Perfect Summer Lake Towns part 6

Bemidji, Minnesota, on Lake Bemidji

The Minnesota town of Bemidji best captures the Norman Rockwell glow of a summer lake town, with clean beaches, quirky annual traditions, and a packed social calendar.

Courtesy of Pete Markham/Flickr

 

Bemidji best captures the Norman Rockwell glow of a summer lake town, with clean beaches, quirky annual traditions, and a packed social calendar. Its Fourth of July and county fair are pure Americana, while the Dragon Boat Festival and its competitive racing crews channel a Minnesota-style Mardi Gras from August 1 to 6. Book an afternoon with one of the guides at Tomahawk Lodges to fish for walleye, a flaky white fish that does nicely on the grill (800/452-8023, call for price estimates).

Where to Refuel: Minnesota Nice Café is a sure bet for Midwestern favorites like potato pancakes with applesauce. Don't miss the freshly baked apple pies—they taste like they come straight from a county fair. 414 Beltrami Ave. NW, 218/444-6656.

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