First City on the Mississippi
Minnesota’s True Northwoods
VisitBemidji.com
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877-250-5959
First City on the Mississippi...
Where the mighty river begins its 2,552 mile journey
to rendezvous with the famed city of New Orleans.
Legend has it that those who step across the
Mississippi River at its source will live a long
and fruitful life and that great riches will come to them...
Visit Bemidji and you will see for yourself the truth
behind the legend. For Bemidji truly is rich...
rich in beautiful scenery, spirited people,
inspiring arts and enchanting culture.
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Visit
Bemidji
Culture
Bemidji Tourist Info Center
See the legendary Paul Bunyan and Babe, plus the famous
lumberjack’s artifacts. The Center also features the
Fireplace of States built with stones from 48 states.
Camp Rabideau
Great Northern Depot
The restored building is one of the last historic train depots
housing the Beltrami County History Center and state-of-theart museum. Next to the complex is the Veteran’s Memorial
honoring all military services.
Built in 1935, this camp houses 15 nationally-registered
historic buildings and beautiful hiking trails.
Headwaters Science Center
Shaynowishkung Statue
Historic Chief Theater
On the shore of Lake Bemidji you will find the statue of
Shaynowishkung. Called“Chief Bemidji”for his leadership and
kindness to all people, the statue is a tribute to the Anishinabe
man who welcomed the early European settlers to the area,
and the role he played in the community’s history.
Hands-on interactive science exhibits in downtown Bemidji.
Home to Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Minnesota’s oldest
professional summer theatre, still offering outstanding
performances year-round.
Gather with top entertainment, a sporting event
or festival throughout the year in Bemidji.
VisitBemidji.com for the latest upcoming events.
Art Walk
Take a stroll downtown with 24 sculptures and murals.
Watermark Art Center
Gallery North
Ongoing shows of national, regional and local artists
providing gallery space for exhibitions, author readings and
workshops.
Bemidji Symphony Orchestra
Bemidji State University Music
An array of ensembles offer musical performances
throughout the year. From classical performances to summer
pop concerts held by the lake that feature jazz, wind, and
choral groups. .
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Visit
Bemidji
Activities
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Biking
Canoeing
Hiking
Standard bike rental service with three locations.
Canoe adventure includes a guide and shore lunch.
From orchids to rare birds, a mixture of fascinating
and rare resources along the mile-long boardwalk.
Nice Ride Bike Rental
Mississippi River Trail
Nationally-designated 3,000 mile roadway
from the Headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico.
Movil Maze Single Track
Chippewa National Forest
Mountain bike varied terrain.
Lake Bemidji State Park
Lakeside trail connecting to the Paul Bunyan Trail.
Paved and mountain bike loops.
Paul Bunyan State Trail
100 mile trail that follows the east side of
Lake Bemidji connecting to downtown.
Boating
Bemidji State University
Canoe, kayak, sailboat, pontoon rentals
at BSU’s Outdoor Program Center.
Kohl’s Resort
Mississippi River Water Trail
Chippewa National Forest
Turtle River
Itasca State Park
Golfing
Lake Bemidji State Park
Overlooking Lake Bemidji and home to the annual Birchmont
Tournament.
Mississippi River Inlet/Outlet
Castle Highlands
Tourist Information Center
Routed through the scenic and remote terrain of the
Chippewa National Forest.
Bemidji Town & Country Club
Carved from an expansive natural setting featuring the
Turtle River.
Greenwood Golf Course
Challenging 18-hole executive course for all skill levels.
No tee times – come anytime.
Variety of boat rentals available.
twenty-five percent of
MN’s recreational waters
Big Bog State Rec Area
First 420 miles of the river begin in Itasca State Park.
Variety of wildlife. Map available online.
Kohl’s Resort &
Ruttger’s Birchmont
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Team building fun from guided fishing trips to a
character challenge course or downhill skiing!
For more team building ideas: VisitBemidji.com
160 miles of trails in the nation’s oldest forest.
