Recreation

Take to the outdoors in Wadena County

Wadena County’s outdoor treasures, from the calm, scenic Crow Wing River to family-friendly parks, are ready for exploration! Canoe, kayak, or tube along the river, camp at primitive sites, and expereince walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, all designed for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Discover one of Minnesota’s most relaxing rivers

The Crow Wing River offers a peaceful way to experience central Minnesota’s outdoors. With calm water, scenic forests, and abundant wildlife, this river is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and relaxed camping trips in Wadena County.

What is the Crow Wing River Trail?
The Crow Wing River Trail is a designated Minnesota State Water Trail that follows the Crow Wing River, offering a marked route for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. The trail features access points, primitive campsites, and scenic natural areas along the river corridor.

Where is the Crow Wing River located?
The Crow Wing River flows approximately 90 to 113 miles in central Minnesota, from southern Hubbard County through Wadena County to the Mississippi River.

Is the Crow Wing River good for canoeing and kayaking?
The Crow Wing River is well-suited for canoeing and kayaking due to its gentle current, shallow depth, and minimal rapids, making it an ideal destination for beginners.

Is the Crow Wing River a state water trail?
The Crow Wing River is designated as a Minnesota State Water Trail and is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Where can you camp along the Crow Wing River?
Camping along the Crow Wing River is available at primitive Wadena County campgrounds, including Old Wadena Park, Knob Hill, Bullard’s Bluff, and Little White Dog. Most include picnic tables, fire rings, and hand pumps, but do not have electrical hookups.

What wildlife can be seen along the Crow Wing River?
Wildlife commonly seen along the Crow Wing River includes turtles, otters, beavers, deer, bald eagles, and waterfowl.

Why is the Crow Wing River historically important?
The Crow Wing River holds historical significance as a travel and settlement corridor for the Ojibwe and Dakota peoples, as well as for later fur traders.

How do you plan a trip to the Crow Wing River?
Trip planning for the Crow Wing River includes checking water levels and access points through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and local outfitters.

Explore Wadena County Parks

With parks offering gentle walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and easy access to the river, Wadena County is perfect for families, beginners, and anyone seeking accessible outdoor recreation.

What parks can you visit in Wadena County?
Wadena County and the surrounding cities offer a range of parks, including Blacks Grove Park, Sunnybrook Park, Old Wadena Park & Campground, and Cottingham Park, each with unique outdoor experiences such as trails, picnic areas, and river access.

What amenities do county campgrounds offer?
Most county campgrounds are primitive and first‑come, first‑serve, offering outhouses, hand‑pumped water, picnic tables, fire rings, and limited firewood, with peaceful, family‑oriented settings.

Are campground fees charged in Wadena County?
Yes, camping fees apply (for example, around $15 per site per night at county campgrounds), which include a picnic table and fire ring.

How do local parks support visitors of all ages and abilities?
Many parks offer stroller‑friendly walkways and gentle trails for families, as well as more adventurous paths and activities for experienced hikers and riders.

Service

Wadena County DAC

Manufacturing

Stern Rubber Company

Homecrest Outdoor Living

Education

Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools

Name of HR Contact Person: Tracy Zaske

HR Phone: 218-632-2314

HR Email: tzaske@wdc2155.k12.mn.us

Brief Description: Welcome to Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools, where it's a great day to be a Wolverine! WDC proudly serves the communities of Wadena, Deer Creek and Bluffton.

Located in the city of Wadena, WDC employs 225 people who work together to encourage, support, and engage our students throughout their educational journey. From IT to bus drivers to teachers and beyond, each one of our staff members has an opportunity to make a positive impact on our students. If you’d like to learn more about how you can become a part of WDC’s enriching environment, stop by, give us a call, or visit our website. We’d love for you to join the Wolverine Family!

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Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Name of HR Contact Person: Amy Hochgraber

HR Phone: 218-846-3766

HR Email: amy.hochgraber@minnesota.edu

Brief Description: I have the privilege to offer training opportunities for various business sectors through M State’s Workforce Development Solutions (WDS). We focus on helping businesses overcome the challenges faced with our results driven customized trainings.

We deliver over 100,000 hours of interactive training annually to over 6,000 students and employees. We work with more than 500 business and industry partners throughout the region. Our approach is to listen to the needs of our partners and then design and deliver customized curriculum to meet the specific needs of the adult working learner. We are one of the largest providers of non-credit training in Minnesota, offering training in the areas of Business Technology, Electrical, Health, Fire, Leadership Development, Mechanical/Technical, Safety and Compliance, Transportation and Welding.

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Central Lakes College

Name of Human Resources Contact Person: Kayla Johnson

HR Phone: 218-855-8055

HR Email: kayla.johnson@clcmn.edu

Central Lakes College – Brainerd and Staples is one of 37 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (www.minnstate.edu), offering excellent, affordable education in 54 communities across the state. We are a comprehensive community and technical college serving about 5,500 students per year. With a knowledgeable, caring faculty and modern, results-oriented programs in comfortable facilities, CLC is the college of choice for seekers of success. Our roots are deep in a tradition dating to 1938 in Brainerd and 1950 in Staples. Communities across central Minnesota are filled with our graduates.

Follow us on social media: Twitter: @clcmnedu Instagram: @centrallakescollege Snapchat: @clcmnedu TikTok: @centrallakescollege

Mission: Our mission is to provide services to all Central Lakes College employees in support of the college’s strategic plan by creating a supportive environment to hire and retain high-quality well educated faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds who will provide students with a quality educational experience.

Our Goal: To create an atmosphere of respect, fairness, and dignity through an effective and efficient personnel program that focuses on quality customer service and equitable treatment for all employees.

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