Spring and Summer

Fun on the water, trails, and more in Spring and Summer!

As spring blossoms in Pine River, the town comes back to life with blooming trees, flowing water, and a renewed sense of adventure and recreation. The snow melts away to reveal trails, lakes, and the Pine River ready for exploration, while warmer days invite locals and visitors to get outside and soak up the sunshine. The activities are endless—fishing, hunting, four-wheeling, kayaking, canoeing, boating, swimming, golfing, hiking, and biking. Are shopping and delicious treats more intriguing? Downtown Pine River and the surrounding city blocks are filled with boutiques, a coffee shop, an award-winning bakery, thrift stores, restaurants, and more. Check out our business directory to see all that we have to offer!

View 2026 Visitor's Guide

Paul Bunyan State Trail

Drawing bike enthusiasts from all over the country, the Paul Bunyan State Trail is the longest continuously paved trail in the country at 115 miles long. It stretches from Brainerd to Bemidji, traveling right by the Chamber Building and Information Center where visitor’s can park, fill water bottles, use the bathrooms, and begin their journey. The trail is also popular for running and walking with many scenic views along the way.

Rock Riffle Dam & City Parks

The beautiful Rock Riffle Dam is the perfect place for a family picnic or a dip in the Pine River. The scenic dam was completed in 2022 and features an upgraded city park, an expanded beach, a floating dock and diving raft, fishing docks, and launching spots for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. Recent improvements include a new pavilion, additional park space, benches, and bathrooms.

Canoeing, Paddleboarding, & Kayaking

The Pine River is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources designated canoe route, with nearly 60 miles marked as a water trail for travel. Free maps of the Pine River trail system are available at the Information Center. Originating north of Backus, the Pine River flows through the city of Pine River, the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, and the city of Crosslake enroute to the Mississippi River. The Pine River has only Class I and II rapids, which are perfect for both beginning and experienced kayakers and canoeists. Start planning your Pine River water adventure today!

Community Events

Starting in the spring, you'll begin to see a wide array of community events hit the calendar. From Soup Wars in March, Miss Pine River in April, MN High School Rodeo in May, Summerfest and the Cass County Fair in June, Picklefest and the Bluegrass Festival in August, farmers markets, citywide garage sales, weekly Duck Drop Bingo, Heritage Days and Arts off 84 in September, and so much more, there's always something to do in Pine River! Check out the 2026 calendar of events in our Visitor's Guide or try out our Community Calendar.

Historic Depot Tours

Pine River area history has been preserved with the historic Pine River Railway Depot located near the Information Center along the Paul Bunyan State Trail. The depot is open on Friday afternoons from May-September (or by appointment) where you can see displays, photos, and local history.

Fishing & Hunting

The Pine River area is home to more than 430 lakes of all sizes for fishing fanatics and thousands of acres of public land just made for hunters. Anglers will find walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish, all abundant and ready to take your bait. Hunters can expect large and small game including whitetailed deer, bear, ruffed grouse, geese, and ducks. Visit the Information Center for all area public access maps and hunting license information.

We’re here to help!

We’re here to help you make the most of your time in Pine River. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a simple day trip, the Pine River Chamber of Commerce is your go-to resource for local insight and lodging recommendations. From attractions and outdoor activities to shopping, dining, and seasonal events, our team is happy to point you in the right direction. Stop in at the Information Center or call us at 218-587-4000 and let us help you plan a visit that fits your interests and makes your time in Pine River memorable.