Bemidji, the First City on the Mississippi, is a historically charming, progressive and beautiful city. The Bemidji Area offers the finest in shopping, education, medical care, technology, lodging, and government services. With over 400 lakes in a 25 mile radius, the Bemidji Area also has some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

The Bemidji Area is a beautiful place to visit and a wonderful place to live.

Bemidji is taken from the Ojibwe name Bay-may-ji-ga-maug, means "a lake with crossing waters." Settled in the late 1800's, Bemidji became an important commercial center by the turn of the century. The judicial seat of Beltrami County, Bemidji is also home to State & Federal area offices.

From state parks to sporting events, find the activity that meets your needs, inside or outside try one of our many trails to hike, bike, snowmobile or ski, rent a canoe, golf, bowl, fish or just sail away on beautiful Lake Bemidji.

For more information about Bemidji, please check out these websites:

• Visit Bemidji
• City of Bemidji
• Bemidji Chamber of Commerce

For more information about Big Turtle Lake, check out the MN DNR website.

Photo and text above courtesy of Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce.