sinclair Lewis. It is held yearly in Sauk Centre, Lewis’s childhood home. Meander down the original Main Street, cheer on Soap Box Derby racers, watch the parade, tour the Lewis home, and enter the cornhole tournament. Walking along the Wobegon Trail, shopping at the craft fair, and running the 5K are other options. Reserve a room at the historic Palmer House Hotel, Restaurant and Pub for easy access to the daily activities and make sure to admire the three-story mural of Lewis on the back of the hotel—it’s truly bigger than life. saukcentrechamber.com
Courtesy of Moose Lake Chamber of Commerce
Agate Days and Arts in the Park in Moose Lake
July 15-16
The world’s premier Lake Superior agate show celebrates 54 years of rock hounding this year. The Lake Superior Agate is Minnesota’s state rock, coveted by rock and gem collectors alike. For two days, Moose Lake’s Riverside Arena houses rows of vendors from across the Midwest specializing in rocks, minerals, jewelry, books, stained glass, fossils, and more. Copper from Michigan, opals from Africa, and dinosaur fossils from around the world are just a few things on display, and there are hourly drawings, a kids’ dig, and an afternoon agate stampede for all ages. The adjacent Art in the Park event in the city park along the lakeshore features visual artists, authors, and vendors on hand to answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and sell their wares. mooselakechamber.com/agate-days
Photo by Julie Jo Larson
Bavarian Blast at Brown County Fairgrounds in New Ulm
July 20-23
Bavarian Blast attendees are not required to carry beer steins or wear lederhosen to enjoy the four-day festival, but dressing up does add to the fun, as the annual New Ulm event celebrates German culture and entertainment. The Brown County Fairgrounds
are the site of many of the events, with two tents of live music ranging from polka to country to folk. Barrel-rolling and sauerkraut-eating contests bring cheering crowds, as does the stein-holding contest. Sunday’s parade will highlight Schell’s Hobo Band, Naren (costumed German folk creatures), and local ambassadors atop farm equipment and fire trucks. When the parade is over, tour August Schell’s Brewing Co., Domeiers German Store, Glockenspiel Park, or downtown New Ulm to appreciate the German culture this town has year-round. bavarianblast.com
Courtesy of Visit Bemidji
Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival
Aug. 2-5
Dragon boats originated in China and really do look like colorful dragons with ornate figureheads, stately tails, and colorful scales. Up to 22 people paddle the boat, including a drummer who keeps the pace and a caller who keeps everyone moving in the right direction. It takes strength and coordination to propel the boats forward, and the fastest boats can reach speeds of nearly 9 mph. Lake Bemidji is the perfect setting for this annual fest, and the entire family will enjoy four days of colorful boat races, great food, a 5K race, children’s events, cultural events, and evening music in the Dragon’s Den. Practice sessions begin midweek and are open for viewing from the shore. Bring a lawn chair and lots of sunscreen. bemidjidragonboat.com
Evening Under the Pines at Itasca State Park
Aug. 6
The Mighty Mississippi River runs through 10 states, beginning in Itasca State Park in Minnesota and ending in Louisiana. At the headwaters, visitors can walk across the river as it trickles across moss-covered boulders and explore the park’s old pine tree growth, hiking trails, wildflowers, a variety of animals, and special events throughout the year. On Aug. 6, entertainers Jim and Molly Bauer will perform folk and rock tunes at the historic Forest Inn. A state park sticker is required to drive into the park, but the annual stickers are good at all Minnesota state parks. dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks
Photo by GPNM
Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow at Grand Portage National Monument
Aug. 11-12
Grand Portage National Monument is a historic treasure that brings to life the glory days of the fur-trading industry. All summer long, visitors may tour multiple buildings and 700-plus acres of land that make up the monument along the North Shore of Lake Superior. But Rendezvous Days & Pow Wow offers much more than the usual visit. The theme for this year’s event is “The North West Company Looks West.” For two days, the Ojibwe village, blacksmith shop, voyageurs quarters, garden, kitchen, boat launch, and the rest of the grounds come alive with re-enactments and interactive displays. Watch a bull canoe launch, listen to voyageurs sing in French as they load and unload their furs, learn about the food grown in the northern part of Minnesota and the animals hunted for meat to feed the fort officers and servicemen, or dance with traditionally dressed Ojibwe tribal members at the pow wow. facebook.com/grandportagebandoflakesuperiorchippewa
Photo by Sue Ready
Northwoods Art and Book Festival in Hackensack
Aug. 12
The 28th annual Northwoods Art and Book Festival will showcase 60 artists and 35 authors for a full day of activities. The Union Congregational Church in Hackensack houses authors from a variety of genres. Frank Weber, a forensic detective, teacher, and author who works in central Minnesota, will present a seminar titled “Creative Crime Solving with Forensics.” Each of Weber’s seven books takes place in Minnesota. In addition to authors, the citywide festival will feature a Poetry Safari, a Wonder Trek mobile museum, food trucks, imaginative play, and blocks and blocks of quality art. Each year, woodworkers, stained glass artists, welders, fiber artists, photographers, painters, and more line the streets with their wares. northwoodsartscouncil.org
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Crookston Ox Cart Days
Aug. 14-20
The Red River Ox Cart Trails were northwestern Minnesota’s earliest highways, transporting both furs and settlers across the Red River Valley. For a full week, Crookston pays tribute to the people, oxen, and carts that used the trails. Events include ox cart races, a classic car show, and a beautiful torchlight parade. For more competitive visitors, a pickleball tournament, youth dodgeball tournament, and talent show are offered, while children may enjoy the bouncy houses and lemonade-stand contest. crookstonoxcartdays.com
