Discover exciting things to do in Bemidji and the Northwoods region

Set in Minnesota’s beautiful Northwoods area, the Country Inn & Suites, Bemidji, MN provides easy access to outdoor recreation around Lake Bemidji, located just behind our hotel. Since we’re also adjacent to the Sanford Center, you can quickly change into your Beavers gear in your hotel room before cheering on the Bemidji State University men’s or women’s hockey team. The university itself is a short drive away, making us an ideal home base for BSU parents. If you’re visiting in the spring, pencil in time to attend the annual Spring PowWow to see dancers in full regalia. For more information about must-see things to do during your stay, check the Chamber of Commerce events calendar.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Food & Drinks
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Nightlife

Itasca State Park

23.65 mi / 38.06 km from the hotel
In Minnesota’s oldest state park, you can explore lakes, spot wildlife, and wander trails beneath old-growth pines. Now a National Natural Landmark, the park is famous for containing the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

Headwaters Science Center

1.44 mi / 2.32 km from the hotel
Spend time exploring more than 70 hands-on exhibits designed to teach scientific principles and concepts at this science center. You can make a harmonograph picture or, for a walk on the wild side, feed the snakes.

Lake Bemidji State Park

5.1 mi / 8.21 km from the hotel
Open year-round, this park on Lake Bemidji’s northern shore provides a scenic setting where you can hike, swim, or stroll the boardwalks set along a conifer bog. You might also glimpse rare plants like lady’s slippers, insect-eating sundews, and dragon’s mouth.

Beltrami County Historical Society

1.37 mi / 2.21 km from the hotel
Preserving the region’s proud heritage, this facility offers educational tours and interactive exhibits that detail the county’s first settlers, its history of music and entertainment, and its changing landscape.

Bemidji State University

1.61 mi / 2.59 km from the hotel
Located on the shores of Lake Bemidji, this public university is quickly making a name for itself through rigorous writing programs, which feature courses in Weblogs, wikis, and content writing. The BSU Beavers hockey teams are also well known.

Forestedge Winery

20.39 mi / 32.82 km from the hotel
This winery sits right on the edge of the Paul Bunyan State Forest. Sip rhubarb wine while you walk through the gardens or relax on the cobblestone patio.

Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues

1.28 mi / 2.05 km from the hotel
Celebrate Bemidji’s lumberjack history by taking a picture with this iconic statue of the hometown hero, Paul Bunyan, and his faithful companion, Babe.

Sanford Center

0.02 mi / 0.03 km from the hotel
Home to the Bemidji State Beavers hockey team, the Sanford Center is a multi-purpose arena and convention center that hosts concerts, graduations, banquets, trade shows, and other events throughout the year.

The Historic Chief Theater

1.37 mi / 2.2 km from the hotel
See professional summertime shows at the renowned Historic Chief Theater, known for its quality productions and for casting both local and national actors.

Hatchet House of Bemidji

1.21 mi / 1.95 km from the hotel
For a night of axe throwing and table games over pizza, beer, and wine, visit this bustling venue in downtown Bemidji. No axe throwing experience? No problem. Dedicated certified axe coaches are on site!

Boardwalk Mini Golf & Snack Shack

0.34 mi / 0.55 km from the hotel
Bring the whole family to enjoy views of Lake Bemidji while playing a rousing round of mini golf. Afterward, you can sit down on the patio and enjoy wood-fired pizza and ice cream on site. This venue is open seven days a week, weather permitting.

Watermark Art Center

1.4 mi / 2.25 km from the hotel
Browse rotating exhibits from both regional and national contemporary artists at this popular gallery in Bemidji. Itching to showcase your own creativity? Sign up for one of the museum’s regularly scheduled classes.