Make Time for Outdoor Recreation in Wadena County this Summer

Wadena County offers a fantastic place to live centered around the peaceful, natural setting found throughout the area. The parks and recreation there are essential for residents’ high quality of life and enjoyment and for new families looking for a place to live. Parks and recreation can also serve as an economic driver. When people visit a community to play at a park, participate in a tournament or use the recreation facilities, they often spend money locally as they shop, eat at restaurants and fill up their vehicles with gas, creating jobs and other local benefits.

Celebrate parks & recreation

July is Park and Recreation Month, with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recognizing the power parks and recreation opportunities have across the country. This year, the NRPA’s theme is “Where Community Grows,” directing attention to bringing people together to foster goodwill and growth in communities nationwide. Businesses can use the NRPA 2023 Park and Recreation Month Toolkit to promote local activities.

Play in a park

Beyond the well-known Crow Wing River State Water Trail, Wadena County has a beautiful county park conglomeration, many of which sit along the river. Many offer rustic camping, like Cottingham Park, which offers unique campsites that accommodate horse enthusiasts. Most parks are also perfect settings for family events or just a relaxing family picnic. 

Hit the links

Are you looking for quality golf without the crowds? Tee it up in Wadena County at public courses like Vintage Golf Course, Blueberry Pines Golf Course and Whitetail Run Golf Course, which feature challenging links and beautiful surroundings.

Rock out

There’s still time to take in a rock concert at Wadena County’s Midsummer Music Fest. National artists perform with different schedules of shows covering three different days in Menahga from July 20 - 22.

Grab some culture

Wadena County has a fantastic cultural history. Those who enjoy a glimpse of where the past and present intersect will enjoy the Central MN Barn Quilt Trail. Wadena County hosts much of the Trail, showcasing the colorful quilt blocks painted on wood squares and mounted on barns. Each is carefully crafted to display the history of local farmers and sponsors. Visitors can drive leisurely through the rolling landscapes to view more than 35 quilts in 30 minutes.

The Murals of Minnesota is considered the largest picture puzzle in the world. More than 20 murals painted by local artists decorate buildings in downtown Wadena and reflect the area’s cultural history. Wadena’s Historic Train Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was a railway station operated by Northern Pacific Railway from 1915 to 1971. 

Get outside in Wadena County this summer!

The Economic Alliance appreciates all the people and businesses that have decided to make Wadena County their home. We hope everyone can get outside to enjoy themselves this summer. Please contact us today for assistance in finding our fantastic outdoor endeavors in Wadena County!