sure, we’ve got wi-fi.
(we bet you won’t care).
Days at Wambolts move slower—in the best way. When you’re ready to explore beyond the cabins, the Heartland Lakes area offers plenty to do—hike the headwaters at Itasca State Park, catch live music at the 2nd Street Stage in Park Rapids, run a local 5K, browse Main Street shops, enjoy great dining, or play a round of golf. Do everything, or absolutely nothing—this is what Up North is meant to feel like.
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We’ve got 60 acres for you to explore - whether you want to bird watch or trail run - you’ve got room to roam right on the property.
Nature/hiking
Running
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Besides the serene 60 acres on our property available for hiking, you can also check out these other great options:
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Tucked into the forest behind the cabins, our 17-hole disc golf course winds through tall pines, winding trails, and quiet pockets of woods. Each hole feels like its own little adventure—threading throws between trees, discovering hidden baskets, and wandering deeper into the forest as you go.
It’s not a manicured course—it’s a Northwoods one. Expect a little exploration, a few laughs, and maybe a rematch after dinner. Whether you're playing seriously or just tossing discs with the kids, it’s one of those Wambolts traditions that turns into an afternoon before you know it.
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Tucked into the trees, our nature-based playground is built for imagination and adventure. Kids can climb, balance, and explore on a rustic play structure surrounded by forest, turning sticks into swords, logs into pirate ships, and the woods into their own backyard wilderness.
It’s the kind of place where kids disappear into play while parents relax nearby—just the sounds of laughter, rustling leaves, and another Up North afternoon unfolding.
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Being at the cabin might mean eating lots of s’mores - but you should still savor distinct local flavors and down-home old fashioned comfort food in Park Rapids, Dorset, and Nevis.
Sample delectable locally sourced ingredients and take your taste buds on an epicurean adventure in the north woods.
Companeros & The Dorset House - These have a special place in our hearts as Anne had first first job at age 13 here and our kids all work in Dorset too. Perfect stop for lunch or dinner - right on the Heartland trail. Whether you want a burrito, pizza or a root beer float, they’ve got something for every taste. Family owned and run.
La Pasta - they are open for breakfast in the morning and have supplies too in the General Store. It’s a great Dorset staple.
The Iron Horse - Bar food and a great deck in Nevis. Perfect place to stop if you’re biking the Heartland Trail.
Good Life Cafe - Nestled in the heart of iconic downtown Park Rapids, the Good Life is handcrafting fresh food that makes people feel good. It. Is. So. Good.
Necce Italian Restaurante - Great Italian food in a bit more of an upscale dining experience.
The Royal Bar- Awesome dive bar on Main Street in Park Rapids. Notice the plane hanging from the ceiling - ask the bartender about it. I don’t know what it says that historically this is our kids’ favorite spot.
Revel Brewing - One of our new favorites. Great, small menu and fun locally brewed beers. It’s a new go-to place for us.
Zorbaz - Used to be the famed Chateau Paulette’s (we have stories). Now it’s a fun family spot with live music at night.
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From a high flying character challenge course to ATM trails and outdoor theater, the local community here rocks (and sings).
Character Challenge Course is a great spot to group to build trust and have a blast.
ATV Trails
Park Rapids Movie Theater - has two screens and great popcorn - you can park in the center of main street for shows.
Jaspers Theater - is a cozy log theater nestled in the pines. Classic Park Rapids experience. Easy access, drop off, handicap accessible
Long Lake Theater - Get to the theater early to enjoy a glass of wine, a cold beer, and some light appetizers in the screen porch pub.
Revel Brewing gives you a free beer for walking or running a 5k on Wednesday nights. It might be the greatest place ever. They also often have live music on the weekends.
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Headwaters Country Club - 18 holes over 6,506 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
Bears Den Golf Course - 9 holes over 3,300 yards with a par of 36 (Public)
Eagle View Golf Course - 18 holes over 3,617 yards with a par of 64 (Public)
Blueberry Pines Golf Club - 18 holes over 6,700 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
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“Up north” stores stock a wide inventory from sporting goods, clothing and souvenirs to furniture, antiques, and books.
Watch delectable fudge being made right before your eyes in Park Rapids! Make your own custom candles in Dorset! Find a treasure in one of our antique or thrift stores!
In Dorset there is great shopping and fun - in August the Taste of Dorset is an amazing must-attend event.
Main street in Park Rapids is like stepping back in time. Thursday nights in the summer there is live music and dancing in the streets.
In Nevis you can checkout Muskie Waters and The WolfWorks Art Gallery
Need a new beach read? Visit small book sellers Sister Wolf and Beagle Books in Park Rapids.
You absolutely should try specialty fudges at Aunt Belle’s and the out-of-this-world popcorn at Molly’s Poppins. Cuzzin’s Candy is a must-visit and another family owned business.
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Bringing a Boat? Let Us Know!
You must have your boat inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) before launching.
Free Decon Station:
812 Henrietta Ave S, Park Rapids, MN
Open daily 10 AM–6 PM | On-call: 218-616-1631
Proof of inspection (receipt) required.
Let us know in advance if you plan to bring a boat!No boat? No worries! We also have boats available to rent:
Fishing boats
Pontoon boats
Kayaks & canoes
Paddleboards
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Wambolt’s was famous for its sandy shores and we’re restoring the beach and created a new pollinator garden as a beautiful buffer zone (keeping the lake preserved is part of our mission).
Enjoy lounging in our beachside Adirondack chairs.
We don’t offer a lifeguard so swimming is at your own risk.
The swimming beach offers a very long shallow drop-off - great for kids.
PaddleNorth floating docks
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Upper Bottle Lake is home to Loons, Trumpeter Swans and great fishing. For you nerds, it has a surface area of 465 acres and a maximum depth of 55 feet. It is connected to Lower Bottle Lake and there are no barriers to fish or boat traffic. These lakes are really one body of water and share the same fish populations, but have been treated as separate lakes over the years.
This lake is known for having a very good walleye fishery with good numbers of fish and some quality fish available. Good numbers of northern pike are also available and there are some quality pike as well. Other fish include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch. If you want a fishing guide - we’ve got you covered!
Boat fishing
Shore/Dock fishing
Bait, tackle & gear available at check-in
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Upper Bottle Lake is part of the Mantrap chain of lakes. You’ll have easy access to Lower Bottle Lake. Lake Emma and Big Sand Lake are accessible by smaller boats. For the canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts you can canoe all the way to Lake Belle Taine (double check conditions with us - it’s an all day canoe - we can arrange to pick you up in Nevis).