49 miles of trails offers visitors 24 various hiking trails
of all levels, including self-guided and paved.
Over 11 miles of hiking trails plus a unique bog walk.
2 miles from downtown, a walk along Lake Bemidji.
Take a 15 minute stroll, or rollerblade along the southwest
shore of Lake Bemidji – crossing the Mississippi Bridge
– and connecting to the Paul Bunyan Trail.
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Group Tours
Visit
Bemidji
A few of our favorite itineraries are listed here.
Or choose from a variety of activities at VisitBemidji.com
and create a customized itinerary to meet your group’s
interests and time availability. From a covered wagon ride
to the “Top of the World” to a guided nature tour
at area parks, the possibilities are endless.
Skylines to Treelines
Travel along the Great River Road from Minneapolis to Bemidji.
Tour Charles Lindbergh’s childhood home, attend a live theater
performance on the banks of the Mississippi, explore the
Headwater’s Science Center and more. End your tour with a ride
aboard the “Chester Charles” for a narrated tour of Lake Itasca,
birthplace of the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
An Eclectic Minnesota Experience
Explore the Bemidji area with live theater productions, horsedrawn covered wagon rides, tour a winery, watch a native
American flute performance and much more.
Minnesota: East to West
An adventure that includes a visit to Itasca State Park, explores the Big
Bog Recreation Area, a rare resource with unique plants and bird life.
Tour a commercial fishery and woolen mill.
Once Upon a Byway
Plan a great summer or fall tour exploring historic landmarks. Your
agenda could also include an agricultural tour, visit to an art center or
take a naturalist or boat tour of Itasca State Park. Also consider adding
a trip to the Forest History Center, guided by lumberjack interpreters, or
follow the yellow brick road to the Judy Garland Museum.
Covered Wagon Rides
In the summer and fall months, take a “Top of the World” covered wagon
ride in an authentic horse-drawn covered wagon on the Continental
Divide. Begin the narrated tour at the Lumberjack Hall of Fame building
in the Buena Vista Village and follow the same route traveled by Native
Americans, early explorers and pioneers.
Downtown Bemidji
Promoting public art in Bemidji since 1999, Bemidji’s Sculpture Walk
displays work by area artists throughout downtown. Begin at the Tourist
Information Center with walking brochure and interactive online map
complete with voting, pricing and artist bios.
Studio Cruise
For three days on the third weekend in October, you are invited to
take a self-guided tour of area artists as they open their studios for
demonstrations of their crafts, offering work available for sale.
Forestedge Winery
Known for their award-winning rhubarb wine, Forestedge Winery and
Farm offers visitors elegant fruit wines, art gallery and more. Located on
the edge of the Paul Bunyan State Forest.
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
After a day on the ski slopes at Buena Vista, gather the group
for a horse drawn sleigh ride through the snowy countryside
around the historic village of Buena Vista and through scenic
forest trails.
Itasca State Park
Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota’s oldest
state park with more than 32,000 acres. Cross the
headwaters of the Mississippi or enjoy a historic boat
tour of Lake Itasca on the 141 passenger
Chester Charles. Visit the Pioneer Cemetery or
Wegmann’s Cabin, landmarks of centuries gone by.
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Visit
Bemidji
Lodging
Bemidji has more
than 660 rooms,
many within walking
distance of shops,
dining and the
Sanford Center.
For more on lodging
options or reservations,
VisitBemidji.com
Cityside
Lakeside
AmericInn Lodge & Suites
Country Inn & Suites
800-634-3444 . 218-751-3000
americinn.com
Suites with refrigerator and microwave. Pool, sauna, whirlpool
and exercise room. Continental breakfast. Perkin’s restaurant adjacent.
800-830-5222 . 218-441-4800
countryinns.com/bemidjimn
Overlooking Lake Bemidji, attached to The Sanford Center.
Pool, whirlpool, Cowboy Jack’s Restaurant. Continental breakfast.
