Parks & Recreation Department

Tourist Information Center - Paul Bunyan Park
The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department can be found at the  Tourist Information Center - if you looking to pick up a recreation pack, register for a program or rent a facility (or if you  did all that on-line) and need the key - stop at the  TIC between and  talk with our friendly recreation staff. While Parks and Recreation and Visit Bemidji are still busy helping the many tourists that stop in our community, we are also easy to find for the  Bemidji Community!  Have a question? Call 218-333-1859 or email us at parks.recreation@ci.bemidji.mn.us.  Visit Bemidji does office at the Tourist Information Center - their entrance is on the west side of the building and continue to promote Bemidji and assist in greeting Tourists!

Bike Rentals, Kayaks, Paddleboards, Ice Skates and Snowshoes are available seasonally at the Tourist Information Center.
 
Winter Rentals
As soon as there is a good layer (4-6 inches) of snow on the ground snowshoes will be available for rent.
Rental Costs:
  • Snowshoes: $10.00/per day

Historic Carnegie Library - Library Park - 426 Bemidji Ave N.
The Administrative office for the Parks and Recreation Department are now located in the  Historic Carnegie Library - Lower Level Suite 1!  What does that mean?  That is where you will find Marcia Larson, Parks and Recreation Director and Jamie Anderson, Recreation Supervisor and recreation staff.  We do give tours - it's part of having an office in a truly beautiful and historic building.  The upstairs- Lakeview Room is available for rent.  Click the link below for more information. 
 

Park Facility and Reservations -
Reservations for park facilities for the summer of 2024 will open on January 3rd on-line and in person at the Tourist Information Center! Click here to reserve a building or shelter family, group or social gathering. If you are looking for an indoor space in the Parks - there are four park buildings available Diamond Building in Diamond Point Park, Old Mill Building in South Shore Park, City Park Building and the new building formally known as the Outdoor Program Center within Diamond Point Park.  Each has a unique atmosphere and amenities. Photos are available under each facility link.  Old Mill and Diamond provide a view of Lake Bemidji, while City Park is spacious with three rolling doors and close parking.  The Sapphire Pavilion in Diamond Point is a large open air pavilion located on the point.  Park Facilities are available for rent/reservation from May 19th through September 30th!

 

Park Permits and  Special Event Permits

The Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is happy to facilitate your special event in the parks!    Special Event/Park Event Application Form will help us get all the  information to reserve the park space.  Please fill out the Special Event Application with all attachments (site or route plan) and send them to us at parks.recreation@ci.bemidji.mn.us or give us a call at 218.333.1859. We are  happy to assist you in making your event a success!

 

Please contact us with any questions!
Marcia Larson, Parks and Recreation Director – marcia.larson@ci.bemidji.mn.us
Jamie Anderson, Recreation Supervisor- Jamie.anderson@ci.bemidji.mn.us 
Scott Schroeder, Parks Superintendent - scott.schroeder@ci.bemidji.mn.us