Offering great shopping, dining and entertainment and beautiful state parks and forests, Bemidji has it all. The city is set on the shores of Lake Bemidji, which feeds the mighty Mississippi River. Hike on scenic trails, visit a centuries-old virgin red pine forest and fish in lakes stocked with pike, perch and more.
Things to do in Bemidji
The fall colours in Beltrami County are stunning and Bemidji is a great base for leaf-peeping tours. Take your pick of state parks and forests covered with birch, maple, oak, aspen and tamarack trees. Fall is also a fantastic time to spot migrating ducks, falcons and hawks.
From easy shoreline trails to challenging hikes, there are plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs in Bemidji. A boardwalk winds through the Big Bog State Recreation Area and immerses you in the lush wetland ecosystem. Look out for deer and black bears in Lake Bemidji State Park and discover a pocket of 200-year-old virgin red pine forest in Itasca State Park.
Meet lion, tigers, cougars and more at Paul Bunyan Animal Land. The wildlife park is one of the largest in Minnesota and is home to animals from around the world. Get up close with Australian kangaroos and make friends with a herd of deer.
Bemidj is surrounded by hundreds of fishing lakes, including pine-framed Lake Plantaganet. Cast a line for pike, perch and walleye. In other lakes you can reel in muskie, largemouth bass and rainbow trout. If you’d rather not catch your own dinner, head to a local diner for classic Minnesota dishes like wild rice soup, turkey burgers and smoked fish sandwiches.
Getting around Bemidji
Downtown Bemidji is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while rental cars offer the freedom to explore Beltrami County at your own pace. The city is a one-hour drive from Grand Rapids and four hours from Minneapolis. Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport is a four-hour drive away.