While many guests choose Little Norway Resort for our quiet cabins on Little Mantrap Lake, our location puts you in the perfect "sweet spot" between the pristine wilderness of Itasca and the vibrant local culture of Park Rapids.
We are located exactly 2.5 miles from the South Entrance of Itasca State Park. From our driveway, it’s a quick, scenic skip north on Highway 71.
Insider Tip: If you’re heading to the Headwaters for a morning walk (or any number of events), use the South Entrance to bypass the heavy traffic often found at the North Entrance. You’ll hit the Mary Gibbs Center in minutes, leaving more time to wade across the Mississippi before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Don't just visit; live like a local. Here is our hand-picked calendar of can't-miss summer events for the 2026 season:
Park Rapids’ signature summer concert series returns to Downtown. Every Thursday evening, grab a lawn chair and head to the beer garden on 2nd Street.
Park Rapids does Independence Day right. Start your morning with the Firecracker 5K downtown, followed by the main parade at 11:00 AM. Cap off the night with the Rotary Club’s spectacular fireworks show over Heartland Park at dusk.
Just a short drive over to Nevis, MN, this is one of the oldest festivals in the Heartland Lakes. Don’t miss the Muskie Days Parade—a true northern Minnesota tradition.
Celebrate our region's heritage with professional lumberjack competitions, chainsaw carving, and the local-favorite "Water Boiling Contest."
For the best deals of the year, head downtown for sidewalk sales, food vendors, and a true small-town festival atmosphere.
Biking the Heartland Trail:
This 49-mile paved trail starts in Park Rapids. We recommend the stretch from Park Rapids to Dorset (the "Restaurant Capital of the World") for a scenic afternoon ride followed by a world-class meal.
Culture at Nemeth Art Center:
Housed in the historic courthouse, this is a hidden gem featuring contemporary exhibits and a rare collection of 16th-century European paintings.
Northern Minnesota trips come in all shapes and sizes. Little Norway Resort has a fleet of lakeside cabins named after various fish and woodland critters, such as Walleye, Moose, and Mallard. Some of the best fishing in Minnesota is only a stone’s throw away from these cozy, fully-furnished cottages. Each unit is equipped with a campfire ring, private deck, charcoal grill, and knotty pine interior. We wouldn’t be one of the most alluring Northern Minnesota fishing resorts without these charming accommodations. Please give us a call today at 218-732-5480 to book a well-deserved escape to Park Rapids’ backcountry (or check availability online).
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