Park Rapids offers many attractions in the
area. One of the most visited sites in the state is Itasca State Park
located about 12 miles from Dorset. Walking across the Headwaters of the
Mississippi river is an activity that the entire family can enjoy. The
nature walks and bicycle paths as well as the fire towers can prove to be a fun
filled day, visit www.exploreminnesota.com
or www.parkrapids.com for more
detailed information.
The Heartland Trail, 27 miles long, goes right through Dorset making it a convenient starting point or rest stop. Parking and playground area along with restroom facilities are right near the trail. For a more extended stay, visit one of the fine restaurants or gift shops available in Dorset. The trail begins in Park Rapids, goes through Dorset, Nevis and Akeley where it eventually ends in Walker. The newly repaved trail has gradual slopes making it an easy ride for all family members. Bike rental is available at two locations in Dorset. The trail is great for biking, jogging, walking and in-line skating plan to do it all, nature abounds on the scenic roadway. Originally the Heartland Trail was a railroad track that had been discontinued and eventually turned into a recreational trail.
Antiquing is a fine art, although there are many shops in the area, Dorset can offer you three locations within a 1½ mile area. The Antique Stop in Dorset plus two wonderful shops, Auntie Flo's and Dorset Village Antiques located just south of town. All three shops offer unique and different items at each location. On the way we also have the Moose Crossing a new gift shop just south of Dorset.
Rapid River Logging Camp located 6 miles west on County Road 18 is an old
time logging operation including an "all you can eat"
family style
restaurant. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day a jaunt into the past is fun and
educational. A walk through the trails will lead you to the river,
where remnants of the "locks", made to transport logs down the river, can
be found. A working Steam Engine which runs on Tuesdays and Fridays during
the summer shows how the old timers cut and processed their logs.
Many
attractions are in the area and can be enjoyed. The Rodeo held over the 4th
of July, Park Rapids Crazy Days and the annual Craft Show are a few of the
attractions held throughout the season. The
Antique Auto Club held it's event in Park Rapids during the 1999 season and other seasonal car shows
have been annual events.
Of course do not forget to visit one of the many lakes in the area. Minnesota, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes has a great representation of those lakes in Hubbard County. Near Dorset there are four fantastic lakes good for diving, boating and fishing with plenty of public accesses.