Best Western Bemidji Inn
Double Tree Hotel by Hilton
877-857-8599 . 218-751-0390
bestwesternbemidji.com
60 units. Continental breakfast. 24-hour front desk.
Pool. Free hot breakfast. Restaurant adjacent.
Holiday Inn Express
800-222-TREE . 218-441-4400
bemidji.doubletree.com
Lakeside rooms and suites. Sandy beach, adjacent paved trails,
close to downtown and The Sanford Center. Green Mill Restaurant.
Hampton Inn & Suites
800-617-4379 . 218-751-2487
hiexpress.com/bemidjimn
70 rooms with whirlpool suites. Indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna.
Free deluxe breakfast bar. Near mall and restaurants. Conference facilities.
800-HAMPTON . 218-751-3600
hamptoninn3.hilton.com
100 rooms on the shore of Lake Bemidji. Space for conferences
and receptions. Sandy beach. Indoor pool. Close to downtown and
The Sanford Center. Green Mill Restaurant.
Quality Inn
Kohl’s Resort
800-228-5150 . 218-444-7700
qualityinn.com
61 rooms & suites. Microwave and refrigerator, some with whirlpools.
Indoor pool, whirlpool, game area. Continental breakfast. Airport shuttle.
Super 8 Motel
800-800-8000 . 218-751-8481
bemidjisuper8motel.com
100 units with luxury suites. Sauna and whirlpool.
Free continental breakfast. Restaurant with lounge on premises.
800-336-4384 . 218-243-2131
kohlsresort.com
A family resort with 19 cabins and two poolside suites on Big Turtle Lake.
Indoor pool, beach, boat rentals, and family activities.
Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge
888-788-8437 . 218-444-3463
ruttger.com
Indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna and fitness center. Cottages, villas, kitchenettes,
whirlpool rooms and suites on Lake Bemidji. Seasonal dining. Boat rentals.
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877-250-5959
Visit
Bemidji
Dining
Fine Dining
Bar & Grill
Cafe
Full service restaurant and lounge overlooking the north
shore of Lake Bemidji at the Bemidji Town & Country Club.
A small kitchen with a big attitude. Your place for food,
drinks and fun. Serving up a variety of appetizers and
creative burger choices, fish, chicken and steak.
Serving up a variety of fresh baked goods, fabulous
sandwiches, organic fair trade coffee, teas and much
more. Always fresh and made from scratch.
North Shore Grill
218-751-4535
Ruttger’s Garden Court Grill
218-444-3463
Come by boat, car or bike for an assortment
of grilled steaks, seafood and pasta. Featuring Friday
“all-you-can-eat walleye.”Deck seating overlooking
Lake Bemidji available. Open seasonally.
Sparkling Waters
218-444-3214
Dining between the lakes is a magical dining experience
in cuisine and atmosphere - whether for a business lunch,
birthday celebration or intimate dinner for two.
Over 100 different wines and great beer selection.
Indoor and outdoor dining options.
Tutto Bene
218-751-1100
Casually sophisticated atmosphere. Providing a‘from
scratch’approach in the kitchen by using Italian influenced
ingredients and heritage, while paying attention to the
seasons that embrace us. Summer outdoor courtyard
dining available.
Chinese
Bar 209
218-751-2442
Brigid’s Pub
218-444-0567
A traditional Irish pub serving Guinness on tap and a
full Irish menu. Special events and music performances.
Hot Toddy’s Pub & Grub
218-497-1100
Where old friends gather and new friends meet. Full
menu and bar service 7 days a week. Live music on
scheduled weekends.
Keg ‘N Cork
218-444-7600
The first Irish pub on the Mississippi. Specializing in
soups, salads and the famous Smart Burger. DJ & karaoke
Thursday – Saturday.
Slim’s Bar & Grill
218-444-7546
Outstanding made-to-order burgers, delicious chili and
frosty mugs of beer make for a great lunch or dinner in this
cozy northwoods setting.
