Editing Park Rapids, Minnesota (section)

==Recreation==
[[File:Red Bridge Park, city of Park Rapids, Minnesota.jpg|thumb|The official start of the Heartland Trail is at Park Rapids’ Heartland Park, which has shelters, restrooms, a swimming beach and a bridge across the Fish Hook River.]]

There are over 70 lakes in the Park Rapids area, which all offer distinct fishing opportunities. Some notable nearby lakes include [[Itasca State Park|Lake Itasca]] (headwaters of the [[Mississippi River]]) as well as some of the numerous [[Crow Wing Chain of Lakes|Crow Wing Lakes]]. Some of the most common fish caught in the area include largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass, bullhead, crappie, northern pike, perch, sunfish and walleye.<ref>{{cite book|last=Billig|first=James|title=Park Rapids Area Fishing Map Guide|year=1994|publisher=Sportsman's Connection|location=Duluth}}</ref> The [[Heartland State Trail|Heartland Trail]], one of the oldest rail-to-trail projects in the United States,<ref name="Heartland State Trail: Minnesota"/> begins in Park Rapids. The 49-mile trail is open to horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, and biking at different segments throughout. Deer, coyote, grey wolf, chipmunks, bobcat, bear, bald eagle, red fox, raccoon, beaver and muskrat can all be spotted along the trail.

[[File:July 4th Park Rapids Parade.jpg|thumb|Two residents of Park Rapids, watching the July 4th Parade on Main street]]