Turtle River Chophouse
218-586-5827
New China
218-751-5340
Made from scratch restaurant offering hand cut steaks,
fresh sushi, and house made pasta. Upbeat happy hour.
Plentiful servings and family-owned.
Four Point Grille & Bar
218-444-4400
Super Buffet
218-333-0999
Authentic Chinese cuisine served buffet style
in a bright atmosphere
Mexican
Mi Rancho
218-755-5553
Authentic Mexican food and Texas margaritas.
A contemporary up-north bistro, pub and wine bar.
Green Mill
218-444-1875
A family friendly restaurant featuring a full food & drink
menu. Pizza delivery, dine-in or take-out.
A hometown favorite dinner spot for the entire family.
Dine in, take out or delivery available.
Big River Scoop
218-444-3898
DaRoo’s Pizza
218-444-3200
28 flavors of super-premium hard scoop ice cream! Waffle
cones made fresh daily. Serving large slices of delicious
homemade pizza. Also, new and used books with local
arts and crafts. Lakeview seating available and free Wi-Fi.
Keith’s Pizza . 218-751-7940
Two locations serving lunch and dinner with pizza,
pasta and more!
Specialty coffees, pastries and lunch.
Dine-in or drive-thru.
Caribou Coffee
218-751-9342
Get going with delicious one-of-a-kind
coffees and scones. Dine-in or drive-thru.
Dunn Bros. Coffee
218-444-5252
Daily roasted and brewed coffees, sandwiches
and bakery items. Dine-in or drive-thru.
Minnesota Nice Cafe
218-444-6656
Home cooked meals like Grandma used to make.
Fresh homemade pies and cinnamon rolls daily.
Known for their famous walleye sandwich.
Raphael’s Bakery Cafe
218-759-2015
Serving homemade soups, fresh baked breads and
pastries for breakfast and lunch.
TNT Tastery
218-444-8020
Mom and son team (Teresa ’n Tony) serve up
scratch made breads, pastries and sweet treats
to tickle your taste buds at this bakery bistro.
Wild Hare Bistro & Coffee
218-444-5282
Serves a light fare-- creatively cooked-- including soup &
salads, desserts, specialty coffees and espresso.
Bemidji Brewing Co.
218-444-7011
Pizza
Pizza, sandwiches, chili and more. Dine in,
take out or delivery available.
Cantabria Coffee Co.
218-444-4220
Specialty
Small craft brewery and taproom downtown with
a variety of ales – from rustic farmhouse, traditional
English, to adventurous American ales. Ask about renting
the taproom for a private occasion.
Dave’s Pizza
218-751-3225
Cabin Coffeehouse-Cafe
218-444-2899
Chocolates Plus
218-759-1175
Specializing for over 25 years in making incredible
hand-made chocolates, fudge,truffles and pretzels.
Gift baskets, an assortment of candy,
and whole bean coffees also available.
.com
877-250-5959
Bemidji Regional
Airport is serviced by
Delta Airlines/SkyWest
with daily round trip
flights to and from
Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport.
For tickets, visit
Delta Airline’s website.
If you need direct
service to another
airport, contact
Fargo
Bemidji Aviation
800-332-7133 for
more on charter flights.
71
2
Brainerd97
Duluth155
Fargo145
Fergus Falls
162
Grand Forks
113
Grand Rapids
70
Hibbing106
Itasca State Park
34
Little Falls
124
Minneapolis/St. Paul 226
Motley95
Rochester312
St. Cloud
156
Winnipeg232
Duluth
64
371
10
St. Cloud
94
15
94
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Bemidji
In Miles
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200
71
Minneapolis
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We know
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The staff at
Visit Bemidji are
a valuable resource
to making your
gathering successful.
From hotel
arrangements to area
guides, we can offer
recommendations
on suppliers and
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resources to provide
you an estimate and
itinerary – saving
you both time
and money.
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